7 Ways Businesses Can Save Water At The Office
There are many ways that you can save water around your business premises. Your business’ water usage will depend on the nature and size of your business, but we’ve put together some universal checks and changes you can make to lower your consumption and reduce your business water rates.
The benefits of saving water at your business
- Less water consumed = a lower water bill AND a lower energy bill.
- Fresh water is a precious resource, so using less water is better for the environment.
- Using less water helps reduce the greenhouse gases released from collecting, treating and supplying clean water.
Here are 7 ways you can save on business water rates
In most micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, water usage patterns are similar to those of domestic environments, with the bulk of regular water usage going towards toilet flushing, hand washing and cleaning.
Making changes to infrastructure, incorporating water-saving devices, and adjusting behaviour around water consumption, the following are certain business-based ways to conserve water:
#1 Monitor your water consumption
Monitoring your water usage is the first step to savings. Using a smart meter is the best way to go about this. Knowing how much you use and where can help you to identify areas of potential savings, quickly address leaks, and save this precious resource. Monitor your bills closely on an ongoing basis to identify changes to patterns of water consumption.
#2 Do a water maintenance check
As is the case with energy efficiency, old or unmaintained equipment can mean increased water usage. Work with facilities maintenance specialists to determine a reasonable preventative maintenance schedule – and get advice on water-saving equipment available on the market. This could also include effective insulation.
#3 Don’t run appliances on half loads
Wait until the dishwasher is full before starting the cycle. you have a full load before using your dishwasher.
#4 Rethink your landscaping
In the name of aesthetics, some businesses invest in water-intensive landscaping. If your gardens are using a lot of water, look into how you can change your premises’ green spaces to achieve your green ambitions.
#5 Install water-saving measures
Effective water conservation means taking a hard line on waste. Integrate new technologies in bathrooms and water-intensive areas within your business premises. Prevent unnecessary usage and look into greywater harvesting and other green water solutions to utilise rainwater and recycle wastewater wherever possible. Some ideas include:
- Use a water-saving device in your toilet cistern. Depending on the size of your cistern, you could save between one and three litres each time you flush the toilet.
- Think about fitting a water butt to collect rainwater off your roof. Water butts usually store about 200 litres of water. As well as being better for watering your plants, using rainwater in the garden reduces the amount of treated water you use.
- Check your property regularly for leaks on your internal plumbing.
- Install motion sensors on sink taps.
#6 Engage and inform employees
Every member of your team needs to operate with water conscientiousness. Offer training, guides, and guidance on what needs to happen water-wise within the business to meet your water-saving goals and explain why.
#7 Switch water suppliers for new business water rates
What would your business do with an improved bottom line? Interrogating your business water contract can mean notable savings. UK business water was deregulated in 2017 and, since then, businesses have enjoyed enhanced competitiveness around water.
The benefits of changing water supplier
If you haven’t shopped the market for the best water rates, you could be missing out on certain benefits.
- Cost: The open water market means potential for your business to negotiate the best rate for your specific usage and needs.
- Customer service: Enhanced customer service means a better overall customer experience and increased value from this business service.
- Consolidated approach: Streamline billing and administration by consolidating multi-site operations under one supplier.
Smarter Business has partnered with large corporates and SMEs alike to streamline their water contracts for the best value since deregulation in 2017. With an estimated 20% saving achieved through switching water supplier or renegotiating existing contracts, contact Smarter Business today for comprehensive water solutions from a team of specialists.