Water consumption is something that, I think it is safe to say, the majority of people in the UK do not worry about. We take for granted that we have constant access to a fresh and safe supply. The world’s land-to-water ratio falls heavily on the side of water, therefore we may be forgiven for thinking that there is an endless supply. However, the supply of fresh, safe drinking water is quite different to the supply of water.

The map [3] below depicts the extent of possible water shortages.

The link between water usage and carbon emissions is also often overlooked when it comes to cutting our energy consumption. For example, the Energy Saving Trust explains that water usage contributes to over a fifth of household carbon dioxide emissions and to an average of 25% of a household’s heating bill [1]. It is also argued that 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions could be saved if everyone in the UK reduced their shower time by a minute and overall in the UK the energy needed to heat and treat our water supplies amounts to 1% of our greenhouse gas emissions [1]. Therefore, given the extent to which water usage is taken for granted, it clearly needs to occupy a central position in our global efforts to reduce our energy bills and our impact on the environment. This is something that affects everyone, both households and businesses. The charity Waterwise, which works to decrease water consumption, states that the southeast of England actually has less water available per person than either Sudan or Syria [2].

Whilst there may appear to be an abundance of water on the planet, this is not necessarily the case and it is something that businesses are turning their attention to more and more. A recent global business survey states that over half of the businesses which took part are concerned about their future supply of water [4]. It is clear that water security is something that is becoming an important factor on the agendas of many businesses but they are also realising the necessity to save and reduce their impact on water consumption, like that of carbon emissions. Water consumption is becoming another important indicator of a company’s environmental performance and one that they can be judged on [4]. Companies are realising that stakeholders will demand greater thought over water usage and greater awareness of the environmental impacts [4]. The report also stresses a fundamental difference between water and carbon emissions, which may be why businesses are showing an increasing concern over their water supplies. There are alternative technologies and fuels to replace carbon but for water there is no alternative [4]. We need it no matter what, and maybe this realisation is causing businesses to take a much closer look at their water consumption.

An example of a company which has done just this is the Australian property company, Lend Lease. Lend Lease’s overall aim, as stated in their 2008 Sustainability Update is to reduce their water footprint by achieving zero net water usage on their leased tenancies, assets under management and developments by 2016 [5]. This is a very ambitious target, but Lend Lease have put in place a stringent method for measuring and monitoring their water usage which will help them to achieve this target. Other companies need to follow in a similar way if they are to reduce the impact that their water usage has on the environment and the issue of water security.

Reducing your water consumption is easily done with a water saving shower head or even a shower timer to keep check of how long you are in the shower for.

References

[1] Energy Saving Trust (201) [Online}. Available from: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Water/Water-and-energy. Accessed 15th November 2010.

[2] Waterwise (2010) [Online]. Available from: http://www.waterwise.org.uk/reducing_water_wastage_in_the_uk/about_us/about_waterwise.html. Accessed 15th November 2010.

[3] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11435522

[4] BBC News (201) [Online}. Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11744918

[5] Lend Lease: From Aspirations to Action; Sustainability Update 2008. Lend Lease retail & communities UK.