2.7 Individual actions: water

Water companies use large amounts of energy to supply high-quality mains water to our homes. We then use more energy heating it for baths, showers and washing up. On average, a person in the UK uses about 150 litres of water every day, and much of this is wasted in brushing our teeth or flushing the toilet. For example, a dripping tap can waste as much as 5,500 litres of water a year, which is enough to fill a paddling pool every week for the whole summer.

However, some quick and easy changes at home can save large amounts of water, both indoors and outdoors: for example, attaching a water butt to your guttering to use the collected rainwater for watering the garden, and taking a shower instead of a bath (an ordinary shower uses only 40% of the water needed for a bath).

You can visit the following websites for advice:

  • harvesting rainwater

  • re-using grey water (waste water from domestic activities like washing up

  • saving water indoors

  • saving water outdoors

Similar approaches can be applied to water use in the workplace. Every business has different water needs, from a small office to a large manufacturing plant. The following are some general water-saving tips that businesses can adapt to their own needs.

  • Raise awareness of water efficiency issues.

  • Know where supply pipes run and where the shut-off valves are.

  • Check meters at night or when no water is being used to monitor leakage.

  • Protect pipes against cold weather as leakage can increase after a burst caused by frost.

  • Use water-efficient appliances and devices in bathrooms, canteens and kitchens.

  • Determine where wasted water is going and how you could recycle it in other areas of your business.

  • Where possible, use a water butt to harvest rainwater for use in your business.

  • Assess water-using equipment to make sure there is no overfilling.

  • Set water usage targets.

  • If your water supplier offers water audits and/or a personalised water-management package to improve water efficiency for your business, consider using this service.

2.6 Individual actions: energy generation

3 Individual actions: transport