6 easy eco and water saving tips for your business
Politics may have been the big talking point over the past couple of years, yet one subject that rarely leaves the news these days is climate change.
With Sir David Attenborough addressing a crowd of over 50,000 people in star-like fashion at Glastonbury, saving the planet really is the new rock and roll. In recent interviews, Sir David has used such alarming terms as “our greatest threat” and “the collapse of civilisation”, to describe climate change. With such strong words must come strong actions and we are now beginning to see a genuine change in peoples’ attitudes to the environment. One way to protect the environment is to implement water saving efforts in your business.
For businesses, recycling and protecting the environment don’t always come top of the list, especially in today’s tough economic climate. However, you can demonstrate that you run a caring, sharing and thoughtful organisation by saving water and looking out for the environment. Check out these 6 clever eco and water saving tips for your business.
1. Install modern dual-flush toilets
If your business is based in an older building, chances are your toilets may be relatively ancient too. Bathroom technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, meaning most come with a dual flush mechanism, which can help limit the water you use.
2. Fit non-concussive or sensor taps
A common issue in commercial bathrooms is the amount of water that is wasted when taps are left running. If you’ve never come across the term before, a “non-concussive” tap is one which remains on once pressed for a set period of time, before automatically returning to a closed state. Better still, sensor taps only remain on when hands are placed beneath them. If you are still using turn-able taps, maybe it’s time you switched?
3. Encourage the use of reusable containers
As we all know, plastic waste is a subject that is now being taken very seriously indeed. One way you can help is to encourage your employees to use reusable containers for water, rather than purchasing plastic bottles from shops or vending machines.
A plastic-free Glastonbury, was a good example of how many are changing their attitudes towards waste. However, the mountains of discarded rubbish, still show that much needs to be done.
A good way to improve the uptake is to fit a chilled water tap with filter. This will not only improve the taste but will provide your employees with a place to catch up on the latest gossip.
4. Address drips and leaks immediately
Much like with tip number 3, this one requires a bit of communication. Encourage employees to report any drips or leaks as soon as they spot them. A dripping tap can waste as much as 90 litres per week, so by fixing or replacing taps or plumbing parts, you’ll certainly be doing your bit. To reduce the risk of drips and leaks, make sure you purchase good quality taps which come with WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval.
5. Fit motion-detector lighting with timers
With this tip, you can actually kill two birds with one stone. Not only will you reduce the amount of energy you use, it also has the added bonus of discouraging employees who hide away in the loos for excessive amounts of time. That’s why many businesses employ this technology.
6. Reduce the pressure
Whilst a good water pressure is crucial at home, in the workplace it shouldn’t be such a big issue.
Any flow above 15 litres per minute is considered good water pressure and anything above 10 litres per minute is acceptable. If your taps are delivering an unnecessary torrent, it may be worth turning the pressure down or using flow restricting taps.
To measure your flow rate, simply hold a measuring jug under a tap, turn on fully and set a stopwatch running. Turn off after 6 seconds and measure.
When profit is often the first thing on your mind, it’s all-too easy to forget some of the basic ideals we all believe in. By following this simple advice, you can quickly and easily do your bit for the environment whilst continuing to run a successful business.
