If you are like most business owners, you may already be aware of how the environment might be affected by your commercial practices, and water – that most valuable of resources – is something many of us take for granted. In fact, with some careful water management strategies in place, it is possible to save money and help the environment at the same time. If you think that perhaps your company uses excessive amounts of water, here are some useful tips on how to make a reduction in your water use.
- Accurate Metering – Before you can look at ways to reduce your commercial water volume, you first need to know exactly how much you are using, and with accurate metering, you can get an accurate measurement from which to work. If, for example, you sought the help of professional water management services, then you would likely be surprised at just how much water you can save. By looking at the total volume of water your business has used in a single month and dividing that by the total number of employees, you will have a “per person” figure, which can be your benchmark. Reducing this figure will be your main objective, and by using various strategies, your goals will be achieved.
- Address Maintenance – Typically, most companies would have a building maintenance department, who are responsible for general upkeep, climate control system servicing, waste removal and, of course, any building repairs. Ask them to check all water access points, looking for leaking faucets or worn pipes, and you might find that that alone is responsible for a reduction in water usage. Anything connected to the water supply should be thoroughly examined and any repairs promptly carried out. If you would like some further reading on the importance of building maintenance, there are some excellent blogs that highlight the potential issues that arise from lack of building maintenance.
- Rainwater Harvesting – This is one way of reducing the amount of water you consume, and depending on the size of your operation, you can really make a difference by storing rainwater, which is then treated. More and more eco-friendly companies are now taking advantage of the latest technology in rainwater collection and storage, with water tanks that keep the water clean and free from contaminants.
- Signage – If you put a sign asking for people to use water sparingly, this will be a constant reminder to everyone that water is a precious commodity, and of course, there would be a general meeting during which you outlined your plans on efficient water management, and by inviting ideas, your staff will have an increased feeling of ownership, which is great for team morale.
- Operations Analysis – By thoroughly breaking down your commercial water use, it is possible to identify areas where less water can be used, and as every little helps, the overall picture will be positive. If you wanted to kill two birds with one stone, use the opportunity to examine every aspect of your company’s operation, not just water, and this usually reveals a weakness or lack of something, which can then be remedied.
There are specialist companies that will come into your business environment, looking specifically for ways to save water, and with their expertise, it will turn out to be a wise long term investment.