{"id":6127,"date":"2021-09-21T20:45:17","date_gmt":"2021-09-21T19:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=6127"},"modified":"2021-09-22T17:12:51","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T16:12:51","slug":"key-ways-to-gain-a-budget-boost-and-lower-impacts-on-the-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gpsj.co.uk\/?p=6127","title":{"rendered":"Key ways to gain a budget boost and lower impacts on the environment"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Scott MacIndeor, water and sustainability lead and Head of Advanced Services, Water Plus<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Public Sector organisations have a great opportunity currently to give a boost to budgeting, lower impacts on the environment – and get ahead of the curve for future legislation.<\/strong> It\u2019s down to the water that\u2019s flowing through the taps, showers and toilets on-site and harnessing people power to cut water waste, and – ultimately \u2013 lower the utility costs, including energy.<\/p>\n

September onwards is an important time for many in the public sector with budget setting meetings in councils and new financial years getting underway for others, like schools and universities.<\/p>\n

Looking closer at water \u2013 and how it\u2019s used \u2013 can pay back organisations quickly, reduce risks to keep doors open and facilities functioning and cut the amount of carbon being created<\/strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>And your staff want to help you with this. <\/strong><\/p>\n

How people power and data in the public sector can help<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Research shows <\/strong>over half of public sector employees cut their water use at home <\/strong>because they are concerned about their impact on the environment and believe their employers could do more to encourage a reduction in water use at work<\/strong>*. The insight in the survey, published here<\/a>, provides a window into the views of staff to help those managing facilities.<\/p>\n

And an Acute Hospital in England that had data loggers installed this year on water meters, found the extra, daily information on water use through an online smart portal is helping with their financial planning including budgeting and forecasting, as well as identifying opportunities for water efficiency steps.<\/p>\n

\"\"Scott MacIndeor, Head of Advanced Services at Water Plus<\/a>, said:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cMany sites in the UK public sector and other industries will have seen changes in the amount of water they\u2019re using since March 2020 – and this could still vary considerably in the months and year ahead with current working patterns and the numbers of those using facilities. Although water can be an afterthought for many organisations, it can be an untapped source for saving and has the power to deliver wider benefits where it\u2019s used more effectively<\/strong> \u2013 including lower energy costs as hot water use decreases.<\/p>\n

\u201cSites with just one, or a few water meters can also benefit from noting meter readings each month, if the meter is safe to access. Knowing what you\u2019re using, where – and when – helps you spot any issues early <\/strong>that may cause disruption. Plus, where less water is used and where water waste reduces, it means less carbon created<\/strong><\/a>, so less Scope 3 emissions, helping towards environmental climate targets and Net Zero.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

September 2021 also saw the latest water factsheet briefing note for the Environment Bill**, which included information around building standards and local authorities being encouraged to introduce minimum standards on how much water each person uses each day at sites.<\/p>\n

The sense in site checks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Regular servicing and maintenance of taps, toilets and urinals \u2013 as well as any water efficiency devices in buildings \u2013 is important<\/strong>\u00a0– so you know they\u2019re working properly and no water\u2019s being wasted.<\/p>\n