Awards seek waterwise schemes

Waterwise and innovative companies are being called on to demonstrate their contributions to water conservation by entering a prestigious awards scheme.


The Water Efficiency Awards 2009, launched at the Think 08 Sustainability for the Built Environment Conference in London, has been recognising water-saving businesses and organisations for more than a decade.

This time round, the awards, which are run by the Environment Agency, will have three new-look categories open to all businesses and organisations, including those in the leisure and tourism and retail sectors.

These are the Water Shout Award, the Water Save Award and the Water Solve Award, which will judge projects operational between April 2006 and May 2008.

“Water is one of our most valuable yet vulnerable resources, and being waterwise is essential for the environment,” said David King, the Environment Agency’s director of water management.

“But it also makes good business sense. Watching a dripping tap is like watching money slip through your fingers.

He added: “Our water resources are already under pressure from increasing demand, an expanding population and housing growth.

“Unavoidable impacts of climate change – such as more frequent drought and floods – also pose a threat to our supplies in the future.

“There’s never been a more appropriate time for organisations to showcase the excellent work they are doing to save water.”

The overall winner of the 2007 awards was the family-run business The Malvern Hotel and The Blues Grill, in Kent, which reduced water use by 46% – saving £840 a year.

The closing date for entries is October 31 2008 and the winners will be announced at Think 09, in London, in May 2009.

For more information about the awards and to register your interest in entering, click here.

Kate Martin

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