Time running out to apply for business water-saving scheme

3 September 2008

Small firms have been reminded that they only have a limited amount of time left in which to make use of a free scheme that could help them cut their water bills.

The scheme is called Rippleffect and is run by government-sponsored Envirowise.

Its aim is to provide firms with independent and practical advice on how to reduce the amount of water they waste and, with it, their water bills.

Envirowise estimates that firms can make savings of up to 30 per cent using the scheme if they have not already implemented a water management policy.

However, businesses need to register for the scheme by 10 September.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is urging firms to sign up for an initiative that provides a structured and straightforward approach to saving on water costs.

Rippleffect offers guidance on how best to collect data, develop a waste water action plan and then implement it.

Miranda Allan, the FPB’s environmental adviser, said: “Envirowise is unusual for government-backed environmental assistance programmes, in that it is long-lived, universally accessible and it actually works.

“It’s rare to find an initiative that provides such useful information both on paper and in person, with specific and detailed support available to many industry sectors.”

Ms Allan added: “I would urge any business to join a scheme which is free and saves them money.”

More information on Rippleffect, which is open to businesses of any size, is available by contacting Envirowise on 0800 585 794 or by visiting its website at www.envirowise.gov.uk/rippleffect