Public sector sees energy and water as low priority for efficiency

A survey has shown that public sector employers are failing to focus on their energy and water usage as key efficiency goals.

The poll, conducted for business water retailer, Water Plus, highlights that in England only 26 per cent of public sector organisations see energy use as an efficiency priority, with 28 per cent citing water. This compares to 78 per cent and 72 per cent for paper and plastic recycling respectively. In Scotland, energy use is a priority for 36 per cent but water just 21 per cent.

The survey also points to the attitudes of employers not chiming with their more enlightened workers. Almost two thirds (62 per cent) of people working in the public sector have cut their domestic water use in the last year, but less than half (45 per cent) say they have done so at work.

Just one in four of those surveyed say their employer encourages them to reduce their water use at work, compared to paper (83 per cent) and plastic (74 per cent). Meanwhile, 67 per cent believe their employer could do more to encourage them to cut their water consumption.

The research, based on surveys of 500 people working across the public sector, finds only 24 per cent are aware of water reduction targets at their workplace.

Andy Hughes, chief executive of Water Plus, said: “The findings paint a picture of a public sector workforce becoming increasingly in tune with its environmental responsibilities, but not acting with the same sustainable vigour as at home.

“While we’re seeing a clear trend in people becoming more conscious about how much water they use, the research highlights the significant potential for employers to introduce new initiatives to cut consumption at work that could not only reduce bills but also enable them to become more environmentally sustainable This is not about suggesting workers are wasteful in their water use at work but increasing awareness and  encouraging them to take a responsible approach wherever they are.”

He added: “It’s evident when looking at issues such as plastic and paper use that there is a direct correlation between those who are encouraged to reduce their environmental impact and those who act – and this can be applied across the board, including for water. We’ve seen how water efficiency can make a real difference to operating costs for public sector organisations, helping one 250+-site customer identify water savings of half a million pounds in the last year.”

As part of our Election 2019 Manifesto, Utility Week is calling for a national campaign on water efficiency.