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" Consumption at our operation on Ferndown Industrial Estate averages 15 cubic metres per month at a cost of circa £720 p.a. As this comprises offices and warehousing with no manufacture our water usage is limited to drinking, cleaning and toilets (2 of which are urinals). I therefore expected to show significant savings if the Ecocube proved successful as urinal flushing is notoriously heavy on water. This solution appealed as unlike others I have seen it is very simple to implement - you just switch off the water supply and place the cubes in your urinals. If it does not work you simply switch the water again. It also is a biological and non hazardous application.Ian kindly provided some cubes and special cleaning solution and the trial started on 19th September".
Results
For the period 19th September to date our water consumption has reduced from 15 cubic metres per month to 12 cubic metres per month, a 20% reduction. This should equate to a £144 per annum saving on our water bills.
The solution has proved practical to implement and there have been no adverse effects (such as smell).
Each cube lasts 3 to 4 weeks so I estimate annual costs to be £60 to £80 on cubes and £40 on cleaning solution.
Whilst the net saving is small there is a saving. Our water usage is reduced, an improvement consistent with our objective of retaining our accreditation to ISO14001.
For bigger installations the savings could obviously be far more significant.
From January 2007 you will have new regulations to tackle the growing amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). These WEEE Regulations will apply to all companies who import,manufacture or re-brand electrical equipment in the UK. You will have to finance the treatment, recovery and disposal of WEEE. These regulations also affect everyone who uses, sells, treats or disposes of WEEE. We recommend you read the guidance available from the Department of Trade and Industry (www.dti.gov.uk/innovation/sustainability/weee/page30269.html) so you become familiar with the regulations and your obligations.
Every year the UK throws away around 2 million tonnes of WEEE. It is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the UK and the EU. In 2003, the EU adopted the WEEE Directive to deal with this waste. More waste will be collected for treatment and recovery and less will go to landfill.
SWMPs are an important tool for construction companies, of all sizes, and their clients to improve environmental performance, meet regulatory controls and reduce the rising costs for disposing of waste. They will be a legal requirement soon. For further details look on the Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).
The practice of using resources efficiently has always been fundamental in maintaining business competitiveness in a dynamic market place, by driving down costs throughout the supply chain.
Experience has shown that businesses can, through better use of resources, save at last 3% of their turnover. Through better design, improved processes and more effective use of their supply chain, companies can become more competitive and sustainable. Dorset Business in conjunction with South Wessex Waste Minimisation Group and funding from Envirowise have set up a Resource Efficiency Club in the Dorset area to help businesses by providing members with, mentors and specialist help to develop commercial solutions for energy conservation, improved procurement and process efficiency.
There is no subscription fee to join the Club in return, all we require is internal managerial and functional support and, most importantly, accurate returns on the efficiencies members are achieving.
For more information contact Lorraine Hubbard on 01202 714810 or email lorraine.hubbard@dorsetbusiness.net
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), is the professional body which represents over 6,000 waste management professionals - predominantly in the UK but also overseas. The CIWM sets the professional standards for individuals working in the waste management industry and has various grades of membership determined by education, qualification and experience.
Its Objectives are:
For full details on the CIWM visit their website at www.ciwm.co.uk
HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK
Under the Health & Safety Act 1974 employers have legal obligations to their employees to have in place policies, procedures and trained personnel.
IOSH WORKING SAFELY COURSE is a one day certificated course for employees from an industry sector who have no supervisory or managerial responsibilities.
The South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC) delivers the One Day Working Safely Course on a monthly basis in Wimborne.
SWRAC also delivers courses at your workplace to meet your requirements
IOSH MANAGING SAFELY COURSE is a four day certificated course for managers and supervisors in an industry sector or organisation who have responsibilities for mangaging staff and resources in compliance with their organisations policy and best practice in Healt and Safety.
SWRAC is delivering this 4 day intensive course in Wimborne
For details and bookings CONTACT SWRAC on 01202 848099 (swrac@btconnect.com)
SWRAC, Merley House, Merley House Lane, Wimborne, Dorset. BA21 3AA