LONDON, Oct. 11, 2007 -- Companies in the UK could be missing an opportunity to use water efficient technologies as a tool for boosting operational performance, says Envirowise.
Taking advantage of the Water Technology List (WTL) is one way businesses can benefit. Managed by Defra and HMRC in partnership with Envirowise, the WTL details the technologies and products that can qualify for up-front tax relief by claiming Enhanced Capital Allowance.
Plus, the WTL has now been extended to include three new technology categories: vehicle wash reclaim units, industrial cleaning equipment and water management for mechanical seals.
Envirowise water specialist, Kate Davis, says: "The recent period of drought and the severe flooding across the country this summer has demonstrated the need to mitigate against climate change. Companies across all industry sectors must adapt to stay competitive and equip themselves against future fluctuations in water cost and supply."
And the potential for firms to reduce their water use is significant. Envirowise estimates that commercial sites which have not previously examined their water consumption can often achieve around 30% savings on water bills by implementing simple water management measures at little or no cost. And by investing in water efficient products these savings can increase to 50% as they form part of more structured and long-term water-saving projects.
The WTL's new categories offer industry more opportunities than ever before to make water savings through innovative practice. Sealing devices, for example, which are commonly used in the manufacturing sector to minimise leakage from pumps and other rotating equipment, may require an injection of clean water to function correctly. The WTL now includes a category covering water management equipment for these seals, which recycle, regulate and monitor water flow, minimizing the volume of water used.
Vehicle wash water reclaim units are covered under another new WTL category and will be applicable to any business which undertakes vehicle washing, a process which uses large volumes of water. Reclaim units enable the recovery and reuse of wash water following treatment, and therefore reduce the volume of potable water required.
Finally, water efficient industrial cleaning equipment is another addition to the WTL. This primarily covers scrubber / drier floor washing machines which are used to clean various floor types including external pedestrian areas. Integrated wash water recovery equipment can increase the efficiency of these machines by recovering and re-using water.
For more information, visit www.eca-water.gov.uk.
Companies which are keen to take action to address their water consumption can also take advantage of the free advice and support offered by Envirowise: www.envirowise.gov.uk/water
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