What is water sustainability?
Sustainable water management refers to the ability to meet current water needs without affecting future generations’ ability to do so. Companies in hospitality, food production and manufacturing are now facing increased regulations related to their water consumption, as demand for water is expected to rise exponentially due to population growth, energy demands (energy is used to heat water), and increasing industrialization.
Very few companies understand their water usage, which naturally raises questions about the impact of water scarcity, the effects on their business, and the tools to manage water optimisation. To improve water sustainability and reduce water bills, tracking and reporting on key water metrics is now necessary for understanding the impacts of water usage for any business. This will take a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to sustainable water management, including physical, ecological, financial, environmental, and monitoring challenges.
A 2020 publication from CDP warned the cost of water risks to business could be over five times greater than the cost of taking action now to address those risks.
Water is integral to the day-to-day operations of companies in hospitality, food and drink and others who rely on the transformation of water. Now is the time for every company to plan the impact of rising water costs or availability on their business models, and the potential impact of water regulation if water scarcity accelerates.
Water is the fundamental neuro system in the effort to establish resilient and low-carbon economy to recover from the effects of COVID-19.Access to water and sanitation for everyone, Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributes to the attainment of the majority of the Sustainable development GOALS.
Recently, the conversation around corporations and governments moving to net-zero emissions has mostly focused on greenhouse gas emissions targets. Carbon neutrality, also known as carbon offsets, requires entities to remove as much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere as they emit into it through initiatives such as restoring forests, utilizing carbon capture technology, or purchasing carbon offsets.
The water and climate must be addressed jointly, at COP26 in Glasgow, nations and UN agencies forged a water and climate partnership to confront the rising threats and diminishing reserves. However, this is only the first step; bold action is required to provide universal access to water and sanitation, as expressed by United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number six.
The United Nations estimates a 40% shortage in freshwater supplies by 2030, an issue compounded by an ever-increasing global population that might lead to a water catastrophe. Many heavy-industry operations contribute to the problem by drastically overusing water, contributing to water insecurity and putting strain on this scarce resource. This is how some industry participants are minimizing their dependency on water in order to make their operations more effective and sustainable.
Google takes a step ahead in water sustainability by implementing steps to reduce water consumption. Furthermore by 2030, Google will be water-positive. This implies that Google will refill 120 percent of the water we utilize on average throughout our offices and data centers, assisting in the restoration and improvement of water quality and ecosystem health in the areas where we operate and they will concentrate our efforts in water-stressed areas to help those who need it the most.
Water sustainability is indeed not merely a passing fad. It also involves planning for the future and beyond.
Industries consuming water
After water, Concrete is the world’s second most used material, although water is essential to its manufacturing and consumption. Annually, more than two billion tonnes of water are utilized globally during the manufacture of concrete. Instead of utilizing water, a novel CO2 curing technique allows concrete to be created by interacting with carbon in gas form.
During the manufacturing process, highly concentrated CO2 molecules are poured into the concrete, generating a chemical reaction that creates strength, hardness, and durability. This much more ecological option, like traditional concrete, takes just water to mold and form. Cement is a basic component in concrete, and this technique has the potential to lower the cement industry’s water use by up to 80%.
Steelmaking, like concrete manufacturing, is a water-intensive process, requiring around 29 tonnes of water. The equivalent of over 180 standard-sized bathtubs is required to manufacture one tonne of steel. Reducing the industry’s water use is critical to sustainability initiatives.
Why water sustainability matters to the hospitality industry?
Providing and establishing comfortable settings for your guests is an important aspect of working in the hospitality sector. Hotels seek to make their guests feel valued, and having unrestricted access to water is a must. Laundry operations strive to deliver the cleanest, most luxurious-feeling linens, yet “luxury” was not previously connected with sustainability.
Yet, there are several conservation measures that do not sacrifice comfort in the sake of sustainability. Guests can enjoy the same luxurious experience while consuming less water.
For example, simply by altering the way you do laundry, you may save thousands upon thousands of gallons of water by reducing water use in your laundry operation with a low-water washing system.
Other simple improvements such as making water saving adjustments can help you become part of the solution rather than part of the issue. These changes have an impact not just on the environment, but also on your business, the hospitality sector as a whole, and the world around us.
The sector as a whole spends £1.3 billion on energy each year and emits 8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Typically 10% of the energy bills are for heating water. According to the Carbon Trust, most UK hospitality firms could cut their energy use by 10% to 14%.
The hospitality Industry and commitment towards the eco friendly, sustainable business models
The hospitality sector is a significant contributor to the economy and, as such, set an example for other industries and enterprises. There are several options accessible to organizations seeking to improve their environmental credibility, ranging from increasingly available renewable initiatives to sustainable and environment incentive schemes. The first step is just making that commitment to both the environment and your industry’s responsibilities as a business and public influence.
Water sustainability benefits everyone
Setting an eco-friendly example in your business can help you attract new clients, stay ahead of hospitality trends, have an influence on the industry—and the world—around you, and save money. This is why water conservation is so crucial for hospitality operations. If you are interested in water-saving sustainable solutions, learn more about sustainable solutions discussed below.
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
Water is essential to all life. Its protection is a collaborative effort, and we understand that we have a responsibility to enhance it. The worldwide availability of clean, safe water varies as the climate changes. The effects are seen at the local level, with individuals in vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of the burden.
SMART FLOW is deeply committed to water conservation. Many companies are adapting various solutions to attain water sustainability. SMART FLOW provides intelligent water optimization technology delivering water costs savings SMART FLOW provides intelligent water optimization technology delivering water costs savings of minimum 30% with 24/7 real time water monitoring and technology to support your water sustainability goals.of minimum 30% with 24/7 real time water monitoring and technology to support water sustainability goals.
SMART FLOW’S mission is to empower customers to easily manage and reduce their consumption and costs in a sustainable way. To this they will continue to innovate while always raising the bar for customer experience. SMART FLOW is at the face of water related issues for the clients , working in many areas such as hospitality , retail , public bodies, care homes, manufacturing and many other commercial businesses and office blocks. Almost all of their clients and businesses in these sectors have the same fundamental core issues- reducing water costs, sustainability, water management and property protection.
SMART FLOW provides the technology and software to reduce and control all your water costs including reducing your energy cost of heating hot water. Eliminate excessive water usage, Human errors, appliance failure and plumbing leaks. Reduce the time and resources to manually check water meter readings. Additional benefits include protecting your building from water damage and capex expenditure associated with building maintenance.
SMART FLOW has partnered with many international leading brands to help reduce their water consumption and reach their water sustainability targets, along with providing full visibility and total control of their water.
