Federation House Commitment - Progress Report: 2009

Introduction

By supporting the Commitment and developing more efficient ways of working, businesses are playing their part in helping to safeguard the environment.

While there is still a long way to go to achieving the industry's target of 20% by 2020, Federation House Commitment members are making a real difference and we recognise and support the efforts being made.

In this section:

Hillary Benn - Secretary of State for the Environment
Simon Drury - Envirowise Strategic Partnerships Director
Fiona Dawson - Food and Drink Federation Sustainability and Competitiveness Steering Group Chair

Hillary Benn

Secretary of State for the Environment

Hilary Benn The Federation House Commitment's contribution to achieving a 20% cut in water use across the sector by 2020 is really important, and I am pleased to offer my support in marking its first year of operation.

We need to start living within our environmental means and so we all have a responsibility to cut down on the resources we use, and on the waste and emissions that we produce. That's why your leadership through this Commitment and the Food and Drink Federation's broader Five-fold Environmental Ambition is so valuable.

Meeting the Commitment is going to be a long and challenging process, but some good progress has been made this year. If businesses are going to be able to save water, and gauge their performance in doing so, they need to be able to accurately and regularly record and report what they are using. So I am pleased that Envirowise has now been able to set a baseline on which all future progress can be judged.

By supporting the Commitment and developing more efficient ways of working, businesses are playing their part in helping to safeguard the environment. But in doing so they are also saving money, for example by cutting hot water use and reducing their energy bills. I hope that the businesses involved will continue to set an example to others throughout the industry – and I am sure that Envirowise and the Food and Drink Federation will continue to be great champions for this cause.

Our changing climate and the growing global population mean that we are going to have to change the way we think about water. We all need to change the way we consume this precious resource if supplies are to remain constant, safe and clean in the years to come. That's why the Federation House Commitment is so important.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to welcome this annual report and look forward to seeing further progress in 12 months time.

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Simon Drury

Envirowise Strategic Partnerships Director

Simon Drury We are delighted that so many companies have signed up to the Federation House Commitment in its first year and urge other businesses in the sector to follow suit. Joining the Federation House Commitment offers many benefits. A better understanding of water management at an individual site level can help to reduce overall water usage and lead to significant cost savings company-wide.

The Commitment's member companies are sending a clear message to their customers and stakeholders that they will reduce their water consumption and reduce their environmental impact. We look forward to helping these leading companies achieve their water reduction targets and to welcoming others on board. While there is still a long way to go to achieving the industry's target of 20% by 2020, Federation House Commitment members are making a real difference and we recognise and support the efforts being made.

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Fiona Dawson

Food and Drink Federation Sustainability and Competitiveness Steering Group Chair and Managing Director, Mars Chocolate UK

Fiona Dawson We recognise that the food and drink manufacturing sector is a significant water user and has a key role in taking a lead to reduce stress on our nation's water supplies.

It has been a year since the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and Envirowise jointly launched the Federation House Commitment to contribute to an industry-wide target in the Food Industry Sustainability Strategy to reduce water use, outside that embedded in products, by 20% by 2020 compared to 2007.

Our efforts under the Federation House Commitment are part of FDF's Five-fold Environmental Ambition to target key areas where we can make the greatest difference to the environment.

During the past year FDF member companies have built a strong foundation; 30 companies with a combined turnover of over £15 billion covering 180 sites have committed to implementing actions to reduce water use. This report shows how, in the last year alone, FDF members have already made water savings and are contributing to the Food Industry Sustainability Strategy's target.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with Envirowise to embed water management best practice within the food and drink manufacturing sector and make a real difference for the benefit of future generations.

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