Federation House Commitment - Progress Report: 2009
Summary of progress
Open to the whole industry, the initiative has the
potential to save around 140 thousand cubic metres
per day – equivalent to 56 Olympic-size swimming
pools – and a combined financial saving of around
£60m per year on water bills.
Since its launch, 36 of the UK's leading food and drink
manufacturers have signed the FHC, pledging to
improve their water efficiency and thereby reduce
water use.
Signatories are making good progress, and the data
received so far reveals that they have collectively
reduced their water usage (excluding that embedded
in products) per tonne of product in 2008 by 1.4%
compared with 2007.
In 2008, the total amount of water used (excluding that
embedded in products), by signatories reduced by more
than 476 thousand cubic metres compared with 2007,
a reduction of 1.7% which, for the first year of the FHC,
is an impressive first step towards the overall industry
target of a 20% reduction by 2020.
As a result, savings of around £500,000 in the purchase
of water alone will have been achieved[1]. Further cost
savings can be expected through water treatment and
effluent disposal costs.
The water saving initiatives of member companies
range from simple low cost solutions through to those
that require capital investment and longer lead-in times.
As such, some of the actions being taken forward will
not necessarily see savings in the shorter term.
While the FHC and this report are specific to the food
and drink industry, other businesses can benefit from
improving their water efficiency.
Companies can contact Envirowise for free expert
advice by visiting the Envirowise or
calling the Advice Line on 0800 585794.
1. Assuming all water savings are towns water and an average cost of £1.05 per
cubic metre of water is applied.
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Last reviewed: 13 Jul 2009