Federation House Commitment (FHC) - Foreword
The food and drink manufacturing sector places water
efficiency high on the agenda. Our sector is a significant
user of water so management and conservation of this
precious resource is a top environmental priority.
John Sutcliffe,
Chair of FDF's Sustainability Steering
Group and Chief Executive of the Grocery
Division of Associated British Foods
Industry, water suppliers and consumers all have a part to play in alleviating
the stress on the nation's water supplies. Through the Federation House
Commitment (FHC), launched jointly by the FDF and Envirowise, signatories
contribute to
an industry-wide
target to reduce water use, outside that embedded in
products, by 20% by 2020 compared to 2007.
The FHC is part of FDF's wider Five-Fold Environmental Ambition to make a
significant contribution to improving the environment and thereby ensuring
sustainable food production for the future.
With 29 FDF member companies already participating in the FHC we are delighted
that tremendous progress has been made towards the 2020 target in
the first two years alone. We hope this encourages
other companies to realise the potential savings and
considerable benefits of efficient water management.
Richard Benyon, Minister for Natural Environment
I welcome this report on the Federation House Commitment (FHC) and the
encouraging progress being made in its work to promote water conservation
amongst its
members in the food and drink sector.
Water conservation is not simply a matter for those regions of the world that
suffer from shortage due to their inherent climatic conditions, but has a
crucial
importance for many areas of the UK that are affected by constant change in the
level of water available due to uncertain weather patterns, and their own
unique
geology, as well as changing patterns of usage. Conserving water can also
impact
on other environmental indicators in a significant way – by
reducing the amount of water requiring heating for commercial purposes, it is
also possible to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions.
For businesses facing a difficult economic climate it is also a way of saving
costs and improving efficiency. This is where the environment and the economy
come
together, a relationship we have noted in the Defra Structural Reform Plan,
where our commitments to encourage sustainable food production, enhance the
environment and support a strong and sustainable
green economy sit closely together.
The FHC is a good example of what this Government means when it talks about the
'Big Society' – organisations and citizens outside of official structures,
playing a role in achieving goals that benefit the community and country as a
whole.
The work of WRAP (Waste & Resources Action
Programme) and, previously, Envirowise, in bringing the various members
together
to help them achieve this common goal is also an example of where Government
action can effectively help and promote
successful Big Society intervention – it is part of what
is meant when we talk of this being the greenest
Government yet.
I wish the members of the FHC every success in their
continuing efforts.
More Information
Last reviewed: 08 Sep 2010