Redrow Water Conservation Policy. Guidance for Water Conservation During Design and Construction

Transcription

1 Redrow Water Conservation Policy Guidance for Water Conservation During Design and Construction

2 Introduction Population growth and lifestyle changes, coupled with changes in rainfall patterns, have meant that water is becoming a scarce resource in many regions and as a consequence it is also becoming increasingly expensive as mains, sewerage and trade effluent charges rise. Furthermore, water use and energy use are inextricably linked as energy is directly linked to water use at all stages of the supply process and by the end user i.e.: Water supply (abstraction, treatment and distribution) Water consumption (heating of water and water used/pumped) Wastewater (sewerage system pumping and wastewater treatment) Greenhouse gases emitted in supplying water are 0.30 tonnes CO2e per Megalitre water Greenhouse gases emitted in wastewater treatment are 0.75 tonnes CO2e per Megalitre water Rising energy prices will therefore also add to the cost increase of supplied water and the treatment of used water. The way we have been using this most important natural resource is clearly unsustainable. Redrow aims to be a responsible company, minimising the impacts of our business on the environment and natural resources. Saving water through efficient design of our products and through careful management during and after construction is an important part of this objective, making financial sense as well as benefiting the environment. Redrow s approach to water conservation policy is based upon the industry accepted Water Hierarchy.

3 The Water Hierarchy Eliminate use Alternative non-potable source Reduce Reuse Recycle Disposal Minimising Water Consumption in Design In the design of our products we will incorporate a range of water conservation measures designed to reduce mains water usage in all residential developments. Where practicable consideration will be given to the potential for the use of reclaimed water through the inclusion of rainwater collection. These may include: o Water Butts where appropriate, including any outbuildings such as Garages or garden buildings integrated into a scheme.

4 o Underground water storage tanks for rainwater collection and subsequent reuse o Retention ponds as a rainwater storage facility. Our design specification will include measures to minimise water consumption to meet a consumption target of 105 l/h/d, including: o 149 litre capacity bath o Aerated flow control fitted to all taps (5 litres/minute other than kitchen and utility (10 litres/m) o Dual flush WCs with 4/2.6 litre flush o Showers fitted with 9 l/s flow limiters Conserving Water During Construction Introducing water efficiency measures is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways of achieving cost savings. Redrow s policy towards water conservation during construction is based on the research undertaken by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) which identified three basic principles for success:- Measures must be value for money Any technology must be robust and able to stand up to the demands of construction sites Making savings is very much about behavioural change and habit and this is a process that takes time, therefore technology that actively influences a behaviour change (e.g. Incorporation of trigger guns on all hoses) is likely to be more successful than purely behavioural interventions and a mix of approaches is more likely to be successful than considering either behaviour or technology in isolation. WRAP have identified that the key water using processes on construction sites are: Site cabins and temporary accommodation Wet trades, such as brickwork, screeding, concreting and plastering

5 Groundworks, including grouting and drilling Dust suppression, including road and wheel washing Cleaning of tools and plant equipment Commissioning and testing of building plant and services Wash out of ready mixed concrete wagons Specialist and high pressure cleaning This guidance seeks to address these areas. What is water conservation? Water conservation is a measure or range of measures designed to improve the efficient of water use by reducing usage and wastage. Reducing water demand and usage can be achieved using water recycling, incorporating water saving devices and good management. Why conserve? Water is a precious natural resource and its sustainable management is essential to protect the water environment and to meet current and future demand. The average person uses 50% more water than in 1980 and the population has grown by approximately 10% in the same period. Changing rainfall patterns mean that we cannot sustain or increase water so we need to reduce consumption and conserve more water. Currently we pay on average up 2-3 per cubic metre for mains water and wastewater disposal and water supply is likely to rise in cost in future, so saving water also reduces utility bills now and will reduce the impact of future price rises. When to conserve? Water conservation measures should be used on site wherever practicable and should be considered for incorporation at an early stage of site compound design and site set up. Good site management practice will ensure adherence to policy and site management staff should maintain vigilance at all times. Additional opportunities for conservation may present themselves during construction. Practical ideas and innovations should be fed back to the Research and Sustainability Department at St David s Park (01244

6 520044; so that they can be shared with other Redrow construction teams. How to conserve? Approximately 15 25% savings can be made in water consumption by following the 10 simple tips outlined in the Strategic Forum/WRAP How to publication referred to below and significantly more if leaks are dealt with quickly and efficiently. ( Also accessible at As suggested in the leaflet itself it may be posted up on site to assist in raising site awareness. Steps to take are as follows: 1. Appoint a champion from within the Site Team to manage the policy and monitor effectiveness 2. Raise awareness with the SFfC water toolbox talk ( ) 3. Ensure regular recording of meter readings ( a template for recording meter readings is available at This will ensure that billing is accurate, help to identify leaks reducing wastage and cost, as well as assisting the company to report on water consumption as part of our Corporate Responsibility commitments. 4. Implement the water hierarchy 5. Implement efficiency measures 6. Monitor, record, and report the effectiveness of the measures. Report results back to the Research and Sustainability Department at St David s Park ( ; nigel.smith@redrow.co.uk). The results can be reported upon in the Company s Corporate Responsibility disclosures and good, effective ideas can be disseminated to other Redrow divisions.

7 Actions to take: Fix leaks quickly Turn taps off Consider options for more efficient dust suppression using less water on the general site and during demolition Consider controlled urinal flushing devices Plan for commissioning activities considering water recirculation and minimisation Fit trigger guns to hoses Consider more efficient wheel washing systems Use high pressure low volume washout sprays for concrete lorries Use low flush cisterns in WCs. Targets for 2012 Achieve a 10% reduction of water consumption/equivalent unit constructed during the year. (litres/equ unit/annum)