Reducing hot water consumption around the home is easy

(14/06/2010)

Everyone can do their bit for positive environmental action by reducing their hot water consumption. Did you know that 25% of the average household energy bill comes from heating water? Therefore, by reducing your hot water consumption you can reduce your energy bill (and water bill if you are on a water meter), lower your household's (and those of the UK) greenhouse gas emissions, and help reduce the adverse effects of climate change.

Reducing hot water consumption around the home is easy. Cutting a minute off your shower, putting the plug in the sink when washing your face or shaving, washing up in a washing up bowl rather than under a running tap, and fixing leaking taps can all add up to big savings.

Saving cold water is also important because treating and pumping water to our homes accounts for 1% of the UK’s green house gas emissions. Therefore turning the tap off when you brush your teeth, always using full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, swapping a hosepipe for a watering can and installing a water butt will all save water, save energy, save money and help the environment.

Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise, says that ‘climate change is going to adversely affect the UK with increased floods and droughts, added to this are an increasing population and the need for new housing. Water efficiency is unique in that it can help the reverse the effects of climate change through lowering our greenhouse gas emissions, it can reduce the amount of water taken out of the water system on a daily basis - therefore meaning more water can go further, and it can help our ecosystems and natural environment. Simple water saving behaviours around the home and at work really can and do make a big difference.’

Related categories:  Environmental technologies for Residential and Green homes   Water conservation and supply