Conservation could cut water costs 30% - UK group

01 August 2008 16:41  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--Chemical producers could benefit from significant cost and efficiency gains by putting water conservation at the top of their agenda, said an official from the UK government-funded environmental information service on Friday.

 

Savings of up to 30% could be achievable on water and effluent bills by implementing simple procedures, said Envirowise water manager Claire Sweeney.

 

The chemical sector in England and Wales could see savings of up to 199m cubic metres/year, worth an estimated £578,000 ($1.14m, €735,000)/day, through measures to reduce water consumption, she said.

 

Increasingly expensive utility bills and dwindling supplies mean shrewd water use is likely to remain a key issue for plant operators. 

 

There are plenty of “quick wins”, added Sweeney, such as fixing leaks, reusing water or identifying areas where less can be used.

 

“Businesses can reduce their operating costs, improve productivity and could have the opportunity to expand by using water more efficiently. It can also help to improve your environmental credentials,” she said.

 

Some producers such as Dow Chemical, Celanese and DuPont have already put water use at the forefront of their sustainability goals, and have pledged to meet stringent targets over the coming years.

 

Envirowise is launching its six-month initiative - the Ripple Effect - in September. The scheme will provide advice, workshops and web-based training tools to help businesses reap the rewards of water conservation. 

 

Water is an essential resource for the production of petrochemicals in processes such as cooling, cleaning and generating steam.

 

For more about water use, conservation and efficiency see the 25 August issue of ICIS chemical business

To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: Andy Brice
+44 20 8652 3214

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