Planning Effective Water Efficiency Initiatives (2012)

This short guide produced by Waterwise and WWF-UK identifies eight key elements to consider when planning a home visit programme for water-saving devices, including how to formulate realistic expectations for partnerships or selecting the right products. It draws on the lessons learnt from two large-scale water efficiency retrofit initiatives (Save Water Swindon and Tap into Savings), as well as other projects included within the Water Efficiency Evidence Base.

Planning effective water efficiency initiatives

Drawing on the lessons learnt from two large-scale water efficiency retrofit initiatives, as well as other projects included within the Evidence Base, this short guide identifies eight key elements to consider when planning a home visit programme in which water saving devices are fitted.

each year the quality, scale and savings of water efficiency projects are improving. in the December 2011 Water White paper, the government made it clear that they want to see water companies increase this activity, in the context of climate change and population growth, right across the country – not only in areas currently defined as water-stressed.

the guidance for the next round of Water resource management plans makes this explicit: “government believes further action will be needed to tackle demand pressures”.as water companies develop their business plans for the next price review (in 2014) and their Water resource management plans for the next 25
years, they need the most up-to-date knowledge, as well as recent figures on costs and savings. therefore, it is essential to draw on the practical lessons of past water efficiency projects the government accepts that water efficiency retrofitting and advice is cost-effective. it is also an essential tool in adapting to climate change, cutting emissions in homes and from the water industry. this short guide will help water companies put demand management at the heart of their Wrmps and pr14 plans.