Released on: September 23, 2008, 1:49 am

Press Release Author: Ali Shah

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Sustainable business experts Envirowise are issuing a final
call for businesses to sign up to The Rippleffect, a free resource efficiency
initiative focused on supporting companies as they look to improve their water
efficiency, reduce water consumption and future proof against the bottom line effect
of rising costs.

Press Release Body: With water companies outlining plans to increase bills between
2010 and 2015 by up to 22 per cent, those taking part can expect to make cost
savings as well as improve their environmental credentials.

Envirowise, a government funded programme that offers practical environmental advice
for businesses, says it is possible for a business that has not considered its water
use before to make savings of up to 30 per cent of its water and effluent bills, and
these savings can increase to 50 per cent by investing in long-term water saving
projects and water-efficient technology.

Through implementing a number of simple low and no-cost measures to improve water
efficiency including fixing dripping taps and installing water-saving devices,
Envirowise estimates that businesses in England and Wales could be making annual
savings of up to 3.2 billion cubic metres, worth around £9.4 million per day by
reviewing their water usage.

Mary Leonard, a director at Envirowise, says: “Water is still considered by many as
a cheap and limitless resource. The reality is that costs are rising and we are
using far too much of it putting pressure on existing supplies.

“While cost-savings may be a key driver for water conservation, companies that do so
demonstrate to customers that they are adopting best environmental practice. This in
itself offers a competitive advantage.”

The Rippleffect is open to businesses of any size in England. The final deadline for
joining the six-month initiative is 10 September, 2008. Those interested in signing
up for the free initiative can call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794 or
visit: www.envirowise.gov.uk/rippleffect
Envirowise offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support
on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental
impact.

Defra - ‘Future Water’ Government strategy for England
(visit www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/strategy)

ENDS


Notes to Editors

About Envirowise
Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use
of resources at the heart of UK business practice.

Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1bn by enabling them to
significantly reduce their environmental footprints.

Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free,
independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes,
profitability and competitiveness. Services include:

• The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794
• An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk) of valuable and relevant
information
• Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions

Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme
Companies can also take advantage of the Water Technology List which details water
efficient technologies and products that can qualify for up-front tax relief by
claiming Enhanced Capital Allowances. This allows them to write off the whole cost
of their investment against their taxable profits of the period during which they
make their investment.
For more information visit: www.eca-water.gov.uk


Web Site: http://www.envirowise.gov.uk

Contact Details: Please contact: Caroline Charles or Harriet Jones at Bray Leino PR
Telephone: 0117 973 1173 Email: ccharles@brayleino.co.uk or hjones@brayleino.co.uk