A call to action for North East Businesses.
In the North East, we’re no strangers to rainfall. But the myth of water abundance is beginning to unravel quickly. As climate change accelerates, the UK is facing more frequent and intense periods of drought. For businesses, this is more than an environmental concern, it’s an operational and financial risk.
If you’re a business owner, it’s time to treat water as a strategic asset.
The rising risk of water scarcity
According to the Environment Agency, parts of the UK could run out of water within 25 years if significant changes aren’t made. The causes are a combination of increased demand, outdated infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change. Droughts in recent years have affected everything from agriculture to manufacturing, with supply chains disrupted and costs spiralling.
Businesses both large and small are at the front line. From offices and cafes to factories and leisure facilities, water is a critical yet often overlooked resource. As future droughts loom, now is the time for North East businesses to futureproof operations and cut waste.
The business case for water efficiency
Aside from environmental responsibility, being water wise makes financial sense. Many organisations are surprised to learn how much water they consume once they begin monitoring usage properly.
Every drop saved is a cost avoided not just in water bills, but also in the energy used to heat, move and treat it. Reducing your water footprint can also bring reputational benefits, support funding bids, and demonstrate environmental leadership to customers, staff, and suppliers.
And with sustainability now a key focus in supply chain assessments water efficiency should be integral to your sustainability strategy.
Five ways to become a water smart business
1. Audit your water use.
Start by reviewing where, when, and how water is used in your operations. Even simple checks can uncover hidden inefficiencies such as leaks. Environmental accreditation frameworks like Investors in the Environment (iiE) offer step-by-step guidance for monitoring and reducing water and other resource use.
2. Fix leaks and invest in low-cost tech.
A dripping tap can waste over 5,000 litres of water a year. You can also install aerated taps, dual flush toilets, and sensor-controlled appliances to reduce unnecessary water flow. In many cases, these pay for themselves within months.
3. Rethink staff engagement.
Water saving signage, internal campaigns, and even fun competitions can help shift behaviours in kitchens, toilet facilities, and across wider business culture. People tend to care more when they understand the ‘why’ and linking water waste to climate impacts or rising bills makes the issue feel real.
4. Consider your supply chain.
Water isn’t just used on site. From the food in your café to the components in your products, water use is embedded in what you buy. Like carbon footprints, switch to working with suppliers who are also water responsible and choose products with a lower water footprint.
5. Collect rainwater where possible.
If your business has outdoor space, consider installing a water butt or a rainwater harvesting system. This can be a great way to irrigate plants or clean external areas without tapping into mains supplies.
The role of accreditation
Frameworks like Investors in the Environment offer businesses a practical, structured path to managing resources, including water. Through accreditation, organisations can identify areas for improvement, set meaningful targets, and embed sustainable thinking across all levels of the business. Many North East organisations are already seeing real savings and building resilience through this approach.
Final thoughts
For today’s businesses, building water resilience is about good environmental practice as well as staying competitive, saving money, and safeguarding the future.
By acting now, North East businesses can lead the way in turning the tide on waste and building a more sustainable economy; one drop at a time.
Want to find out more about Investors in the Environment and how it can help your business save water and reduce carbon?
Visit genee.org.uk or send us an email jo@genee.org.uk