Resource efficiency creates a Big Splash…
February 15th 2007 More than 350 water efficient businesses across the UK could find themselves saving money in 2007 – having worked with Envirowise to identify water-saving initiatives as part of the Big Splash campaign.
Achievers include household names such as BT, the Co-operative Group and Indesit Company, as well as a range of smaller businesses from across the manufacturing sector. Participants reported reducing water consumption by as much as 33% with total savings identified since the campaign’s launch in 2004 in excess of £7.4 million.
Leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, and big splash company, Genzyme Ltd recognised the business case for addressing water consumption in their operations early on. Through the implementation of a systematic programme of water reduction, the company has made estimated total savings of £50,000 in two years.
The plant, based in Suffolk, is a serious water-user with a daily consumption equivalent to that of 600 households. Genzyme saw that the cost of water to the business was much more than the £1 per tonne purchase price, as the purification process it needs to go through adds an additional £10 per tonne. The company realised that it would have to use water more efficiently if it was to expand the business and become more competitive on an international stage.
The washing of the polymer product is a process central to Genzyme’s manufacturing operation, and indeed, the most water-intensive. The second stage of the washing process alone uses 1500 litres per hour – ten times the amount the average person uses in an entire day. The product has to pass through a number of washes, and the company found that by recycling water from the final rinse for re-use in the first stage of a different wash, significant amounts could be saved.
Through the process of measuring and monitoring, the company was able to identify a leak in the boiler plant heat exchanger. The simple replacement of this device saved the company a great deal both in the short and longer term. Automated continuous monitoring equipment was also installed and procedures for water supply shut-off were improved.
Following advice from an Envirowise advisor, Genzyme has also recently invested in new technology to recycle treated effluent, which will only multiply savings. The company is also now operating well within trade effluent volume limits, which has opened up its expansion potential. So far, consumption has been reduced by 20% - achieved simply by looking at how water used in company processes could be better managed.
Genzyme’s approach to water management helped the company win the ‘Health, Safety and Environment’ award at last year’s innovation and Design Excellence Awards (iDEA).
Water is becoming an increasingly expensive resource with mains, sewerage and trade effluent charges rising. However, there is huge potential for industry to cut water wastage and identify substantial cost savings. Envirowise is therefore urging businesses to sign up to the Big splash initiative in 2007. Participants will receive free, tailored support to help their business reduce water use and measure the cost savings. More articles from Water Technology List: | 
