Defra
Claims Retailers are Key to Water Efficiency
In
a new report titled 'Future Water - the Government's water strategy for
England', Defra when referring to the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's
(BMA) Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme claims that retailers are
key in the development of water efficiency initiatives.
The 96-page report states:
'Retailers play a powerful role in influencing manufacturers and industry
to develop more water efficient products, and householders in their purchasing
decisions. We will be exploring how to work with whole supply chains to
encourage the purchase of such products. The launch of the industry-led,
voluntary labelling scheme for water efficient products announced by the
Bathroom Manufacturers Association last year is a very welcome development
that will help customers make informed choices when buying bathroom products.'
The BMA believes that all stakeholders need to come together to make water
efficiency work, in a combined, joined-up effort, with the Water Efficient
Product Labelling Scheme being a vital piece of that jigsaw. The BMA was
therefore encouraged to read that Defra agrees.
The Defra report also states:
'We should not imagine that saving water is something we can leave to
others. Government, industry, manufacturers, land managers and individuals
all need to take action to reduce water consumption and help protect this
unique resource. This is a shared responsibility. One of the ways the
Government is addressing the issue is through the work of the Water Saving
Group (WSG). Established in 2005, the group brings together key water
sector organisations to develop a range of measures to reduce per capita
consumption in households in England.'
The BMA
also believes that the key to water efficiency is reducing waste, not
restricting use and warns that a product only remains water efficient
when installed and used correctly. Also key to the success of water efficiency
are changes in consumer behaviour and the BMA was very encouraged that
Defra agrees. The report actually promises a long-term national strategy
to encourage the efficient use of water in households.
Commenting on the launch of the Scheme Environment Minister Phil Woolas
said: 'I am delighted by the BMA's initiative. It is very important that
customers are aware of the ways to save water. Labelling on energy efficient
products already informs customer choices on products such as fridges
and freezers. This recent announcement by the BMA is a very welcome development,
which will begin to extend customer choice not only for householders but
for developers and installers. It will also help more generally to raise
awareness about the importance of treating water as a valuable resource.'
The BMA now calls on all Industry professionals to 'share the responsibility'
and ensure they're fully aware of the Water Efficient Product Labelling
Scheme and how they can capitalise on it. Industry won't be able to filter
the message through unless stakeholders are fully aware of it and know
which products qualify.
Tel: 01782 747123
Web http://www.bathroom-association.org