17/04/09
The last few years have seen a transformation in demand management policy. Water UK chief executive Pamela Taylor outlines the role of the water companies and the importance of collaboration in promoting water efficiency.
Speaking at the fourth annual Waterwise conference to an audience from construction, housing associations, local and national government, regulators, NGOs and the water sector, Pamela Taylor said:
"Water companies have been rolling out trials for large scale water efficiency projects which involve helping customers take part by refitting homes with efficient devices, subsidising water-saving equipment and providing water audits.
"At the same time they’ve been investing strongly in water efficiency education in schools and countless local groups and societies."
However Pamela Taylor also argued that isolated initiatives by single sectors could not motivate people enough to make a difference.
"To improve the uptake of water efficiency schemes, there is a need for active partnerships. The companies are seeking to create links with social housing providers, local authorities, retailers, energy companies and others.
"In the end, avoiding waste – of water or anything else – is a society thing. Companies can supply; regulators can tell them how; NGOs can organise campaigns; governments can set policy. But unless there’s a collaborative effort to explain why it matters, then it’s very unlikely to succeed."
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