It’s fairly obvious that, in order to improve water efficiency, facilities managers need to know how much water is being consumed and how that relates to the industry standard for similar organisations in their sector. This will involve carrying out a thorough water audit and water benchmarking analysis.
Simply put, water benchmarking will allow you to see if you are using an unusually high volume of water in comparison to other similar sized organisations in your sector and identify areas for cost savings.
Benchmarking Methods
Benchmarking data can be collected using government sources, trade associations and trade publications. Depending on your relationship with your peers, you could also ask similar organisations in your sector directly as this could be beneficial to both organisations.
KPIs
When starting the benchmarking process, ensure that you have identified your objectives, criteria and organisations against which you want to benchmark. Ensure you use appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) in order to set targets for your organisation.
Repeat the process
Benchmarking is not something that should be carried out once and not revisited. You may have a seasonal business, or particularly busy or quiet times when the initial benchmarking has been undertaken. Therefore, it should be viewed as an ongoing process in order to ensure that your organisation is using water efficiently in comparison to similar organisations in your sector.
Cost Savings
Water benchmarking, if done properly, is a cost effective way to improve water efficiency and reduce water costs. It is important though to keep in mind that these methods are only indicative and will give an insight into industry standards, but even if you meet the industry standards, you can still reduce water consumption further.
FOR A FREE WATER AUDIT please email info@businesscostconsultants.co.uk. Ask us about Benchmarking too, when you get in touch.
Some useful tools to help with the process include:
Business Stream water benchmark calculator
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) water benchmark calculator