Everflow, the multi-utility provider for businesses, has revealed the pilot of its EcoMOTs service has saved a trial cohort of 24 SMEs a total of £84,000 on their water and energy bills, and reduced their water usage by 25 megalitres. The results come as many small businesses prepare for rising energy bills, while Defra challenges water wholesalers to reduce non-household water demand by 9% by 2038.
The pilot of 24 SMEs included firms from industries including hospitality, education, leisure, community, tourism and residential care over the last year. Across the cohort, EcoMOTs also saved a total of 646 megawatt hours of energy and 132 tonnes of CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions.
The service is designed to help customers save money on their water and energy bills, with the dual benefit or reducing their consumption and emissions. On average, participating businesses have annually saved:
- 17% of the water they used
- 20% on their water bills
- £3,360 on water bills
- 27MwH of energy
- 6 tonnes CO2e
Everflow plans to expand EcoMOTs to target a broader range of SMEs, including farms and manufacturers, recognising the diverse needs of this market. Looking ahead, Everflow is exploring the integration of waste reduction and sustainable broadband and telephone services into the EcoMOT offering.
Clare Galland, Sustainability Manager, Everflow says:
“SMEs are under increasing pressure to minimise costs and reduce their impact on the environment. Time and know-how are barriers to achieving this and we knew Everflow could simplify that journey. The water industry is also struggling to get businesses to save water and water scarcity is becoming an increasing concern. People often don’t realise the true value of drinking quality water until it’s unavailable for their business. EcoMOTs innovate on traditional wholesalers’ previous campaigns, by combining water and energy audits and getting buy-in from customers to boost engagement.
“The results demonstrate how saving water can generate significant savings on SMEs’ bills and how tailored advice from our reports helps them reduce their environmental impact, too.”
The EcoMOTs service gathers essential information about water and energy usage through a pre-questionnaire. This means Everflow technicians can complete all necessary fittings – such as water saving devices – in one visit rather than having to audit and then return, saving time and significantly reducing costs for businesses.
The service also includes an energy audit. Customers receive a detailed report with costed recommendations to help further reduce water and energy bills, including renewable energy options, and benefit the environment, showing a clear ROI period.
For smaller businesses, Everflow partners with SaveMoneyCutCarbon to provide water-saving advice. Customers can access advice online and then purchase and install products using a locally recognised plumber, with Everflow offering ongoing support.
