The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) is calling on the bathroom industry to play its part in tackling climate change, following the release of a landmark scientific study from the UN that claims human activity is changing the climate in unprecedented, and sometimes irreversible, ways.
The new report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) makes clear that the warming we've experienced to date has made changes to many of our planetary support systems that are irreversible on timescales of centuries to millennia. It reports that the dangers of warming our planet are no longer something distant, impacting people in faraway places. According to Dr Friederike Otto from the University of Oxford: "Climate change is not a problem of the future, it's here and now and affecting every region in the world."
UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said: “We welcome this report and hope that it serves as a wake-up call for the bathroom industry. Climate change is happening here and now and can no longer be ignored. We all have a responsibility to play our part and get behind the industry-led Unified Water Label, which can make a real difference.
“The link between water, energy and carbon is one that we have highlighted in our recent campaigns to promote the Unified Water Label. Our new website includes an energy and a carbon calculator that can calculate how much energy is used when water is heated, and how much relative carbon is used when changing to a product that uses less water.
“With our European partners we have been working with those involved in designing, manufacturing, selling, installing and purchasing water using bathroom products, to provide them with the tools they need to help consumers understand the issues around water scarcity, and the link with energy and carbon emissions.
“We have the products but we need to do more work to help people understand the impact of their water consumption, and nudge them towards positive behaviour change.
“We will launch a new campaign to coincide with the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) which takes place in Glasgow on 31st October - 12th November, which will encourage those in the bathroom industry to seek out UWL labelled products, and help drive home the message that if we reduce water wastage, we can have a positive impact on the environment."
Those interested in finding out how they can become involved by supporting the UWLA or joining their campaign can find out more here.
