The Unified Water Label has been developed for the industry by the industry – Government needs to get behind it rather than undoing years of valuable and hard won achievement, says UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill.
Government and water companies have recently been vocal on the need to reduce the gap between water supply and demand. There is agreement on the severity of the situation, and the consequences if action is not taken but no joined-up thinking on solutions, and little regard for the significant progress that the KBB industry has already made in addressing the issue.
The National Infrastructure Commission issued an update in March, warning that with extreme weather events such as floods and drought more likely in future years, cities, towns and villages need to be prepared. They noted that currently nearly one million homes in the UK have more than one per cent chance of flooding in any given year, and there is a one in 4 chance of a severe drought before 2050.
Given that everyone agrees that the demands on our water and wastewater systems are increasing as the population grows, water efficiency should be a priority at every level within those organisations that have the power to influence. This is not the case, and with so much misunderstanding and misinformation, the huge steps forward and positive actions taken by industry are overlooked.
The Unified Water Label, (UWL) has been developed by industry for industry, and is well liked by consumers. The UWL is a simple, credible, effective labelling scheme for water using bathroom products and kitchen taps. The label provides information on water use and where appropriate energy used for heating hot water, allowing the consumer to make an informed choice at point of selection.
Over 160 brands currently support the UWL, around 17,000 products are registered, and it has support across all sectors including manufacturers, retailers, installers and designers.
We know that Government wants to address the issue but their approach of developing a new mandatory water label is ‘throwing the baby out with the bath water’, and unachievable, given current financial constraints and a looming general election. Conservative MP Anne Marie Morris was recently quoted as saying that consumers need proper guidance about how much water is used in a bath, shower and household appliances – we couldn’t agree more – this is exactly what the UWL provides.
More importantly, the products that are offered to the consumer must still offer the same level of functionality with no loss of performance if they are to be used correctly and achieve the desired outcome. This is where a voluntary label wins over a mandatory imposed system. Manufacturers are free to develop new products that meet market demands. A mandatory system will inevitably involve restrictions, which will stifle innovative and reduce consumer choice.
Bathroom manufacturers are playing their part, they have invested in new products that can help consumers use water and energy more efficiently and reduce their environmental impact. We must support them in bringing these products to market, educating the consumer and providing a legislative framework that works.
We live in a world where the threat of floods and droughts is ever present, where water scarcity is a worldwide problem that will have a significant impact in the next 5 years. There is no time left to keep on passing the buck – we need solutions and we need them now.
The UWLA is committed to working with Government and all interested parties to bring about change but they must be willing to recognise what the industry has already achieved. If we are to make progress in changing consumer behaviour we must all work together.
