The UWLA has called on industry to recognise the need to address the threat of water scarcity as it supports the United Nations’ (UN) World Toilet Day, which is to take place on 19 November.
Yvonne Orgill, UWLA’s managing director, said: “The UN has seventeen sustainability goals with number six relating to clean water and sanitation. World Toilet Day was established in 2013 to support this goal and raise awareness of the 3.6 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation.
“Demand for water is rising owing to rapid population growth, urbanisation and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry, and energy sectors. Water is essential for health and wellbeing, and according to the UN billions of people will lack access to these basic services by 2030 unless progress quadruples.
“World Toilet Day is supported around the world and a timely reminder for everyone in the KBB industry to consider what steps they are taking to reduce water consumption.
“Industry is leading the way, as companies support the Unified Water Label, and influence market transition. The Unified Water Label displays product performance, water usage, energy efficiency associated with hot water, product and technical details. Products are classified in coloured bands with green indicating a lower water consumption than red. Recent statistics show that shower heads in the highest red category are now all below 13 litres/min, just 18 months ago this statistic would have been up to 18 litres/min. Within the tap category, 68% of taps registered fall within the lowest green band.
“The UWLA works with the KBB supply industry to help them communicate and educate consumers on the importance of changing behaviours, not just selecting the right product. By promoting UWL products, installers, retailers and designers can help inspire consumers to make small but significant changes to how they use water at home. The Unified Water Label Association has released the first in a series of animated films to help communicate the Water Matters message to their customers. This short film addresses the ‘Why should I bother?’ mind-set and shows companies how they can play a leading role in changing consumer behaviour and make a tangible difference to the sustainability agenda.”