Businesses can save money with water-saving products
Dated: 06/11/2003
Green Building Store is encouraging businesses to take advantage of a new Government scheme, launched today (Thursday 6th November 2003), which aims to help businesses save money by installing water-saving products. The Water Technology List, developed and managed by Defra and the Inland Revenue, in partnership with Envirowise, will help businesses save money in the short and long-term by encouraging them to invest in technologies and products that reduce water use and improve water quality.
Green Building Store supplies the water efficient Ifö Cera ES4 WC, which has just been awarded a place on the Water Technology List, having successfully met the criteria to enable Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) claims. The ECA scheme allows businesses to write off 100% of investments in qualifying sustainable technologies and products against tax in the year of investment.
The Ifö Cera ES4 WC has an ultra-low 4.5 litres flush and was developed by water conservation specialists Solution Elements Ltd and is supplied throughout the UK by Green Building Store. Water savings of up to 25% can be achieved through the specification of efficient WCs. Toilet flushing accounts for about 50% of the water used in commercial offices. In addition to efficient WCs, other product categories in the Water Technology List include: efficient taps, flow controllers, meters and monitoring equipment and leakage detection equipment.
Although the Ifö Cera ES4 WC was originally intended for domestic use, its robust design and water savings have made it the ideal choice for public toilets, schools and offices. With installations in attractions such as the Centre for Alternative Technology, the Earth Centre, and Forestry Commission and National Trust toilet blocks, you may even have used one without realising!
According to Green Building Store Director Chris Herring, “By installing an Ifö Cera ES4 WC, businesses can save money in the long-term through lower water bills. Now the Water Technology List also means that businesses will benefit in the short-term by claiming an Enhanced Capital Allowance. I would encourage all businesses to take advantage of the scheme.”
For more information on the Water Technology List, visit www.eca-water.gov.uk or call the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794 or contact Nell Griffiths, Green Building Store on 01484 461705 or visit www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk
Notes for the Editor
1. Green Building Store is a leading UK supplier of sustainable building products. In addition to water-efficient sanitaryware, Green Building Store manufactures the Ecoplus System range of windows and doors and also supplies a range of natural paints and timber finishes, timber preservatives, steel rainwater goods and natural insulation products.
2. To encourage more efficient water use and improvements in water quality, the 2003 Budget announced the introduction of Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) for water technologies. The capital allowances rules allow businesses to write off 25 % of the money they invest in plant and machinery, against their taxable profits on a reducing balance basis. The Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme allows businesses to write off 100 % of investments in qualifying sustainable technologies and products against tax in the year of investment (for example, a spend of £100 would result in a claim of £30).
3. Envirowise is a DTI and Defra programme which provides free advice to UK businesses on environmental best practice. Envirowise has helped UK business save £797 million since 1994, and can, on average, help companies save £1000 per employee.