Expert Discusses the Role of Water Boreholes for Sustainable Water Management in Manufacturing
Amidst rising operational costs, manufacturers are continuing to look for the right opportunities to generate savings, with greater emphasis being placed on environmentally friendly practices.
With manufacturing and production accounting for one fifth of global carbon emissions, there is increasing pressure on manufacturers to review existing policies and processes and find new ways to operate that reduce reliance on fossil fuel consumption.
Here, Martin Smith, Managing Director of adi Environmental, a division of leading multi-disciplinary UK engineering business adi Group, discusses one of the most viable solutions for manufacturers.
Sustainability as a business strategy
The rising focus on reducing businesses’ environmental impact is not only prompted by the Government’s shift towards promoting Net Zero targets in recent years. There is growing demand from consumers to see a demonstrable commitment to sustainability from the businesses they support, meaning businesses can reap significant benefits from gaining a reputation as a 'green' business.
And sure enough, the advantages of operating sustainably have been shown to extend to cost savings and added value stemming from conforming to a circular economy that reduces waste and encourages recycling, particularly amidst concerns regarding our use – and abuse – of natural resources.
Bringing the importance of water supply management to the fore
Water scarcity is one of the biggest risks the world is facing, and though this is no recent discovery, there are no clear signs of progress – amidst decreasing rainfall, rising temperatures and increased demand, more than 5 billion people are expected to suffer water shortages by 2050, according to the UN.
With such shocking predictions showing exactly why we can’t take water supplies for granted, improving water management and exploring alternative methods to supply fresh water should quite simply be a priority.
Manufacturers should consider water boreholes as a way to drive down costs, as well as to facilitate their efforts to operate sustainably.
In an era where looking after our water supplies is nothing short of essential, smart solutions are needed for manufacturers to contribute to creating a greener future, and exploiting water boreholes in the right ways is a viable way of contributing.
What are the benefits of water boreholes?
Manufacturers utilise vast amounts of water within supply chains, both as an ingredient and within operations such as heating and refrigeration. Along with the costs required to source water, there are the additional expenses required to store, transport and treat water, as well as dispose of water that’s been used.
Coupled with the looming April 2023 wholesale water cost increase, which could cause some businesses to see increases in costs of up to 10-12%, exploring new routes may simply be key to businesses’ survival.
Continuous reliance on vast supplies of freshwater begs for more sustainable, cost-effective and efficient ways of sourcing it, which is where boreholes come in.
Now becoming more widely adopted, these systems are viewed as a reliable way to mitigate the impact of faults with third-party providers or issues as a result of high demand, providing an unparalleled degree of self-sufficiency as well as economic advantages.
Helping generate obvious cost savings deriving from not having to rely on a middleman utility company and being able to avoid supply interruptions and potential price increases, water boreholes demonstrably increase the value of a site and deliver a commercial advantage. But how can they be used to support businesses’ environmental targets?
The link between water boreholes and sustainability
The process of creating commercial water boreholes requires drilling into the ground to access water following an initial assessment where potential hazards are addressed and taken care of, ensuring sites are suitable to undergo such a process.
Relevant tests including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be carried out to ascertain the drilled borehole’s impact on water levels, to prevent any environmental issues such as damage to flora and fauna or to the quality of groundwater.
Adhering to the best practices ensures no contamination occurs, allowing manufacturers to access a safe, uninterrupted and independent supply of clean water without adversely affecting the environment. Responsible water supply management should always be kept in mind, yet when utilised correctly, water boreholes have been shown to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% for businesses.
What’s more, around 60% of mains water is recycled wastewater, which needs to be cleaned to a considerable extent, requiring a significant amount of energy. Comparatively, water coming from boreholes is less contaminated, and doesn’t need to be cleaned to the same standards.
Ultimately, water boreholes enable manufacturers to tap into a water supply that’s accumulated thanks to rain and run-off, meaning they are accessing a resource that’s naturally available.
Helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals
Huge brands within the Food and Beverage sector have already chosen to invest in water boreholes as part of sustainability-focussed strategies and initiatives, and many others are swiftly following suit.
With an ever-growing population and increased pressure on manufacturers to cater to demand, it is simply essential to look at innovation within water supply, which will never cease to be a pivotal element within production. Nevertheless, adopting the right changes in the right ways can help make a positive long-term impact for our environment.
adi Environmental has a wealth of experience in advising businesses on environmental management solutions, operating with a customer-focused approach that is entirely bespoke to clients’ needs. To learn more about how our services can benefit you, please visit: https://www.adiltd.co.uk/divisions/adi-environmental
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About the author
Martin Smith – adi Environmental – Managing Director
Martin Smith is an environmental engineering specialist with over 20 years of experience in driving water efficiency for some of the biggest manufacturers in the world.
His current role is Managing Director of adi Environmental, a division of the multi-disciplined engineering services firm adi Group. Martin is responsible for national service delivery and sustainable growth of multi-faceted environmental services, focusing on industrial and domestic water treatment alongside air hygiene services.
He holds extensive experience within all areas of water treatment from both a mechanical and chemical treatment basis. Overseeing the strategic growth and development of the business into new and existing market sectors, Martin ensures that the company achieves its financial vision, mission and long-term goals.