At UNICEF water based projects are becoming increasingly important. As part of our adaptation programmes we have rainwater harvesting programmes which really show the importance of water conservation on a human scale – making it tangible and understandable. I think case studies of how these are used and the importance of the projects such as this really help to bring things alive.

Outside of the Construction sector, the Comsummer Goods sector is looking at Water footprint from both a manufacturing and consumer use perspective. This is a broader approach that implies addressing internal challenges as well as communicating about it externally. Levi’s for example started a Waterless range and campaign (28% to 96% less water)in the manufacturing process. M&S and Unilever are looking at engaging their customers and consumers to reduce ther own impacts.

Has anyone contacted WaterAid to talk about helping us demonstrate to our people the importance of conserving water? I’ve worked with them before on fun and impactful employee initatives to help raise awareness of this precious resource, especially in other parts of the world.

We have seen a growing tendency within the UK Landfill, quarrying and construction sector to move away from water based wheel cleaning processes such as a wheelwash, men with jet wash lances and road brushes.
All of the above are not only heavy water users but also extremely wasteful of water and the outcomes of such use are inefficient and costly.
The evidence we are seeing is a tendency towards use of Dry Wheel Cleaning systems which rely on a mixture of tyre flexing, vibration and centrifugal force. In practice avoiding the introduction of water has many benefits particularly by removing the unsightly smear and the unwanted on-costs of road brushes, water bowsers, diesel generators.

Given the massive expansion of the construction sector in Dubai, surely there is some best practice in water useage that our colleagues can share from this market?