27 September 2006: Waterwise launches UK's first water Marque Print

To mark the start of the new water year1, Waterwise will, today, launch the UK’s first annual water efficiency Marque to help consumers choose more water efficient products.

The Marque will be awarded to products which use water efficiently or which reduce water wastage. Once awarded, a manufacturer will be able to use the Waterwise Marque to provide clear, independently endorsed, point of sale information to the buyer.


A select handful of Waterwise Marques will be awarded each year to the products which best enhance water efficiency or reduce water wastage. Manufacturers of bathroom, kitchen and outdoor water using products are among those encouraged to apply.


Environment Minister, Ian Pearson says ‘I welcome the Waterwise Marque which will raise the profile of water efficiency, help the consumer to make informed choices in product selection, and reward those manufacturers who are taking a lead in water saving. It is good for the environment, good for consumers and good for business.’


‘This is the first scheme in the UK to highlight water efficient products.’ says Jacob Tompkins, Director of Waterwise. ‘Many other countries throughout the world, including Australia, America and other European countries already provide consumers with water saving information and it is time for the UK to take the lead.’


‘The two year drought in SE England has highlighted the need to save water.’ continues Jacob. ’The key to water efficiency is reducing waste, not restricting use. Consumers can help reduce waste by making small behavioural changes and by choosing more water efficient products.’


Entries will be judged by a panel of experts and assessed on water efficiency, potential market reach, performance and good design. Winners of the Waterwise Marque will be formally recognised at the Waterwise Annual Conference on World Water Day – Thursday 22 March 2007.


Waterwise has worked with the design consultancy Medialab to produce a distinctive Marque. The design process used international findings on eco-labels, the work of the Consumer Council for Water on the publics attitudes to water, and Waterwise’s own in-house consumer surveys. The Marque incorporates Waterwise’s logo with a water droplet and a tick.


International research has shown that consumers are confused by a water droplet alone, not understanding if this means more or less water use and that a tick is required to reinforce endorsement messages.


For more information on applying for a Waterwise Marque, simply visit www.waterwise.org.uk Alternatively contact Chris Philpot, Media and Campaigns Manager, Waterwise on 0207 957 4615.


Notes to Editors

  1. New Water Year - The first of October marks the beginning of the hydrological year. Rainfall after this date starts to recharge the underground rocks (aquifers) which store water. The two-year drought in the South of England has been due to a lack of rain from October to February.
  2. Waterwise is a UK NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK by 2010 and building an evidence base for large-scale water efficiency. Waterwise is an independent not-for-profit organization that receives some funding from the UK water industry. Waterwise is part of the Water Saving Group, a ministerially-led group which brings together key water industry stakeholders to promote the efficient use of water in households.
  3. Waterwise is accepting entries for the Marque from Monday 2 October 2006 until Friday 12 January 2007.
  4. Judging will take place between Monday 15 January 2007 and Friday 26 January 2007 at the Waterwise offices.
  5. The judging panel will consist of:
    1. Professor Brian Hooper, Senior Consultant, Waterwise
    2. Maria Adebowale, Founder Director, Capacity Global
    3. Vivien Williams, Public Affairs Manager, DSG International plc (inc.Dixons and Currys)
    4. Judith Powling, Director, Lodestar Marketing
    5. Mike Rymill, Technical Director, Bathroom Manufacturers Association
  6. Successful winners will be notified by Friday 2 February 2007.
  7. All entrants will be featured on the Waterwise website.
  8. There will be a formal awards ceremony by Joanna Yarrow at the Waterwise Conference on 21/22 March 2007.
  9. The Waterwise Marque has been designed by Medialab, www.medialab.uk.com
  10. For more information please visit www.waterwise.org.uk


Contacts:

Chris Philpot

Media and Campaigns Manager, Waterwise

020 7957 4615

cphilpot@waterwise.org.uk

1 Queen Anne’s Gate, London, SW1H 9BT


Jacob Tompkins

Director, Waterwise

07793 709 567