Case Studies: Successful Water Conservation in SMEs

Company: BrewDog (UK) – Founded in 2007, BrewDog is a craft beer company with global operations, known for its commitment to sustainability. The company has a valuation exceeding £2 billion and operates multiple breweries and bars worldwide.

Strategy Implemented: The company invested in a closed-loop water system that recycles and reuses water during the brewing process. Additionally, they implemented high-efficiency cleaning systems to reduce excess water waste.

Impact: Reduced water usage by 30% per litre of beer produced.

Financial & Environmental Benefits: BrewDog has significantly lowered water bills while reducing wastewater discharge into the environment. Their sustainability initiative aligns with their brand values, attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

Source:  BrewDog Sustainability Report

Learn how to implement water recycling systems in your business here.

Company: Accor (Global Hotel Chain) – Founded in 1967, Accor is a multinational hospitality group with over 5,000 hotels in 110 countries, valued at approximately €10 billion.

Strategy Implemented: Accor introduced low-flow faucets and showerheads, optimised laundry processes, and provided employee training on water conservation best practices. They also encouraged guests to reuse towels to limit unnecessary washing.

Impact: Achieved a 10% reduction in water consumption across thousands of hotels worldwide.

Financial & Environmental Benefits: Lowered water and energy costs, improved brand reputation, and ensured compliance with local water conservation regulations.

Source: Accor Planet 21 Report 

See more  financial benefits of water conservation for SMEs here. 

Company: Unilever (Global FMCG Company) – Established in 1929, Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company with a market capitalisation of over €100 billion, producing household brands in food, personal care, and cleaning products.

Strategy Implemented: Unilever adopted water recycling systems in manufacturing plants, particularly in water-scarce regions like India and South Africa. Their initiative focused on reducing water usage in cleaning and production processes.

Impact: Reduced water abstraction by 47% per ton of product manufactured.

Financial & Environmental Benefits: Reduced operational costs and minimised the company’s environmental footprint, reinforcing Unilever’s commitment to sustainability.

Source:  Unilever Sustainable Living Report 

Company: Tanmiah Food Group (Saudi Arabia) – Established in 1962, Tanmiah is a leading agribusiness and poultry producer in the Middle East, with a market capitalisation of over $500 million.

Strategy Implemented: The company introduced drip irrigation technology for poultry feed farming, significantly reducing water waste compared to traditional irrigation methods.

Impact: Cut agricultural water usage by 50% while maintaining crop yield.

Financial & Environmental Benefits: Improved water efficiency, lowered operational costs, and aligned with national sustainability goals.

Source:  Tanmiah Sustainability Report

Learn how business in water-scarce areas can save water here. 

• Monitor Water Use: Conduct regular audits to track water consumption, identify inefficiencies and create a water management program. Businesses that measure their water usage are better equipped to implement targeted conservation strategies.
• Invest in Efficient Technology: Implementing water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow taps, water recycling systems, and smart irrigation, can lead to long-term cost savings while minimising environmental impact. Learn more about leveraging technology for water conservation here. 
• Employee Engagement: Educating and involving employees in conservation efforts ensures company-wide participation. Encouraging simple habits, like turning off taps or reporting leaks, can significantly reduce overall water usage. See more advice on training your team on the best practices for water conservation here.
• Collaboration: Partnering with local governments, industry groups, and NGOs can provide funding, guidance, and innovative solutions. Many organisations offer incentives for businesses that implement sustainable water practices.
• Adapt Strategies to Industry Needs: Different industries require tailored approaches. For example, hotels can focus on guest education and efficient laundry practices, while manufacturers can invest in water reuse technologies to reduce consumption at production sites.

Discover how to access funding for sustainable water projects here.

SMEs have a unique opportunity to implement water conservation strategies that benefit both their bottom line and the environment. Simple actions such as water audits, equipment upgrades, and policy changes can lead to substantial improvements. Additionally, government incentives and grants may be available to support SMEs in their sustainability efforts. By prioritising water efficiency, SMEs can achieve long-term resilience, cost savings, and a positive environmental impact.

Would your business benefit from a water conservation strategy? Start today by evaluating your current water usage and exploring innovative solutions to reduce waste.

Head over to our Water Hub for more information on Effective Water Conservation Strategies for SMEs.