SCOTS have been credited with becoming more environmentally conscious after a study suggested more than half are using less water at home than they did a year ago.
The research commissioned by Water Plus suggests 56% have changed their domestic water use habits in the last year, with more than two-thirds (67%) citing environmental concerns as their main motivation.
Some 39% have made similar changes in their workplace, with 64% suggesting their employer could do more to encourage them to be more water-efficient. Around a quarter of the 500 Scots surveyed (24%) said they take more care of water use at work than at home.
Chief executive of the water retailer, Andy Hughes, said: “The findings paint a picture of the Scottish public becoming increasingly in tune with its environmental responsibilities but not acting with the same sustainable vigour at work as it does at home.
READ MORE: Scottish Water Top Up Taps to roll out nationwide
“While we’re seeing a clear trend in people becoming more conscious about how much water they use, the research highlights the significant potential for employers in the public and private sectors to introduce new initiatives to cut consumption at work that could not only reduce bills but also enable them to become more environmentally sustainable.
“This is not about suggesting workers are wasteful in their water use at work but increasing awareness and encouraging them to take a responsible approach wherever they are.”
More than half of those questioned in Scottish cities have reduced their home water consumption, with the rate in Glasgow 60% and Edinburgh 52%. The highest figure recorded in England was in Manchester (90%).
Hughes added: “As the ‘Blue Planet effect’ continues to influence people’s decision-making in the home, there’s an opportunity for businesses to inspire behaviour change that not only lowers their costs but also contributes to their corporate social responsibility goals.
“It’s evident when looking at issues such as plastic and paper use that there is a direct correlation between those who are encouraged to reduce their environmental impact and those who act – this can be applied across the board, including for water.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here