Supporting World Water Day
Water is one of the world's most valuable resources, yet it is also one of the most vulnerable. The world's water supply is finite, and climate change and population growth are putting increasing pressure on this precious resource. As such, it is vital that we develop sustainable solutions to manage and conserve our water supply.
World Water Day falls on 22 March. This global awareness day is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.
We are committed to protecting the Environment and reflecting the goals of sustainable development.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the world committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 as part of the 2030 Agenda – the promise that everyone would have safely managed water and sanitation by 2030.
Right now, we are not on track to meet that goal. The latest data show that governments must work on average four times faster to meet SDG 6 on time, but this is not a situation that any single organisation or country can solve.
Water affects everyone. Responsible water usage and water conservation are key to our promise to operate in line with the circular economy - a system of production and consumption that seeks to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them before ultimately recycling or repurposing them. This contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which relies on a take-make-dispose model of production and consumption that is unsustainable in the long term.
Net water positive
One of the key principles of the circular economy is the reduction of waste and pollution, which has the potential to significantly impact water conservation efforts. By eliminating the wastage of any water from our operations and ensuring that we return water back to the environment that is free of pollution, we are contributing to the achievement of SDG 6.
We are already using innovative technologies and practices that help to reduce water consumption in our processes. You may be surprised to know that our sites are net water positive – we produce more water per day than we use.
The excess water evaporated from the animal by-products we render is cleaned at our onsite effluent water treatment facilities at Low Marnham and Market Harborough, before being safely returned to the environment. Some of it is used for cooling and irrigation purposes in our plants. Our Low Marnham site is in the process of becoming water self-sufficient and the excess water that we generate is stored and made available to the local fire service.
Furthering water efficiency
Beyond resources conservation
In addition to its potential impact on water conservation, operating within the circular economy has many other benefits, including the creation of new jobs and economic growth. We aren’t afraid to trial new business models and engage with new, novel and cutting-edge technologies that promote resource efficiency. It’s our aim to stimulate innovation and boost the local economy in a more sustainable way in all the communities in which we operate.
The circular economy offers a powerful solution to the challenges of water conservation and sustainability. By embracing these principles throughout our operations and continuously rethinking our approach to production and consumption, we can create a more sustainable future for all, one in which water is conserved and protected for generations to come.
If you’re interested in working with a business that puts sustainability at the heart of its operations, take a look at our careers page.