From Property Council of Australia (WA):
The WA property industry has stepped up to save millions of litres of water in the Waterwise Office Program.
The Waterwise Office Program is a joint initiative by the WaterCorp, City of Perth and Property Council of Australia.
“It’s great to see the property industry reaffirming its commitment to sustainability through participation in the Waterwise Office Program,” WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said.
“This year, buildings were able to reduce water usage by up to 50% through the successful implementation of water saving plans and changing tenant behaviours and water use patterns.
“This year’s Platinum award winner is 197 St George’s Terrace. This building has demonstrated best practise water use for a commercial office building.
“The Waterwise office program has successfully changed water usage patterns in commercial office towers, resulting in significant water savings as well as financial savings for the building owners and tenants.
“The water saving initiatives included fitting water saving devices in bathrooms and common areas, repairing hidden water leaks and investing in new technologies for air cooling and garden reticulation.
“This year, new signatories to the program were also able to take advantage of free cooling tower audits to identify further water saving opportunities.
“The Waterwise Office Program is setting an excellent example for the entire commercial office sector and it is our shared objective with the other program partners to provide continuing leadership on sustainable building outcomes.”
Speaking at the Waterwise recognition event, Minister for Water, Hon. Dave Kelly said: “These Waterwise programs have helped a total of 326 businesses and other organisations in WA save precious water. Last year alone participants saved 12 billion litres of water, which is the equivalent of 5,300 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“I congratulate all program participants for their commitment to water efficiency, and in particular those recognised for achieving silver, gold, platinum and champion status.
“Some participants have now been part of the program for eight years and it is encouraging to see them continue to explore new and innovative ways to save water and become more sustainable.