The start of a new year often brings with it new resolutions; aims, goals or targets that people set themselves to achieve in the coming months. As we enter into 2013 I am very clear that one of our key focuses at Plumb Center this year is to drive forward the importance of water efficiency in the UK.

Water efficiency has long been a priority with us and we have already been involved in a number of initiatives to further this cause. But there is still much more to do. On average Britain uses 150 litres of water per person per day, and yet basic household requirements are estimated at 50 litres per person per day. Interestingly though, the UK has access to technology and products to allow households to address this anomaly by dramatically reducing their water usage, without having a noticeable effect on a person’s lifestyle.

Many will wonder why, if the products and technology are so readily available in the UK, there is this discrepancy between the actual water usage per person and the required water usage per person. I believe this is down to a lack of education. As an industry I think we can tackle this in two ways – first of all increasing the public’s awareness of the importance of water efficiency, and secondly by supporting our customers in communicating this message and promoting water efficient products.

Legislation now ensures that commercial projects such as new build houses, business developments and major refurbishment works include energy efficient measures such as flow limiters, dual flush cisterns and water harvesting.

But when it comes to homeowners, more often than not, their installer is central in the product purchasing decision for refurbishments within the house. Homeowners rely on their installers to provide advice and product information to suit their requirements. We therefore need to ensure that installers have all the information they need on water saving products and they are included in this conversation.

As I look back on 2013 it would be good if, as an industry, we have contributed to improving water efficiency within the UK, and in turn helped create a sustainable future for this generation and the next.

Julie McLean is Plumb Center’s Head of Marketing.