Total national savings for the rail infrastructure operator are estimated at more than 1,000 tonnes of CO2 over a five-year period, thanks to a planned shift to majority use of mains-fed water coolers.
At the end of last year, Network Rail commissioned PHS Waterlogic to assess existing drinking water provision for its 35,000 staff. This provision was predominantly dispensed by bottled units, with 93% of its water supplied in this way. A total of 1,910 units have historically been deployed across Network Rail’s sites, with just 7% mains-fed delivery.
The calculated 50% carbon reduction for Network Rail was based on a 13% saving achieved by swapping bottled water units for mains-fed coolers. According to PHS Waterlogic, these mains-fed units have a lower life cycle carbon impact per unit when compared to bottled equivalent. The further 37% reduction was then calculated to be achievable by selection of efficient mains-fed units, suitable to cope with higher demand than traditional bottled units. This, in turn, allows fewer units to deliver the required output, creating savings in raw materials, electricity, waste and carbon.
Based on the evidence supplied by PHS Waterlogic, Network Rail has now signed a contract with the company for the provision of its cold water drinking supply. Under this contract, the mains-fed units across Network Rail’s estate will grow to 820, representing 74% of the operator’s stock.
Commenting on the change in delivery for Network Rail, David Matthews, MD of PHS Waterlogic, said: “We aim to deliver a choice to our customers about the way in which they supply their drinking water. Our understanding of the carbon impact of this delivery demands that we demonstrate to our customers the environmental facts concerning their provision in order that they can make an informed choice.”
Source: PHS Waterlogic
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