#80 - Zero-Water Homes: The Future Of Water Efficiency

In this episode, Cath & Karen dive into Project Zero, an innovative collaboration between Ofwat and Nesta focused on achieving water neutrality at new development sites. They explore how this initiative is creating water-efficient homes, promoting water-saving habits, and cutting waste in local communities. Joining the conversation are Gareth Barker from Affinity Water and Jane Bellard from Weir The Agency, to discuss Affinity Water's Bidwell site in Houghton Regis, a standout example of water neutrality in action. 

 

Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk

 

Timestamps 

• 0:01 - Introductions and hellos  
• 2:36 - Explaining what the Bidwell project is
• 4:58 - The wider environmental pressures that we need to be worried about when considering water resources
• 7:06 - Water neutrality as a concept - how do we explain it to residents?
• 8:56 - How were residents helped to make savings?
• 11:31 - What were the water-saving activities residents were encouraged to do?
• 14:07 - The importance of focusing on one change at a time to influence behaviour
• 19:26 - How were results measured?
• 22:10 - Engaging people as a water company - how to influence customers
• 29:15 - Moments of change
• 32:10 - Final thoughts
  

Shownotes

 

Affinity Water's neutrality trial slashes consumption levels - Utility Week

Our water neutrality project - Affinity Water

Affinity Water's water neutrality project achieves milestone