KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021
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SOAPBOX
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Chief Executive Yvonne Orgill, responds to Thursday's Government White Paper, 'Water for Life'
The Government has made it clear in today's paper that the bathroom industry must now take immediate steps to help educate consumers and explain the necessity in choosing the most water efficient bathroom fittings.
On behalf of our members, the BMA is committed to delivering impartial advice and deliver change as the Government advocates in the paper. The BMA has taken water efficiency seriously since 2006 when the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme was introduced, leading the charge to help consumers make an informed decision when selecting products for their bathrooms.
The BMA is working with Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to encourage developers and facilities managers to embed water efficiency into new and refurbished buildings, as well as with DIY retailers and facilities managers to increase the sale of water efficient products.
There is tremendous opportunity to help change and alter consumer behaviour little by little. It will take concerted effort, so the industry must unite behind a clear and single message whether you are a manufacturer, merchant, retailer, installer or designer.
However, the Government has also made it clear that it is not afraid to regulate and introduce a mandatory scheme should industry fail to act decisively. This is in nobody's interest and will be costly and cumbersome.
We must take immediate steps to avoid this and convince Government that everyone within the industry is serious about water efficiency. If your products are not WEPLS listed, now is the time to get them accredited. If you have products on the scheme, then now is the time to actively promote them.
The Government says it wishes to create a water sector in which innovation can flourish. Today we must rally as an industry and help to deliver exactly this.
For more information about the BMA and WEPLS, visit:
www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk
For the full White Paper, visit::
9th December 2011