Introduction

A major UK university, located in London, has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. Since 2017, a specialist consultancy has partnered with the university to improve water management across multiple campuses. Initially providing monitoring services, the consultancy later introduced comprehensive water audits and surveys that played a key role in identifying inefficiencies and achieving substantial water savings.

Initial Findings

When the consultancy first engaged with the university’s largest campus in 2017, daily water usage was recorded at 134 m³. Several subsequent surveys highlighted systemic issues and excessive water consumption:

• December 2017: Approximately 10% of toilet fittings were found to be faulty, leading to avoidable water loss.
• 2019: A follow-up survey revealed an increase to 12% faulty fittings, indicating growing inefficiencies.

By autumn 2019, monthly water usage peaked at 4,400 m³, including 1,700 m³ attributed to constant flow caused by leaks and faults. This prompted a major refurbishment initiative targeting the university’s halls of residence, with a focus on replacing outdated toilet and bathroom fixtures.

Additionally, in mid-2018, the consultancy's leak detection service identified and repaired an underground burst pipe, leading to further water loss reduction.

After Active Monitoring: Progress to Date

With the implementation of active monitoring and regular alerts, the university achieved a significant reduction in water consumption. By autumn 2022, monthly usage had dropped to 2,300 m³, with constant use reduced to 280 m³. These improvements were largely the result of upgraded fittings during the halls of residence refurbishment.

Outcome

The university's efforts have led to measurable improvements:

• Water Usage Before Monitoring (2017): 134 m³ per day
• Peak Usage (Autumn 2019): 147 m³ per day (including 57 m³ in constant flow)
• Current Usage (2024): 87 m³ per day (35% reduction)
• Annual Water Savings: 17,000 m³ (equivalent to 7 Olympic-sized swimming pools)
• Annual Cost Savings: £51,000
• Carbon Emissions Reduction: 6.5 tonnes per year

Through proactive monitoring, responsive maintenance, and targeted refurbishments, the university has significantly reduced its water consumption. This case illustrates the powerful impact that data-driven decision-making and strategic infrastructure upgrades can have on sustainability and operational efficiency.

The project serves as a strong example for other institutions looking to improve environmental performance while delivering cost savings.