UWLA

Chairman of Water Label Committee appointed

03/03/2014 | Ben Earl, Water Efficiency Manager at Southern Water, has been elected to the newly created role of Chairman of The European Water Label UK National Steering Committee. “We’re delighted to welcome Ben as Chairman of this significant new committee,” says Yvonne Orgill, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and Director of The Water Label Company. “Ben is the best possible person for this important role and the ten members of the committee gave him overwhelming support during the selection process.” The European Water Label, which was created from the germ of an idea in 2006, has grown into a pan-European labelling scheme with over 6,000 products and 57 bathroom and kitchen brands in its online searchable database. The scheme is recognised and supported by the UK government and the major European trade bodies, CEIR and FECS, and is now seen as the benchmark for the labelling of all water-using products. The scheme is growing rapidly and is supported by manufacturers, builders merchants and retailers, architects, surveyors, developers, and the utilities. The new UK national committee is one of a network of Steering Committees being created and replicated across the 28 countries of the European Community. These will discuss, debate and establish the strategic direction of the scheme, whilst ensuing the particular requirements of all regions in Europe are considered. The individual country committees will feed into the European Governance Committee. The UK National Steering Committee consists of representatives from registered manufacturers (Ideal Bathrooms, Croydex and Mira Showers) registered merchants and retailers (Wolseley, B&Q and Home Retail including Homebase and Argos), NGOs representing water efficiency initiatives (CCWater and Waterwise) a water utility (Southern Water) and a representative from National Government (DEFRA). Ben Earl is the Water Efficiency Manager at Southern Water, devising and delivering water efficiency initiatives across the company’s region. He works with Green Deal providers, local authorities and businesses to develop water, energy and money-saving measures and supports the company’s 2.4 million domestic water customers. Ben said: “Water efficiency is a key focus for our domestic customers, the majority of whom now have water meters and are looking for ways to save money. The Water Label helps people make an educated choice between products which help them spend less in the long term but also encourage a sustainable lifestyle. I’m proud to be involved, especially at such a pivotal time for the initiative.” Yvonne Orgill said: “The Water Label is undergoing rapid development and it is essential that it grows at a pace which embraces the requirements of all its stakeholders. “The new committee will be open and transparent and will ensure all voices are heard. Ben Earl will make an excellent chairman during this major new development phase.”

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