Waste management and reduction guide for retail industry

28Section 5.Improving generalenvironmentalperformanceCASE STUDYWestfield Marion has dramatically reduced water consumption, and costs for retailers, since it introduced initiatives in2004-05. Consumption has dropped by 19% overall, and 12.4% in the second year of the program, by:■ redesigning cooling towers to improve efficiency■ replacing overhead sprinklers with drippers in garden beds■ programming timers on lawn sprinklers to operate in the early morning to reduce evaporation■ installing flow-controlled, vandal-proof aerators on taps in public restrooms.5.3 Water conservationWater is essential for allliving things.Better water management andconservation in a retail shoppingenvironment has many benefits:it saves money and energy, itreduces pollution of waterwayswithin our communities, itaesthetically improves surroundingsand it can limit impact on ouraquatic and coastal environment.The following elements of waterconservation and management relateto general use of water and stormwaterpollution prevention methods.Australia is the driest developedcontinent on earth; it makes goodsense that we use and dispose ofwater as thoughtfully as possible. Itmakes good business sense as wellbecause it can save you money.Conserving water■ Check that toilet area tapsand cisterns aren’t dripping andmonitor them regularly■ Ensure that waterconservation devices areinstalled including dual-flushtoilets and, if applicable,low-flow shower roses■ Consult with centre gardeningstaff to ensure that efficientand effective irrigation systemsare installed, green waste ismulched, hours of wateringmonitored to reduce evaporationloss and planting practices arereviewed for selection of suitableplant species■ Ensure that gardening staffwater gardens and not concreteand bitumen■ Ensure that cleaning staff usephosphate-free cleaning productsto reduce nutrient levels■ Distribute water conservationadvice to retailers and encouragethe use of environmentallyfriendly cleaning products■ Use recycled paper in toilets■ Develop a partnership withrelevant water authority topromote water conservationand reuse schemes