National Retail Store Chain
Household goods retail store makes significant financial savings from carrying out a multi-site water audit.
A national retail store chain approached Inspired to carry out a water audit across a large portfolio of stores to identify opportunities for cost savings.
Faced with increased competition in a turbulent retail environment our client has had to adapt their strategic focus in order to remain profitable.
Part of our client’s strategic focus has been to improve resources by identifying cost savings and improving efficiency moving forward.
Background
A household goods retail store requested the water audit services of Inspired.
Our client’s nationwide multi-site portfolio was being invoiced through various suppliers which was proving difficult for them to analyse. They were looking to partner with a company that specialised in providing water management services.
We were asked to review the water/wastewater usage and bills across their large multi-site portfolio with the objective to discover any potential savings.
Solution
Inspired’s expert water audit team completed a full analysis of the client’s portfolio, providing a detailed report highlighting the saving opportunities available.
The audit involved a rolling programme of desktop analysis supported by site investigations as required.
Moving forward a comprehensive water management solution is being developed with the client. This includes a water meter reading programme, bill validation, self-supply licence and leak detection and repair services.
Water Audit Highlights
Full analysis of the clients multi-site portfolio
Site investigations as required
Significant savings identified and recovered
Ongoing services recommended on the basis of audit findings
“Water and wastewater costs make up a high proportion of a business’s utility bills and as such needs to be effectively monitored and managed with view to reducing spend and improving overall efficiency.”
Outcome
The water audit found significant financial savings.
A sample of two stores are included:
Store A – Audit Findings
- Initial audit identified Store A was being charged incorrectly for surface water drainage
- The Site was being charged by the water authority on an Area Banding, however the audit and site investigations identified 3 x soakaways taking surface water away from site.
- Application was made by Inspired to the water retailer for non-connection, together with a request for a refund of past over charges
- Water retailer visited site to validate our findings, following which arrangements are being made for a six year refund (value £27,300). In addition, the client will benefit from annual ongoing savings (£5,400 p.a.)
- Additional investigations are underway regarding treatment and discharge of foul waste with potential savings of circa £2550 per annum
Store B – Audit Findings
- Initial audit identified Store B was being charged incorrectly for surface water drainage
- The Site was being charged by water authority on an Area Banding, however the audit and site investigations identified the surface waste from site was discharged to a local beck via a private sewer connection.
- Application was made by Inspired to the water retailer for non-connection, together with a request for a refund of past over charges
- Water retailer visited site to validate our findings, following which arrangements are being made for a 6 refund (£10,800). In addition, the client will benefit from ongoing savings (£1,890 p.a.)
Results
recovered at two stores alone plus £9,840 p.a. ongoing savings
Water Management Services
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