Saving water all in a day’s work for WA’s top waterwise businesses and buildings

  • More than 9.5 billion litres of water saved by waterwise businesses and buildings in 2019-20
  • Wanneroo poultry business and CBD office building receive platinum recognition  
  • Water Corporation’s non-residential water saving programs have saved 110 billion litres of water since 2007
  • Waterwise programs part of McGowan Government’s response to impacts of climate change 
  • Western Australia’s top water savers in business and industry were today recognised by Water Minister Dave Kelly for saving more than 9.5 billion litres, or 9.5 Optus Stadiums, of water in 2019-20.

    Nine businesses and 16 commercial buildings were acknowledged for their commitment to water efficiency as part of Water Corporation’s Waterwise Business and Waterwise Buildings Programs (previously known as the Waterwise Office Program).

    The programs support many of the State’s biggest non-residential water users with improving water management and driving water efficiency across their operations.

    To participate in the Waterwise Business Program a business must use more than 20,000kL per annum, as well as develop a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) and report annually on water savings actions.

    A business must have implemented a number of key water management actions in their WEMP during the previous 12 months to acquire Gold recognition. To achieve Platinum recognition a business must already be a Gold Waterwise business and have also demonstrated innovation or industry leading best practice water efficiency.

    Wanneroo poultry supplier Ingham’s Enterprises was awarded the coveted Platinum Waterwise Business of the Year for introducing operational changes to reduce its scheme water use. This included installing water efficient fixtures and using recycled water.

    GDI Property Group was announced as the Platinum Waterwise Building of the Year for its property at 197 St Georges Terrace Perth. GDI Property Group introduced water saving measures to a suite of equipment in the building, improved leak detection methods and undertook staff waterwise education, all in the name of helping save water.

    To achieve Gold recognition, buildings need to have a NABERS water rating of 4 stars or more and demonstrate sustainable water efficiency practices. For Platinum recognition, buildings must be a Gold Waterwise Building and also demonstrate leadership or innovation in water management over the previous year.

    A further seven waterwise businesses and nine waterwise buildings achieved gold status under the programs, while five buildings were endorsed for their efforts to improve water use habits.

    The impacts of climate change have seen a 20 per cent reduction in rainfall in the State’s South-West since the 1970s, meaning we can no longer rely on rain alone to meet our water needs and dramatically affecting where precious water supplies are sourced from.

    As we continue to feel the impacts of climate change, local governments, businesses and the community all have a role to play to protect and adapt the way we use water.

    Since 2007, the State Government and Water Corporation have helped save more than 110 billion litres of water through the Waterwise Business and Building programs. Both programs contribute to the State Government’s Waterwise Perth Action Plan, which sets the direction for transitioning Perth to a leading waterwise city by 2030. 

    As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:

    “Through the Waterwise Business and Building programs, Water Corporation and the McGowan Government are helping high water users rethink how they use our precious water supplies in the workplace, and to make sustainable choices when it comes to water management practices.

    “Aside from the environmental benefits, the sustainable use of water in the workplace also makes good business sense. It reduces operating costs and promotes businesses as a sustainable place to work.

    “With the impacts of climate change becoming more apparent, it is encouraging to see such commitment and passion by these businesses recognised today, to save our most precious resource.”

    2021 Waterwise Business Program – Platinum Waterwise Business of the Year

    Recognises a leader in water efficiency demonstrating best practice and innovation in water management for the 2019/20 Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) reporting year.

    WinnerLocation
    Ingham’s EnterprisesWanneroo

    2021 Waterwise Business Program – Gold recipients

    Recognises outstanding commitment to the program by implementing a number of key water management actions in their WEMP and achieving a significant improvement in water use.

    RecipientLocation
    Crown Towers HotelPerth
    Crown Promenade HotelPerth
    Crown CasinoPerth
    Kanowna Belle – Northern Star ResourcesNorth-East Kalgoorlie
    Ingham’s EnterprisesWanneroo
    Armadale Health ServiceMount Nasura
    St John of God Midland

    Public and Private Hospitals

    Midland
    Innaloo Cinema CentreInnaloo

    2021 Waterwise Building Program – Platinum Waterwise Building of the Year

    Awarded to a commercial office building that went above and beyond to deliver outstanding water sustainability outcomes in 2019/20 and demonstrated best practice water use.

    WinnerLocation
    GDI Property Group197 St Georges Terrace, Perth

    2021 Waterwise Building Program – Gold recipients

    Awarded to a commercial office building that has demonstrated best practice water management.

    RecipientLocation
    John Tonkin Water Centre, Water Corporation629 Newcastle Street, Leederville
    GDI Property Group197 St Georges Terrace, Perth
    Cloisters Square200 St Georges Terrace, Perth
    Brookfield Tower 1125 – 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth
    Brookfield Tower 2123 St Georges Terrace, Perth
    Council House27-29 St Georges Terrace, Perth
    Kings Square 2562 Wellington Street, Perth
    Kings Square 310 Telethon Avenue, Perth
    City of Armadale145 – 151 Jull Street, Armadale
    Mason Bird Building303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington

    2021 Waterwise Building Program – Endorsed recipients

    Buildings that have met endorsement requirements

    RecipientLocation
    Two Forty240 St Georges Terrace, Perth
    Kings Square 1556 Wellington Street, Perth
    Optima Centre – Building B16 Parkland Road, Osborne Park
    Department of Finance1 Midland Square, Midland
    Mia Yellagonga11 & 17 Mount Street, Perth

    /Public Release. View in full here.