Project helps schools splash out less

A County Durham-based water retailer is helping schools across England cut costs and conserve vital resources through a nationwide water efficiency programme that has already delivered significant savings.

Wave has reported promising early results from its Big Blue Eco Booster Project, which aims to save two million cubic metres of water – equivalent to two billion litres – by helping schools reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Delivered in partnership with SaveMoneyCutCarbon, the initiative launched in October 2025 and provides fully funded water-saving support to schools and academies in participating regions.

The project has attracted growing industry backing, with six additional water wholesalers joining the scheme since its launch, including Anglian Water and Portsmouth Water. 

Funding from Northumbrian Water’s Retailer Collaboration Fund is supporting more than 1400 schools across the North East, Essex and Suffolk over the next three years.

As part of the programme, specialists visit schools to assess water usage, identify leaks and inefficiencies, install immediate improvements and provide recommendations for longer-term savings.

So far, 169 visits have been completed, helping participating schools save a combined £81,726 annually. 

The audits have also identified opportunities to save more than 103,000 litres of water every day through measures such as repairing leaks and installing low-flow fittings.

Bob Taylor, chief executive of Portsmouth Water, said: "We’re really excited about this project and the difference it will make. 

“Water usage tends to be high in schools, and improving efficiency and identifying leaks in buildings like these can have a significant impact. 

“As part of the scheme, we’ve committed to fund water efficiency audits and the installation of water-saving devices in schools across our supply area, with the potential to reduce usage by between 20 and 40 percent.

“These are significant savings and, in the context of increasing pressure on water resources in the South East, every drop counts. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing the positive results this project will bring.”

In addition to reducing water consumption, the programme helps schools lower associated carbon emissions and redirect savings towards educational priorities at a time when budgets remain under pressure.

Each participating school receives educational resources, awareness materials and a Big Blue Eco Booster Award designed to encourage long-term water-saving habits among pupils and staff.

The project’s impact has already gained industry recognition, earning a place on the shortlist for Water Efficiency Project of the Year at the 2026 Water Industry Awards.

Wave is now looking to expand the initiative further by bringing additional wholesalers on board, enabling more schools across the country to access the service and benefit from lower costs and reduced water consumption.

Oli Shelley, director of water efficiency services at Wave, added: “The Big Blue Eco Booster Project is a landmark for us and for the industry, representing one of the largest wholesaler-retailer collaborations to date. 

“What’s particularly encouraging is how quickly schools are seeing the benefits, from lower bills and reduced leakage to greater awareness among staff and pupils about the importance of saving water. 

“By combining practical support with education, we’re helping schools make changes that deliver lasting financial and environmental impact.”

The initiative is open to all Wave customer schools, with eligible organisations able to register their interest through the company's dedicated Big Blue Eco Booster webpage.

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