Hull-based Countrywise Water Dispensers Ltd, a Member of the British Water Dispenser Association, has backed its commitment to reducing the company’s carbon footprint with a number of measures covering energy saving and recycling.
One of these is investment in two hybrid delivery lorries. The 7.5 tonne Mitsubishi Canters, which can each carry 150 x 19-litre water dispenser bottles, are used for deliveries to customers in the Hull and Grimsby areas. The turbo diesel engines have been combined with a 40 kW electric motor to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The trucks will help Countrywise save 23% in fuel compared with an equivalent diesel-only model.
The company has also been replacing old-style water dispensers with more energy-efficient models over a 7 year period.
They have also, like many companies in the sector, started to roll out a SIP system which enables hot and cold dispensers to be turned off outside of business hours. The new technology will sanitise each dispenser at pre-programmed times by circulating micro bubbles of natural and chemical-free ozone into the dispenser reservoir. This saves a quarter of a tonne of carbon per dispenser per year.
Countrywise sources its water from a company which is, in turn, taking practical steps to reduce its carbon footprint with the installation of a biomass boiler and the introduction of a 99% packaging waste recycling programme. In addition, Countrywise is supplying PP cups to its customers and these are fully recyclable.
The company employed an expert consultant in 2009 to advise on sustainability and provide recommendations. The measures taken have resulted from the actions taken in response to the report.
Countrywise was established in 1991. In addition to water dispensers, customers can also order health-giving fruit boxes to encourage staff to snack healthily in the work-place.