Business Sustainability

Today, there is considerable research being undertaken by many experts around the world regarding the effects of global warming and the apparent resultant changing weather patterns.
Similarly, there is considerable difference in opinion between the experts regarding the current situation and the manner in which these phenomena may impact on vital basic resources such as air and water quality and mankind’s ability to sustain the natural environment for the future.
The ability to provide a sustainable clean water supply is one of the main criteria used to differentiate between first and third world countries.
On the one hand, our Governments are pressing business to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and yet the same Governments are obsessed with the construction of massive new infrastructure to manufacture water, a resource which is naturally available in abundance along the entire east coast of Australia.  In fact so abundant at times, that it causes widespread nuisance and even destruction.
Furthermore, the processes used to manufacture water are among the worst offenders for the generation of greenhouse gas emissions.
It should be further investigated to determine the contribution that the roofs of buildings can provide as a new catchment to secure a sustainable water supply for the future.
The implementation of efficient large scale rainwater harvesting from the roofs of buildings will yield immediate and perpetual benefits to the community by:
• easing demand on the existing centralised water supply system,
• extending the life of existing stormwater infrastructure,
• significantly reducing the cost of future stormwater infrastructure, and
• allowing new project development to continue in a sustainable manner without placing an additional burden on the existing centralised water supply system.
Building Regulations must be amended to include conditions for the mandatory provision of rainwater harvesting for every new development.
Governments have a responsibility to invest in technologies that promote the harvest of renewable resources, such as rainwater.
The construction of decentralised water supply infrastructure requires the regulation and financial subsidy of governments.
Properly structured regulations will encourage engineers to develop innovative ways to better manage the economic use of this renewable resource and promote sustainable future development.

By Geoff Ball, Managing Director - Vision Water

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