Developing Taylor Wimpey’s water strategy and policy

In 2019, Taylor Wimpey, one of the UK’s largest residential developers, commissioned RSK to develop its water strategy and policy. The strategy was intended to identify all areas of water usage for Taylor Wimpey and outline an efficient approach to its management across the business. The purpose of the policy document was to set out a brief and definitive company course of action for the sustainable management of water.

As knowledgeable and trusted experts in the field of sustainability, RSK reviewed Taylor Wimpey’s existing sustainability policies, footprint data and business plans. The work included mapping out the water footprint of Taylor Wimpey’s supply chain, analysing the company’s water use within the context of a larger cycle, and assessing the current and future trends of regulation and guidance.

Considering current and future regulation and guidance trends

Our dedicated team reviewed the availability of water in the UK regions and the existing stresses on resources. We also considered the predicted effects of climate change and population growth on demand and availability. The increase in the severity and frequency of future bad-weather events owing to climate change is likely to cause more flooding and water scarcity across the nation. Sea level rise will also affect coastal communities. In addition, the UK population is expected to increase by 3 million (4.5%) in the next 10 years, thereby increasing the population to about 70 million people and intensifying pressure on native resources.

Developing strategies to reduce consumption

RSK recommended mitigation and efficiency measures to reduce consumption and, based on this data, considered opportunities for recycling water and collecting rainwater, as well as methods to increase efficiency, prevent pollution and implement surface-water management and flood mitigation. Our team of experts assessed different existing and new technologies and innovative design features that may improve water use in the future.

To manage water effectively and efficiently, RSK identified and assessed ways to eliminate unnecessary uses and, where possible, use alternative sources, including rainwater, grey water (waste liquid from baths, sinks, washing machines and other kitchen appliances, which, once appropriately treated, is suitable for several different uses) or directly abstracted water, in an effort to reduce reliance on mains supplies. We also considered methods to reduce consumption by applying more efficient technologies and reusing and recycling; for example, by using grey water for crop and landscape irrigation and for flushing toilets.

RSK assisted Taylor Wimpey with improving its water management and efficiency, which will positively impact all stakeholders including customers, employees, investors, suppliers, communities and the environment.