INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN
UWLA – Climate crisis across Europe brings water waste into sharp focus
T
he climate crisis being experienced across Europe is making the need to focus on water waste critical, says
Yvonne Orgill, MD at the Unified Water Label Association. The world experienced its hottest day ever recorded in July, breaking
the global average temperature record set in 2016, with average global temperature topping 17C for the first time, according to EU climate monitoring service Copernicus. August brought violent storms across northern Italy, which prompted
the president, Sergio Mattarella, to join counterparts from Spain, Greece, Croatia and Slovenia in demanding urgent action from international leaders to tackle the climate crisis. “There is no more time to waste, no more time to compromise for political or economic reasons,” they wrote. In Spain, the driest start to a year was registered in the first four months
of 2023 since records began in the 1960s, with Catalonia and southern Spain’s Andalusia being the most affected. This lead to Catalonia’s authorities imposing new water usage restrictions on 22 villages around the Darnius Boadella reservoir in north eastern Spain, as the aquifer supplying it is almost empty. Yvonne Orgill MD at UWLA says, “Our water efficiency message is
now absolutely critical. Industry must come together with governments to communicate the need to be water-wise and reduce waste, if we are to have any impact and reduce the hardship that will result from severe water shortages. We hope that people can now see that the dangers of warming our planet are no longer something distant, it’s here and now and affecting every region in the world. “The industry has a smart solution in the Unified Water Label, which is
being driven and supported by 70% of all major brands. More and more companies across Europe are coming on board, displaying the Unified Water Label, and making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices. “The Unified Water Label Association is committed to driving home the
water efficiency message, encouraging everyone in the supply chain to support us by highlighting the label and the products that carry it, to ensure more of these products are used in the home. We are also working to help consumers understand that they can choose products that fit with their lifestyles, and that they can change behaviours to use products with more awareness. “Those interested in supporting the UWLA or joining us to embrace
a cleaner, greener bathroom revolution can find out more by visiting the website.
uwww.uwla.eu
KBB industry Conference a sell out says Kbsa
T
he KBB Industry Conference 2023 has sold out and is set to be the best one yet, so says national Kbsa chair Richard
Hibbert. The conference takes place on Wednesday 27 September at the Belfry Hotel and Resort, West Midlands, followed by the Kbsa Designer Awards dinner in the evening. Richard said, “We had a fantastic response to our ticket offers this
year and we are looking forward to a great conference.” “We have a packed programme, with plenty of time built in for
networking, with breaks and an extended lunch. Attendees will also have ample time to visit the Business Services Exhibition & Advice Surgery, where they can find out more about the benefits and special offers available from our partners. “Our keynote speaker Professor Charles Spence, will offer a unique
insight into the psychology of the showroom environment. His presentation will focus on ‘sense hacking’ our showrooms, exploring how we can transform them into a multi-sensory experience that enhances both the design and sales process. “The addition of Mike Bradley to present on AI has attracted a lot of
interest, reinforcing the conference as a must attend’ event, for all KBB retailers. “All KBB retailers face challenges over the next 12 months. Our
programme has been designed to focus on opportunities and provide essential and thought provoking information to add real value to businesses, and make the time away from the office worthwhile. “We are also delighted to welcome a record number of non Kbsa
members this year, as more retailers that are part of our global community, realise the benefits to be gained from the networking and learning opportunities the conference presents.” To see the full programme, visit the Kbsa website.
uMore details are available from The KBSA
www.kbsa.org.uk or call 01623 818808
BKU SEPTEMBER 2023 39
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