Water
Similarly to waste, water does not contribute much to our carbon footprint, but as water shortages may increase as our climate warms, and water becomes more expensive, we need to carefully consider ways to reduce our water use while maintaining operations as usual across our campuses.
| Figures in cubic metres (Aug-Jul) | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Water supply (m3) |
22,495.00 |
25,869.00 |
22,667.21 |
21,010.61 |
Change since previous year |
N/A |
3,374.00 |
-3,201.79 |
-1,656.60 |
Percentage change since previous year |
N/A |
15.0% |
-12.4% |
-7.3% |
Wastewater treatment (m3) |
7,837.00 |
9,054.20 |
7,513.05 |
16,312.89 |
Change since previous year |
N/A |
1,217.20 |
-1,541.15 |
8,799.84 |
Percentage change since previous year |
N/A |
15.5% |
-17.0% |
117.1% |
There is a rainwater harvesting system in use at 373 Euston Road, which we are working towards metering to track the amount of water harvested. In the future, we may investigate using this type of system at other sites, and potentially introduce other water saving options, for example water butts for the allotment outside the Babylab.
Water saving devices
In 2023, a pilot scheme took place to introduce water saving urinals at two locations in Malet Street. The scheme found that the new devices could save up to 99% of water compared to the original urinals.
Trade effluent
Trade effluent refers to wastewater produced from commercial, industrial, or business operations. This is different from domestic sewage or surface water runoff as it arises from activities such as manufacturing, cleaning, and food production. It will often contain contaminants such as oils, chemicals, fats and food waste.
Birkbeck complies with all legal obligations and makes every effort to reduce contaminants in its wastewater, for example, by recycling its waste oil from kitchen operations via Olleco and by ensuring labs have waste chemicals collected by a professional waste provider.
Our targets
- We will create a new baseline for our water use for the 2026-27 academic year, following a mid-year switch to a new supplier in 2025-26. This is considered a necessary step as data has previously been inconsistent and we want to ensure data is accurate.
- Begin the process of switching all eligible water meters to SMART or AMR meters by the end of 2027.
- Ensure at least one water fountain is available on each campus by the end of 2029 with the aim of reducing purchases of single use water bottles in our cafes.