Linlithgow Rugby Club rewarded for sustainability efforts with national prize

These devices will not only help Linlithgow Rugby Club to reduce its water bills, they will also contribute to the club’s sustainability goals by helping them to reduce water waste.

Alongside their new water-saving devices, the club also has a biomass boiler to provide heat and hot water, and has recently installed a solar power demonstrator scheme (in partnership with Linlithgow Community Development Trust) to offset their power base load.

Ken Richardson, president and chairman of Linlithgow Rugby Club, said: “A number of years ago, we set out to create a sustainable rugby club, fit for the next 50 years (2020 Vision: Towards 50).

"A big part of this drive is to install more resource-efficient utilities in and around the club. We celebrated the club’s 50th birthday in 2020 and so the timing of the water efficient devices installation was a big milestone for us.

“We believe it will make a huge difference not only to the club’s ongoing running costs but also towards our vision, as we’re using less mains water from the network at our site. The devices were installed quickly, efficiently and safely at the club.”

Scott MacIndeor, head of advanced services at Water Plus, said: “We were delighted to install water-saving devices for Linlithgow Rugby Club, who were worthy winners of our competition.

"The devices have immediately cut the club’s water usage, and when the team and outreach clubs return we expect the club to see substantial savings on their water bills as a result. This shows that even small steps make a big difference when it comes to cutting water waste and your water costs.

“Our work with the rugby club also helped identify a trickling leak that was losing 12 litres an hour of water. Many do not realise that small, slow-seeping leaks, which can go unnoticed in areas like taps, toilets or showers. can quickly add to water bills. Underground leaks on-site can even stop water flowing at a site and can also cost thousands of pounds if they’re not found and repaired.

“So, it’s important for all organisations – large and small - to regularly check your water use – at least once a month, if your water meter is safe to access.

"You can see any unexpected jumps in consumption that can indicate a leak on-site and have a recent meter reading to hand if you need to update a bill based on estimated use. It’s worth the time to help lower the amount you’re spending on water, cut energy use and contribute to your sustainability and net-zero targets.”