Nationwide Project Launched to Help Schools Save Two Billion Litres of Water

Exhibiting at the Schools & Academies Show, Wave, tell us that Schools across England are being invited to take part in a major new national initiative designed to cut water waste, lower operating costs and promote long-term environmental responsibility. Wave has launched the Big Blue Eco Booster Project, a three-year programme that aims to help schools save two billion litres of water by reducing unnecessary consumption and fixing common sources of waste.

The project, created in partnership with SaveMoneyCutCarbon, began at the end of October 2025 and offers free or subsidised support to schools and academies depending on their region. It arrives at a time when rising utility costs and tighter sustainability expectations are pushing schools to find practical, affordable ways to reduce their footprint without adding pressure to their budgets.

A major boost to the initiative comes from Northumbrian Water, which has committed funding through its Retailer Collaboration Fund. This support will fully cover the cost of Water Savings Visits for more than 1,400 schools in the North East, Essex and Suffolk. Wave’s long-term aim is to secure backing from additional wholesalers so even more schools can access the service at no cost.

At its core, the project is simple and focused on genuine impact. Every participating school receives a Water Savings Visit that looks at how water is used across taps, toilets, urinals and showers. These assessments help identify leaks, outdated fittings and behaviours that contribute to waste. Engineers also carry out quick, low-disruption fixes on the day, giving schools immediate savings before any larger upgrades are considered.

A detailed report follows each visit. This pack outlines where improvements can be made, how much water and money the school could save and what the payback period might look like for longer-term investments. It also includes posters to encourage pupils to save water and links to additional teaching resources. Schools that take part receive a Big Blue Eco Booster Award, providing a simple way to recognise their efforts and celebrate progress with staff and students.

This is more than a cost-cutting exercise. Water supply is under increasing pressure across the UK due to population growth, climate pressures and aging infrastructure. Schools represent large and busy buildings, often with high daytime usage and hidden wastage that can go unnoticed for years. By helping schools take control of consumption, the project supports long-term resilience and ensures water resources are handled with care.

The scheme is open to any school that is a Wave customer, with free access available in funded regions and a chargeable service offered elsewhere. Schools can register their interest through Wave’s dedicated Big Blue Eco Booster webpage.

Oli Shelley, head of water efficiency services at Wave, described the project as a milestone for the industry. He said,

the goal is straightforward: give schools the tools and hands-on support they need to save water, save money and inspire future generations to take resource use seriously.

The Big Blue Eco Booster Project marks a practical, hopeful step forward. With clear actions and strong backing, it gives schools a chance to make a real and lasting difference.