At Great Barr, we endeavour to demonstrate sustainability on our school site.

One crucial aspect of sustainability is water conservation. Why?

Did you know:

• Water is not as abundant in England and Wales as you would think. We only have 1,334 cubic metres (m³) per person a year – much less than France (3,065 m³) or even the hotter Mediterranean countries of Italy (2,785 m³) and Spain (2,775 m³).
• Water shortages don’t just affect us: they can also seriously harm our environment. Our water comes from rivers and groundwater so every drop we use has a direct effect on the environment.
• Fish, wetland birds and other wildlife that rely on ponds, rivers and streams struggle to survive when these dry up or run low. Sources of food and breeding sites for wildlife can be lost and fish can die through lack of oxygen.
• The average person in England and Wales uses 150 litres of water every day. Most of it is used for washing and toilet flushing, but it also includes drinking, cooking, car washing and watering the garden. We use almost 50% more water than 25 years ago, partly because of the use of power showers and other water using household appliances.

Water must be conserved!

Our dedicated site staff have set up water drums which lead to the roof of the green house; rainwater falling from these will then fill up the drums! This water can then be used to water the plants in the greenhouse!