Scottish businesses are being offered the chance to divert water bill savings towards food banks or nature restoration projects, through new “feelgood” tariffs.
Leading water retailer Business Stream has launched the new offering, with plans to expand the programme over the coming months to its customer base in England, helping to raise significant sums for good causes.
Early response to an initial 3-month pilot run last year was promising, with 65 business sites who renewed in Scotland signing up, highlighting a growing trend among companies to align their purchasing decisions with broader ethical considerations.
These tariffs enable customers to redirect a 2% tariff discount to support local food waste projects by redistributing surplus food to charities with FareShare or landscape restoration with Ecologi, with Business Stream matching this contribution.
Jo Dow, Chief Executive at Business Stream, said: “Our feelgood tariffs are about more than just water savings, they represent a commitment to making a tangible difference to local communities and the environment we all depend on.
“The fact that businesses are already adopting these tariffs is a clear sign that our customers value a partnership that goes beyond the basics. We’re proud to match their contributions to help make a lasting impact.”
In collaboration with FareShare, the “Naturally Share” tariff directs funds to redistribute surplus food to those in need within the local area, while also helping to reduce food waste.
Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare said: “We are so grateful to Business Stream for their support for FareShare. Donations through the “Naturally Share” tariff will help us get good-to-eat food to the people who need it rather than going to waste. Every day, the food we redistribute to a network of over 8,000 charities in every region helps to strengthen communities. From homelessness shelters and afterschool clubs to refuges and older people’s lunch clubs, these groups are all working harder than ever.
“The generous support of Business Stream and their customers is instrumental in helping charities unite more people through food to form connections and access essential support services. Thank you for helping FareShare make the food go further.”
The “Naturally Care” tariff, in partnership with Ecologi, the UK’s most trusted climate action brand, supports the regeneration of UK woodlands, helping to combat biodiversity loss. This option complements the partnership Business Stream has already developed with the climate action specialists to invest in nature-based projects. Ecologi’s UK based rewilding projects include restoration of peatlands, heathland, woodland and wildflower meadows.
Dimitri Theocharis, CEO at Ecologi said: “Nature restoration and forest protection plays a crucial role in tackling biodiversity loss, so it’s fantastic to see Business Stream empowering their customers to make a real impact. By redirecting tariff discounts to support vital rewilding and habitat restoration projects, they are directly contributing to the restoration of the UK’s natural landscapes. This includes protecting wetlands, woodlands and wildflower meadows which are critical for both biodiversity and carbon storage.
This initiative not only improves local ecosystems but also sets a powerful example to the utilities sector, demonstrating how businesses can incorporate reforestation and restoration initiatives as a meaningful part of their sustainability efforts. We’re excited to be a part of this journey and look forward to seeing the positive change it brings.”
“Naturally Fair”, a third tariff option, reassures customers that they will get the lowest possible tariff at Business Stream.
Business Stream’s driving vision is to make a positive difference to its customers, its people, the environment, and local communities. Since its vision was launched six years ago, the company has introduced over 35 new initiatives which align with its sustainability goals and achieved a Gold rating through EcoVadis, the world’s largest sustainability assessment platform.
