Wave, the multi-award-winning national water retailer, has launched a new initiative designed to save two million cubic metres of water – equivalent to two billion litres or 13.3 million bathtubs – by helping schools reduce water waste.
Delivered in partnership with SaveMoneyCutCarbon, the Big Blue Eco Booster Project will begin in October 2025, providing free and subsidised support to schools and academies across England. The scheme aims to help educational sites cut costs, conserve resources, and protect water supplies for future generations.
As part of the project launch, Northumbrian Water has committed funding from its Retailer Collaboration Fund to support more than 1,400 schools across the North East, Essex, and Suffolk over the next three years. Wave intends to bring additional wholesalers on board to expand the service free of charge to even more schools nationwide.
The initiative contributes to Wave’s Social and Sustainability Promise, which targets water savings of 19 million m³ (19 billion litres) by 2030/31.
Oli Shelley, Head of Water Efficiency Services at Wave, said: “The Big Blue Eco Booster Project is a landmark for us and for the industry as it’s the biggest wholesaler-retailer collaboration to date. By giving schools the tools and practical support to cut water waste, we’re helping to lower bills, protect resources, and inspire the next generation.”
Emily Thornton, Water Efficiency Coordinator at Northumbrian Water Group, added: “Carbon has been front of mind in many sustainability conversations, but water is just as critical to achieving net zero. We hope this project helps bring water efficiency into that discussion, highlighting how the two go hand in hand to deliver lasting environmental impact.”
Mark Sait, CEO of SaveMoneyCutCarbon, said: “We’ve partnered with Wave to help schools uncover and stop water waste – from dripping taps to inefficient fittings. Schools are often surprised by the scale of savings they can achieve, not just on their bills but also in their environmental impact.”
Richard Merrington, Sustainability Leader at St. Benet’s Primary School, which has taken part in the project, commented: “As teachers, we’re always building our knowledge to pass on to pupils, and water efficiency is a lesson that quickly spreads from school to home. Reducing carbon is one of our key goals, and water plays a huge part in that. This project has given us the expert support and practical tools we needed to make real, lasting changes.”
About the Big Blue Eco Booster Project
Each Water Savings Visit includes:
- Assessing water use from taps, toilets, urinals and showers
- Identifying leaks and areas of water waste
- Installing quick upgrades and fixes on site
- Providing estimates for longer-term investments, savings and payback
Schools also receive a tailored resource pack, educational posters, and a Big Blue Eco Booster Award to promote ongoing water efficiency engagement.
How to take part
The initiative is open to any school that is a Wave customer. Schools can register interest through Wave’s dedicated webpage: wave-utilities.co.uk/bigblue. Schools in the North East, Suffolk and Essex wholesale regions can access the programme free of charge, while others can participate on a subsidised basis.
