Welcome to the Loughborough University Sustainability Blog Guide – your go to guide to practical yet fun ways to live and work more sustainably. This blog series is part of Sustainability Week (10-14 November) and is designed to support both students and staff in making meaningful sustainable changes. 

Water is one of our most precious resources, and every drop counts. At Loughborough, we’re committed to reducing water waste and helping everyone make small changes that add up to a big impact. Here are some practical tips for students and staff to keep water use in check. 

For students 

• Wait for a full load before running your washing machine or dishwasher. Half loads waste water and energy – combine laundry or share loads with housemates to make the most of every cycle. 

• Don’t overfill your kettle: Boiling more water than you need uses extra energy and takes longer. Fill the kettle just enough for your cup or pot.  

• Rinse fruit and vegetables in a bowl instead of under a running tap. Then reuse that water for houseplants or garden pots.  

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth: A running tap can waste up to 6 litres per minute. Just wet your brush, turn off the tap, and save litres every day! 

• Limit your shower time to 4 minutes: Quick showers save water and energy. Try timing yourself or use a playlist with short tracks to keep it fun! 

For staff 

• Fit an aerator to your tap: This simple device reduces water flow without affecting performance, saving litres every day.  

• Apply for a free water meter from Severn Trent: Monitoring your usage helps identify waste and encourages mindful habits. 

Try this 

Bring your own bottle! There are plenty of refill taps across campus, so you can stay hydrated without single-use plastics. 

Did you know? 

Water and energy use are closely linked. Heating water takes energy, so saving water also reduces your carbon footprint. The average person in the UK uses around 150 litres of water every day.