The first meeting of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) committee has included a discussion about the development of an international standard for water efficiency.
Twenty-one delegates from around the world converged in Sydney in late July where they discussed the development of a universal standard.
Federal Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston, said that a new international benchmark will become a tool that can be used across the globe to inform consumers and reduce water use.
“Water is one of our most important natural resources. We are dependent on water, or the lack of it, in many ways,” Ms Ruston said.
“Better managing water resources delivers powerful environmental and social benefits.
“International standards are also an important way to reduce costs for businesses as they minimise the need to comply with country-specific requirements.”
Ms Ruston said Australia put forward the proposal to the ISO to establish an international standard.
“Many countries, including Australia, already have national water savings programs,” Ms Ruston said.
“Australia’s successful Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme has enabled consumers to save money on their water and energy bills, with an estimated $3 billion cumulative savings over the first decade of the arrangement.
“We are now developing a standard for global application.”
