Responsible water management in the company’s outdoor areas

Managing water responsibly in company outdoor spaces

A responsible water management around company buildings is essential to reduce the environmental impact while optimising resources. By adapting landscaping and infrastructure, it is possible to preserve water resources in a sustainable way by maximising rainwater harvesting.

This measure combines water savings, biodiversity preservation and greater resilience to climate change.

Analysing water needs for outdoor facilities

Analysis of water flows outdoors

• Quantify the drinking water used outdoors
  • Install meters and sub-metering systems;
  • Monitor consumption and detect anomalies (e.g. potential leaks risks).

⛔A dripping tap equates to a loss of 5 litres of water per hour. 120 litres per day. Nearly 43m³ per year.

• Quantify potentially recoverable water flows using a rainwater harvesting system, for uses that do not require drinking water
  • Conduct a feasibility study to determine resources and needs;
  • Select the most appropriate technical solutions;
  • Ensure and maintain the energy efficiency of the technical solutions implemented in the water recovery system over time.

• Increase on-site infiltration capacity
  • Assess soil permeability, site topography, and drainage possibilities.

• Quantify the water flows to be temporarily retained to reduce flow rates and the overflow risks
  • Assess the impermeability on site in relation to stormwater retention needs

Implementation of various measures

• Landscape areas according to natural water flows
  • Install retention areas or basins to capture and infiltrate rainwater
  • Design slopes and channels to direct water towards plants or designated drainage areas.

• Reduce impervious surfaces
  • Replace paving stones or asphalt with permeable materials to promote water infiltration
  • Integrate green roofs to capture and use rainwater efficiently.

• Choose suitable and resistant plants
  • Consult a qualified horticulturist and prioritize native or climate-adapted, species that are low in water demand, allowing for better infiltration or evapotranspiration.
  • Reduce or eliminate lawns in favour of ground covers.

• Adopt water-efficient irrigation methods
  • Opt for drip or underground irrigation systems to minimise evaporation.
  • Water early in the morning or in the evening to prevent water loss due to heat.
  • Install timers or humidity sensors.

• Set up a water action plan
  • Carry out a water audit and have a professional draw up an action plan;
  • Include in the action plan procedures for water use in and around the building and establish monitoring indicators to measure the impact and improvement with the water management.

• Set contractual water consumption targets with service providers
  • To involve the entire value chain in the company’s water management measures, it is recommended to include water efficiency requirements in tenders and  relevant clauses to contracts for the design and maintenance of outdoor spaces. 

Subsidy application

Government subsidies

SME Packages – Sustainability

• Subsidy for small and medium-sized enterprises, covering up to 70% of eligible costs for projects aimed at reducing their environmental impact. The total cost of the project must be between €3,000 and €25,000 excluding VAT.
• For any questions:
  • Chambre des Métier for artisans
  • Chamber of Commerce for businesses in non-craft sectors

Fit 4 Sustainability programme

• The Fit 4 Sustainability programme provides co-financing for an environmental audit + action plan on one or more themes selected by the company (energy, GHG, waste, water, etc.).
• Subsidy of up to 50%, 60% and 70% of the fees for carrying out an environmental study (energy audit and/or carbon footprint assessment) + a detailed and costed action plan to reduce consumption/GHG emissions (medium and long-term investments, ROI, etc.) – open to SMEs and large companies (except those that are required to carry out a mandatory regulatory audit).
• For questions: Luxinnovation

Environmental protection scheme – Investment aid for environmental protection

• Verification of company and cost eligibility: General Directorate – State Aid and Company Financing
  • Support for preparing the subsidy application file before submission to the Ministry of the Economy
    • For any questions: Luxinnovation
  • Further information and recommendations for companies regarding environmental investments are available in the Simplified guide for companies

N.B. Government subsidies cannot be combined for the same project.