Australia has secured international support to establish a new ISO project committee on water efficiency.
The new Australian-led committee will facilitate the development of a new international standard on water efficiency labelling, using the Australian Standard AS/NZS 6400, Water efficient products – Rating and labelling as a foundation.
The move follows a decision in February by the ISO Technical Management Board to support the proposal.
“This will allow Australia to maximize the opportunity to promote greater water efficiency standards across the world by leading the international committee responsible for the work,” Standards Australia CEO Dr. Bronwyn Evans, said.
“This latest achievement is another example of Australia leading the efforts of international standard development to address a global problem.
“Many will be familiar with the star rating on water products,” Evans said. “However, the benefit of this labelling standard goes beyond giving clear water efficiency labels on products for Australian consumers. The support of the Commonwealth Government and the work of Standards Australia will enable Australian manufacturers to compete internationally, as well as play a role in a more water efficient future.”
The Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards Regulator in the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Paul Morris, said Australia’s progress on water efficiency labelling is leading the world.
“The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme has been very effective at conserving water in Australia and is highly regarded internationally,” Morris said.
“By 2021 the use of water efficient products will help reduce domestic water use by an estimated 150,000 million litres each year. In the same year, Australians will save more than one billion dollars through reduced water and energy bills.
“An International Standard will help other countries obtain similar water savings and, at the same time, benefit Australian consumers and manufacturers by reducing manufacturing costs.”
Work will continue in the coming months to establish the committee and make international progress toward an international standard on water-efficient products.