Environmental performance indicators: The water industry of England and Wales

Water companies in England and Wales produce reports using environmental performance indicators which have been developed in-house. However, there is no recognised methodology for the development of these indicators, and an analysis of available guidance led to the proposal of an appropriate model. This model was tested by semi-structured interviews of water-company managers, and a questionnaire was completed by managers from other industries. The responses from the interviews supported the inclusive, quality-driven approach advocated by the model, and indicated a need to examine (a) the style of management, (b) the staffing structure in water companies, (c) the connection between environmental management systems and indicator development, (d) types of objectives and targets, and (e) the use of indicators as public-relations tools. The result is a methodology for indicator development which can be applied by managers in industry.