Catholic schools are benefiting from more than £2 million in contracts secured through a national water services framework provided by Churchmarketplace and partners.
The framework, launched in 2024 and delivered by a partnership of Churchmarketplace, Wodr and Business Stream, has helped 170 Catholic organisations including schools and dioceses to join the framework and reduce costs while improving water efficiency.
Churchmarketplace was established in 2010 as the purchasing platform for the Catholic Church in England and Wales to deliver best value on a wide range of goods and services. Wodr, a specialist water consultancy and broker, led and delivered a competitive tender process on behalf of Churchmarketplace, resulting in the appointment of Business Stream as its exclusive water retailer.
Nikki Sinclair, Office Manager at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery, in the Diocese of Northampton, said: “From the very start the team have been very informative and made the whole process so easy. The service received has been amazing and it has taken a significant weight off our shoulders.”
Jennifer Booth, Director at Churchmarketplace said: “We’re delighted that this framework is having such a positive impact already. The framework provides a streamlined solution for Catholic organisations to receive expert support, insight and tools to manage their water use effectively, helping to generate financial and environmental savings.”
An education programme has also been introduced to support schools in promoting water stewardship among pupils, linking practical action with curriculum-based learning. This initiative reinforces the Catholic Church’s commitment to environmental responsibility, encouraging younger generations to understand the importance of conserving natural resources.
Since its introduction, the framework has enabled organisations to access more competitive pricing and tailored support. Beyond financial savings, the framework is also delivering environmental benefits, such as access to water efficiency tools including site audits, leak detection support and automated meter reading technology, enabling consumption monitoring and usage reduction.
The framework’s success reflects a growing demand for solutions combining cost efficiency with environmental and social value. With more organisations expected to join in the coming months, the framework is well positioned to build on its early momentum and deliver long-term value for participating institutions.
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