With the desire to develop sustainable solutions increasing, managing water usage is more important than ever. Sophie Weston of Twyford takes a look at recent water-saving innovations.
Water scarcity is a growing global concern, and buildings play a crucial role in water consumption. Of course, manufacturers are responding, and significant innovation has been evident in water efficiency measures. Key industry stakeholders, from specifiers to installers, now have access to a wide range of products and technologies, from water saving toilets to taps with built-in technology.
The key is in incorporating technologies that do not require major change from users, because evidence shows that there will be little change if left to user habits.
However, it’s important to reassure tenants that even small changes in the bathroom can have a significant impact on water consumption. For instance, brassware like the infra-red spout has built-in water-saving technology, allowing the customer to have better control of their water consumption. Infrared taps are proximity-activated, eliminating the risk of accidentally leaving the water flowing. Taps fitted with this technology will usually halt the water even for the briefest of absences, such as when reaching for the soap.
The toilet flush is one area that has been a real focus of development, and it is easy to see why when you consider that more than 11 billion litres of potable water are used in buildings in the UK every day, and over a third of that is used to flush toilets. On average, a full flush toilet uses 13 litres of water per flush compared to a dual flush toilet, which uses four to six litres, making dual flush technology one of the most effective ways to reduce water consumption.
Manufacturers are increasingly producing dual flush plates and cistern systems that feature water saving as standard. This uses four or 2.6 litres for each flush; that’s 60% less water than a standard toilet.
However, water saving cisterns are only the first step. Maintenance and upkeep are essential. The integrity of washers in valves and flat rubber seals can degrade over years of usage, so remind your tenants to check their WCs for running water in the bowl when the toilet has not been flushed.
To help tenants reduce water usage in the shower without compromising on performance, showers fitted with a regulator or aerator are recommended. An aerator combines air with water to give the feeling of power while regulators place an upper limit on flow rates.
Despite a shower using less water than a bath, most customers still like the choice. Manufacturers are continuing to develop space saving tubs with a lower water capacity, providing the perfect option for residents who want to save water while still enjoying the occasional soak.
Public sector
The pressure on public sector projects shows no sign of letting up, with ageing buildings, dwindling budgets and increased regulatory demands all coming together to create unique challenges for landlords and operators.
Remember, the Government has committed to cut emissions from public sector buildings by 50% by 2032, and 75% by 2037 against 2017 levels, on the path to 2050. The Future Buildings Standard, set to come into force in 2025, will also set minimum efficiency standards for new non-domestic buildings, following changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations.
Green measures to help meet these targets inevitably focus largely on energy intensive services like heating, but water efficiency is another key driver in improving the sustainability of our buildings and should not be ignored.
Additionally, the Building Regulations Approved Document Part G states that “reasonable provision must be made by the installation of fittings and fixed appliances that use water efficiently for the prevention of undue consumption of water.” New domestic properties should be designed and built so that they use no more mains water than an average of 125 litres per person per day.
The future bathroom
As demands for eco-friendly designs continue to grow, and as regulations around building efficiency become more stringent, green innovations that combine luxury and comfort with substantial environmental benefits will become an attractive option for landlords and residents looking to create spaces that are both appealing and sustainable.
With all of this in mind, and as perceptions continue to evolve, multifunctional, technology driven solutions for water efficiency should form a key part of any sustainability design and planning in new and existing homes.
Sophie Weston is head of marketing at Twyford