Kate Hirst at Lecico Bathrooms taps into the crucial issue of water scarcity, and how specifiers looking to water saving products can help to provide a host of economic, social, and environmental benefits
Today, one in 10 people have no access to drinking water. Eight years from now, it is estimated that there will be a 40% shortfall in water supply. By 2050 water demand will increase by 55% with growing populations coupled with increasing water scarcity. Recent consultations with the UK Government on water labelling, changes to Part G of the Building Regulations, and recent water shortages mean that product manufacturers can play a lead role in addressing these challenges.
Bathrooms account for 90% of water use in commercial buildings, with almost 50% of the water being used for flushing toilets. In homes, Part G stipulates that we should use no more than 125 litres of water per day. Given the enormous amount of water used, any savings that can be achieved will have a significant impact in managing water sustainably for the future.
Environmental assessment tools
Choosing water saving products is now a legislative requirement for new buildings, and the need for demonstrable sustainability measures is having a big impact on building design, with clients looking at more sustainable ways to build and fit out their buildings.
Building designers often adopt environmental assessment tools to help guide product selection, demonstrate best practice, and document their efforts to create sustainable environments.
Using an environmental assessment tool greatly improves the likelihood of making informed and creative decisions in the way a project is designed. Selecting the right materials, products, and M&E and plumbing systems, can greatly reduce the building’s initial (and life cycle) impact on the environment, including reduced consumption of water, reduced energy costs, and a healthier environment for users.
Product innovation
Consequently, sustainability and water saving has become a very important consideration for the bathroom industry and conservation of water is leading to significant developments in product innovation. Bathroom manufacturers are aiding building designers in their quest to reduce water consumption by producing new, exciting, innovative, and technologically advanced products. Current ranges of water saving products include WCs which only require 4/2.6 litres of water for flushing, waterless urinals, water saving baths, and flow restrictors in taps. A recent innovation in toilets is also making a significant impact in water saving.
Propelair – a new toilet innovation and the “world’s lowest water-flush toilet” – uses only 1.5 litres per flush. It is the highest performer under BREEAM’s water efficiency guidelines, using up to 84% less water than conventional toilets. Its patented design has been engineered specifically for commercial, public, and heavy footfall premises.
The benefits of water saving are significant and comprehensive. With consciousness of waste, carbon emissions, climate change and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) being at the forefront of commercial clients’ concerns, saving water is high on the agenda. Selecting water-efficient products not only saves water but directly impacts a premises’ carbon footprint by reducing the need for supply and water treatment processing.
Macro-economic, social, and sustainability drivers have led to water saving being an important consideration for all new build and refurbishment construction projects. The benefits offered by specifying water saving products include environmental, economic, and social benefits as described in the next paragraphs.
Economic benefits
Significant reductions can be made in a building’s operational costs by using less water – chiefly as a result of less maintenance, and lower water bills. Organisations can also claim capital allowances (under their annual investment allowances) for specifying water saving products.
Environmental benefits
With less water being used, natural waterway habitats are more protected. Significant carbon savings can also be made from reductions in water treatment plants and processing.
Social benefits
Using less water in buildings also has a social impact – we are all aware of the damage our lifestyles have on the environment and are looking to change our habits. The technological developments in water-efficient products mean the construction industry is in a strong position to effect change.
Kate Hirst is commercial director at Lecico Bathrooms