In the UK, people use around 830 billion litres of water each year and spend £2.3 billion on heating water for showers, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Additionally, approximately 740 billion litres of water is flushed down the toilet annually.
As water becomes an increasingly precious resource, paired with drier summers and less predictable rainfall, water scarcity is a real issue.
Leading bathroom manufacturer, Geberit, understands the important role the bathroom must play in saving water. Here, Sophie Weston, Marketing Manager at Geberit, examines the products Geberit has innovated to help save water to help builders, architects and installers choose the most sustainable products for their projects.
At Geberit, we firmly believe that sustainability begins with thoughtful design, and we incorporate this ethos into every product we create. We understand that even small changes considered and implemented into the design of a bathroom, like choosing brassware with built-in water saving technology that offers better control of water usage, can have a significant impact on a property’s water consumption. Let’s take a look at some of the products that can help.
Infrared taps
At Geberit, our range includes infrared taps which respond to proximity, eliminating the risk of accidently leaving the water running. Taps equipped with this technology automatically stop water flow, even during brief interruptions, such as when someone pauses to brush their teeth.
Water saving WCs
An average household typically consumes more than 33 litres of water each day through toilet flushing. To address this significant water usage, dual flush technology has emerged as a highly effective solution. Geberit offer dual flush plates, which provide an additional ‘low’ flush option, further reducing water consumption with each flush.
Showers and baths
It comes as no surprise that showers are more water-efficient than baths, but we understand that people want both options. That’s why manufacturers like us are creating space-saving bathtubs with smaller water capacities.
To use less water in the shower without sacrificing performance, choosing a shower with a regulator or aerator. An aerator combines air with water to give the feeling of power while regulators place an upper limit on flow rates.
Commercial water-saving solutions
When it comes to commercial restroom projects, selecting the appropriate urinal system can make a substantial difference in the resultant water conservation.
Manufacturers are introducing innovative features, like various operation modes, which not only help save water but also reduce operating and maintenance expenses. Geberit has developed an integrated urinal flush control that offers three different power supply options. It efficiently cleans the urinal ceramic with just 0.5 litres of water per flush.
Additionally, some urinal systems incorporate a water-saving flush function and proximity flushes, making them ideal for heavy footfall washrooms. Flushing time is decreased when user frequency increases – so, for instance, the pre-set flush time is halved when another user approaches the urinal within one minute after the most recent flushing. Flow rate can also be reduced by changing the duration of the flush.
By championing products like infrared taps, dual flush toilets, efficient showers and urinal flush controls, Geberit empowers housebuilders to make environmentally conscious choices. These small yet impactful design changes have the potential to substantially reduce a property’s water consumption.
For more information about Geberit and our water-saving products visit www.geberit.co.uk.