- News
- Magazine
- Awards
- CRC
- Legislation
- Housing
- Renewables
- Non-domestic
- Water
- Energy
- Waste & recyc..
- Refurbishment
- Innovation
- Materials
- Biodiversity
- Interiors
- Books
- Training
- Transport
- Links
- Events
Significant water savings are possible in commercial buildings with the right products
http://www.greenbuildnews.co.uk/images/img/articles/297_198/Articles_79_1_1272443670.jpg
The 1993 Dublin Statement on water and sustainable development called for concerted action to reverse over-consumption, pollution, and rising threats from drought and floods – as seen in the UK. Yet, we still use considerably more water than three decades back. Despite massive regional water company investment, leakage from mains remains a major issue.
Through BREEAM, Government is encouraging proper evaluation of water management control with solutions such as electronic/self-closing basin taps and showers delivering regulated water-saving flow rates.
Holistic solutions
BREEAM recognises effective water management is part of the total building solution, which makes a significant contribution to reducing energy and running costs. It helps create a building that is more attractive to potential clients and demonstrates environmental commitment to customers and staff. Its management checklist of building performance encourages a better, healthier working environment for staff or building users. The ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowances) scheme urges private companies to invest in environmentally beneficial products for water saving.
Water management
Historically, domestic water control product solutions are used in commercial applications where usage patterns and user demands are different. Significant savings can be achieved in commercial buildings, notably via water utilisation, basins and shower controls.
Effective water management is part of the total building solution, together with anti-scald safety, hygiene and easy-use, low-maintenance products.
Water supply and drainage costs impact on the bottom line. Consider that hot water costs between five and eight times the cost of cold water with energy, storage and treatment costs, then the impact on high water users can be dramatic.
Motorway services, schools, leisure companies and retail are seeing increases associated with water supply.
Examples of effective solutions
The traditional basin mixer designed for low-pressure applications is a water waster in today’s modern commercial plumbing systems. However, cost-effective time flow basin taps with pre-set flow rate are simple and eliminate cross contamination risk. Water savings of over 60%, with equivalent energy savings, can be achieved.
An anti-blocking tap where flow commences after the push button is released prevents deliberate flooding of public or school washrooms. New generation electronic controls with non-touch operation prevent cross contamination, so risk of transferring harmful bacteria and viruses is reduced.
Thermostatic shower valves are now installed in new and existing domestic properties. Used around 100 times a day in the demanding sports and leisure sector, regulating the water delivered means considerable savings in water and energy.
Urinal flushing systems can be major water users, however, the direct flush solutions used extensively throughout Europe offer self-closing or non-touch infrared operation. Specifiers should look to the low-maintenance solutions now readily available.
Rainwater harvesting requires sizeable capital investment to collect, store, treat and distribute water, so it is crucial that we effectively and wisely manage this water resource.
Bob Purdom is Douglas Delabie's commercial director.
For further information visit www.douglasdelabie.co.uk.
Search related articles
