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Small changes in the bathroom can make a big difference to water consumption
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Earlier this year, World Water Day highlighted the importance of fresh water and advocated for the sustainable management of water resources. Climate change is already taking its toll with water resources becoming more precious than ever. It goes without saying that water is a non-replaceable resource. We have to learn that using water responsibly needs to be a way of life, not just something we think about once in a while.
Water waste
The reality is that there still is a lot of work to be done in the field of sustainable water usage. The average person in the UK uses 150 litres each day yet still nearly a third of this water runs straight down the drain without being used. One of the areas where we can make most impact in the home is in the bathroom, where 63% of the water piped into UK homes is used.
As a leading bathroom manufacturer, Ideal Standard has a role to play and an opportunity to make a positive difference to the environment. We are constantly on the lookout for ways to create more water-efficient products which will help people to save both water and money. We are proud of our water-saving technology and stock a wide range of water efficient products such as closed coupled WCs, dual-flush toilets, low volume baths and showers for both the residential and commercial market.
Small changes
We firmly believe that even the smallest change can make a big difference – especially when it’s repeated every day. If, with every shower, bath or WC flush we save a little water, this can mount up to very large volumes conserved. Having shorter showers instead of baths, and not leaving the tap running while brushing teeth (it can waste up to five litres of water a minute), will help us reduce our water consumption in the bathroom without too much effort.
Legislation update
Recent Government regulation should also help steer us in the right direction. In April 2010, new Building Regulations regarding the use of water were put in place concerning new dwellings and dwellings created by a change of use of an existing building. Now, recent buildings must not exceed a water efficiency standard of 125 litres per person per day. Calculations can be made using the Water Efficiency Calculator, which is a methodology and tool for new dwellings, introduced as part of the Part G regulation.
The tool helps to calculate the theoretical water usage per person per day in a domestic building. Modern WCs, for example, often require less water than older models and by specifying a dual flush suite the smaller flush will be measured in a 2:1 usage ratio – dramatically reducing the amount of water consumed.
Personal responsibility
Sustainable water use is a key priority for Ideal Standard but it isn’t just about reducing water wastage – it is about using water responsibly. The next decade will see us at the forefront of developments to enhance sustainability. However, our efforts will be in vain unless it is seen as part of a multifaceted approach to the problem that combines product innovation, government intervention and widespread consumer education.
Tony Rheinberg is marketing manager of Armitage Shanks, one of the brands of Ideal Standard International.
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