- News
- Magazine
- Awards
- CRC
- Legislation
- Housing
- Renewables
- Non-domestic
- Water
- Energy
- Waste & recyc..
- Refurbishment
- Innovation
- Materials
- Biodiversity
- Interiors
- Books
- Training
- Transport
- Links
- Events
Geberit’s Duofix urinal frames feature an infra-red automatic flush
http://www.greenbuildnews.co.uk/images/img/articles/297_198/Articles_416_1_1311931158.jpg
Part G of the Building Regulations was updated last year to include six water-saving requirements instead of the former three. However, there has yet to be a similar document introduced to force specifiers and designers to include water-saving products within commercial buildings.
According to Roca’s Georgina Spencer: “The original idea for an equivalent system to the Code for Sustainable Homes is now not going ahead as it was proving too difficult to standardise one system for the variety of non-domestic buildings. Instead, the BSI committee is working on a water consumption project. They have commissioned the BRE to develop a possible future method for calculating water consumption in non-domestic buildings. However, the general consensus in the industry is that this is going to be very difficult to achieve due to the difference in use in the different buildings.” Although she adds: “Once a scheme such as this comes into effect, much in the same way as the Code for Sustainable Homes has affected newbuild, it will encourage commercial builders to plan ahead and make selective decisions on which appliances and products will be installed in order to comply with the specified maximum of water and energy usage within the building in line with the criteria.”
Points scheme
With numerous products available to choose from, it may not be mandatory to specify water-saving products, but that’s not to say it isn’t worthwhile. Christian Taylor-Hamlin, technical director of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), explains: “It is voluntary for designers and specifiers to put in water-saving products, however it is more beneficial for them to do so. Buildings now have to be energy rated and there is a points system set up by BREEAM which is worked out on a product basis, depending on the technology that is put in. It is an advantage to specifiers to have a building with a better specification as people are more likely to want to use it when it is finished.”
And Mark Russell at Hansgrohe adds: “BREEAM ratings for commercial buildings are a key focus with regards to general sustainability, but for water saving specifically, the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme provides a genuine carrot. Applicable to all commercially owned buildings, the scheme allows businesses to write-off 100% of their spending in the first year when they invest in any approved product that saves water. These products are detailed in the water technology list on the ECA website and this ‘off-set’ is against their corporation tax.”
Common savings
Therefore, it is relatively easy for designers or specifiers for non-domestic buildings to find products that will not only save water and give the building a higher rating over all, but also save them money. There is a common agreement among industry experts that there will eventually be a greater demand for water-saving products and they will eventually become more commonplace within commercial buildings. Paul Tanner, head of sales and marketing at Waterfront Bathrooms, says: “Water-saving products themselves have been largely used as gimmicks or viewed as luxury items whereas now, I think we will begin to see them become the norm rather than the exception in the majority of commercial environments.”
The products that are now available on the market combine design and performance with water-saving features and therefore are more aesthetically pleasing as well as high performing, giving designers and specifiers even more reason to opt for a more efficient product. According to David Osbourne, managing director of Roman: “Many people still perceive eco-products as being low performance. This is just no longer the case. Architects and specifiers have the opportunity to lead the way and, unquestionably, install products which offer excellent performance, but which are efficient with water usage.”
Things to consider
However, while there are many advantages in specifying eco-products, there are also some considerations to take into account. Maintenance will always be key within commercial buildings as well as ease of use, ease of installation and the need for robust products with a long guarantee. Aesthetics, performance, style, budget and hygiene are also factors which will need to be taken into account. For example, aesthetics will be especially important for hotels to ensure the products do not impact on the users’ washroom experience and hygiene will be of a high importance to buildings such as hospitals and schools.
Hansgrohe’s Mark Russell adds: “Water-saving, hygiene and quality are three of the top considerations for specifiers. Equally important is design. Commercial buildings are not just about function, they should also include dynamic products that’s appeal aesthetically.” Yet there are a range of products on the market which cater for these needs. Infra-red technology, wall-hung WCs, flow restrictors and products which recycle water all contribute to the offering available.
Future savings
As the choice of eco-products increases, so will the level of technology and performance. “These environmental concerns are here to stay and legislation and regulations that govern commercial installations will only get more restrictive as time goes on, so we would expect that rather than being something of a selling point, which they are currently, these water-saving products will become commonplace for the majority of commercial projects,” says Victoria Willis, product manager of sanitary systems at Geberit.
And David Osbourne of Roman believes water efficiency is the future: “As we move forward, the only products that will be brought to market will be water-efficient ones. There is a wide and diverse offering at the moment, but moving forward the market will respond to new regulations and legislation, and also in turn, to demand from builders and consumers’ needs.”
Product round up
- Geberit’s Duofix urinal frames feature an infra-red automatic flush, which only flush after each use rather than automatically at intervals and typically use one litre of water per flush.
- The Blade sensor basin monobloc tap from Waterfront Bathrooms features touch-free operation and is said to reduce water consumption by 70%.
- All of VitrA’s WCs can now be sat to flush at 4/2.6 litres and their new T4 brassware has a flow-rate of 7.1 litres.
- The Low Volume Celtic bath from Twyford Bathrooms takes less than 140 litres to fill to the overflow, measures 1700 x 700mm and is made from 1.8mm gauge steel material. Twyford Bathrooms also offer the Moda range, available as close-coupled, back-to-wall or wall hung, with a 4/2.6 litre flush
- Roman offer the RVE007 valve which incorporates a oval shaped drench head and multi-mode hand shower. The valve features flow regulators and an instant cut off at 38 C in the event of a hot or cold water failure
- The Deva Sensor taps from Methven are vandal resistant and feature a 12-year parts guarantee. They are designed to save water and energy as well as offer high standards of hygiene for hospitals, schools and washrooms.
- Thin by Azzura of Italy for Alchemy Design Award is a bathroom collection with a 2.7 litre flush. It is designed by Studio Angeletti Ruzza and aims to offer a cool, contemporary look.
- The Spruzzo spray tap from The 1810 Company has a flow rate of 3 litres per minute and features a pressure reducer. It is available in brushed steel and chrome finishes.
Search related articles
