WASHROOMS
WASHROOMS OF THEFUTURE
Richard Braid, Managing Director of Cistermiser, looks at how innovation and technology is helping to protect our precious water resources and hastening the arrival of the future washroom.
What might the ‘future washroom’ entail? Thanks to technology and innovation, it is not impossible to visualise a washroom so integrated within the building's infrastructure that it can dial down or enhance its services and energy consumption based on real-time demand. And though it may still be many years away, it could also be conceivable to develop a washroom space so advanced that it not only detects and autonomously repairs leaks, but also self-cleans and auto-replenishes supplies.
A distant dream perhaps, but by looking forward and implementing such innovations into washrooms, we would also be taking a significant leap towards conserving water resources and safeguarding a supply that is currently facing challenges to meet the future demands of everyone in the UK.
""In July 2022, when temperatures hit 40.2 degrees and water use surged by 50%, reservoirs languished at their lowest levels in three decades."
What isn’t in doubt is that the dwindling availability of water is becoming an increasingly evident reality. In the sweltering peak of July 2022, when temperatures hit 40.2 degrees and water use surged by 50%, reservoirs languished at their lowest levels in three decades. As the summers continue to grow hotter and rainfall becomes more erratic, it’s a pattern we can expect to see more
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frequently. Estimates indicate that water availability could plummet by 10% to 15% over the next 25 years, with some rivers having up to 80% less water during the summer months. The water landscape of 2050 may look starkly different than today.
Climate change is also making water leakage a major issue. The downpours of winter, together with dry summers are leading to parched soil that shifts and fractures, putting pressure on water pipes, while frequent freeze-thaw cycles affect both the external and internal structures of pipes, potentially causing damage. Although water companies have committed to reducing leakage by 16% by next year, the problem will still remain. With the UK's population on track to balloon to 75 million by mid-century, each person will contribute to the already strained demand for water. The goal for the future is clear: plentiful water for all. But everyone needs to play their part – and decreasing demand is a great start.
Pioneering efforts to create innovative solutions for conserving water and energy in restrooms are well underway. These initiatives not only tackle current water preservation issues but also set a blueprint for the future of smart washrooms. For nearly 50 years, Cistermiser has been front and centre of research and development into conserving water and our deep knowledge and expertise means we are now working on innovations that will drive sustainability and enhance user experience in commercial and public sector washrooms into the future.
The journey towards sustainable washroom ecosystems is complex, requiring a multifaceted approach that includes technological innovation, user education and a commitment to environmental stewardship. However, as we look to the future, the role of technology in driving this transformation cannot be overstated. With each
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