FOCUS | Sustainability
WATER WORLD W
Julie Spinks, managing director of Water Regs UK, explains how retailers can include water efficiency on the list of customer priorities when it comes to upgrading their kitchens and bathrooms
ith people spending more time in their houses than ever
before, home improvement has been high on the consumer agenda in the last year, with bathrooms and kitchens being at the forefront of homeowners’ priority lists.
As retailers continue to advise their customers on new designs, water effi ciency should be a central part of that conversation.
Recent research from Water Regs UK shows that one in three adults have become more conscious of their water usage during lockdown and the last year, with many now attempting new water saving habits.
By advising customers on their options when it comes to water effi cient products, retailers are not only playing a part in saving water but they’re also helping homeowners save money in the long run, if they are on a water meter.
Advising customers on water effi cient products Retailers are in a unique position to be able to advise and guide customers on creating water effi cient spaces in their homes. Their expertise is valued, and they are respected for having the widest view of the solutions on the market.
When it comes to making the fi nal decision, a customer will only choose the product that is right for them and their needs, but by providing them with information and guidance about all the possible ways to save, retailers can ensure they are playing a part in the wider push to reduce water wastage. The most important thing that a retailer can do is ensure that it shares water effi ciency information for every
Kitchen and bathroom retailers can make a big contribution to the ongoing drive to reducing the amount of water wasted in UK homes every day
product that uses water. An easy way to do that, is to use products with the European Water Label. This will give consumers the information to make an informed choice and compare the water effi ciency of different options. Water UK are suggesting that the UK government introduces a mandatory water label in the Environment Bill, so consumers always have the information when deciding which product to buy*.
And there is an extensive range of water effi cient products to choose from, whether homeowners are refi tting an entire bathroom or simply replacing their toilet. If unsure on the water effi ciency of a product, look out for the European Water Label which rates products based on their water effi ciency. Alternatively, retailers can also visit
europeanwaterlabel.eu and look for A-rated products.
Retailers should offer long- term water-saving advice Even though people are becoming more aware of water use, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they know what practical steps they can take to become more water effi cient.
WATER SAVING TIPS
Here are some general tips retailers can offer consumers to help them save water in their day to day lives:
• Turning off the tap when brushing teeth can save around six litres of water per minute. • Rather than running a ‘full’ bath, a bath that is just one inch shallower than normal. Doing this can save on average fi ve litres of water per bath.
40
• Having shorter showers not only saves water but also reduces the cost of an energy bill. Heating water for baths, showers and taps can account for up to 25% of energy bills, so fi nding ways to save water here will save energy and money.
• Washing dishes as soon as they’ve been used, rather than leaving the food to go hard, will make it quicker and easier to wash the dirt away. It in turns reduces the amount of water being used each mealtime and less time scrubbing pot and pans.
As a trusted source, consumers may turn to retailers for guidance not only on what products to buy, but also how to use them. That makes a kitchen or bathroom upgrade a great opportunity to offer advice on saving water in the home. To sum up, retailers can play an important role in water saving and sustainability by helping homeowners choose more water effi cient products for their homes, which are both suitable for their design and eco-conscious. Simple advice and guidance can help customers save water, energy and money through good design and careful selection of fi ttings and appliances, without compromising user experience.
By making the right suggestions to each customer and making water effi ciency a fundamental part of the kitchen or bathroom specifi cation process, retailers can make a big contribution to the ongoing drive to reducing the amount of water wasted in UK homes every day.
Some suitable water-saving product options:
1
Toilets must have a maximum fl ush of six litres to comply with the Water Fittings Regulations. However, there are many designs with lower fl ush volumes including some dual fl ush designs that are as low as 4 and 2 litres for the large/small fl ush option. These lower fl ushes can help to save 2-4 litres per fl ush, provided that they are maintained.
a third of the water used in a typical shower, which also saves money by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the water. These shower heads still offer a great experience and don’t impact on performance.
2
3 4
Low fl ow taps are a great option so customers can use less water without compromising on the experience.
Retailers should not only encourage consumers to consider the energy and water effi ciency of the kitchen appliances they are specifying but to also highlight any specifi c eco settings and ensure they choose a capacity to suit their household.
Water effi cient shower heads can save more than
· June 2021
*
www.water.org.uk/publication/water-uk-recommendations-on-water-effi ciency/
SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL
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