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INTERIORS
At this moment, architects can transform their designs into catalysts for change, champions of sustainability, and guardians of our water resources
Turning attention to the toilet, innovations like the dual flush valve have allowed consumers to significantly reduce their water use, lowering flush volumes from 13 to just four litres.
Reputable bathroom manufacturers spend a great deal of time and effort developing water-saving devices for the domestic market and large commercial installations. Take, for example, hotels. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance estimates that an average hotel can use 1,500 litres of water per room daily. Many establishments nudge their customers to consider water consumption within their personal spaces, but what about communal areas? Many communal urinal washrooms are set to flush frequently throughout the day, even if not used. However, recent innovations have resulted in the development of infrared sensor-controlled systems that automatically flush each urinal after use. One UK trial of this system within one hotel achieved a water saving of 84%.
Driving the uptake of water efficiency In architecture, where innovation meets creation, it’s crucial to remember that sustainability and water conservation buzzwords should never be dismissed as mere trends. Even in a place like the UK, where rain often graces our landscape, we are not impervious to the ever- encroaching effects of climate change. It takes only a brief drought to plunge regions into water scarcity.
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
In response, Defra has charted a clear course for England, aiming to reduce water consumption per capita by 20% compared to the 2019/20 baseline. They envision a future where water labelling becomes ubiquitous on all water-utilising products, from taps and showers to WCs and appliances. The regulations for this mandatory water label are on the horizon, poised for imminent implementation. It is a cause that the BMA and its members have embraced wholeheartedly, actively participating and contributing to this endeavour. Many international brands have already aligned with the Unified Water Label (UWL). This European-wide initiative clearly labels sanitary ware and bathroom fittings such as toilets, taps, and shower heads, showing how much water each product uses. The UWL, which we hope Defra will adopt, is similar to the energy efficiency labels we often see: red for high use and green for low usage, and it also shows how many litres of water per minute it uses. With many major brands and retailers using the label, the choice of designs, styles, and availability is uncompromised. The truth is that water-efficient products are already within our grasp, tailored for both domestic and commercial settings. Yet, as stakeholders in our industry, we must collectively amplify the message that these products stand ready for adoption, urging their widespread use.
The successful adoption of water-saving products, their proper utilisation, and the cultivation of water-efficient behaviours depend on the unwavering commitment of our entire sector. This commitment extends to architects and designers whose creative influence shapes the built environment. I implore architects to initiate the dialogue with their clients, illuminating the substantial long-term benefits to their finances and environmental footprint. At this moment, architects can transform their designs into catalysts for change, champions of sustainability, and guardians of our water resources. Let us rise to the occasion for the betterment of our planet and future generations. Together, we can make a significant difference, one visionary design at a time.
Tom Reynolds is chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA)
ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
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