SUSTAINABILITY USE WATER WISELY


Natural resources need careful management, and that includes water. Kevin Stanley asks Cistermiser md Richard Braid how the company is helping to reduce water waste.


BMJ: What is Cistermiser currently doing about sustainability?


Richard Braid, managing director, Cistermiser: As a leader in water management our primary focus is on engineering products that minimise water wastage. Our Hydraulic Control Valves, sensor-activated urinal controls and infrared taps significantly reduce unnecessary water flow in commercial and public buildings. By integrating smart technology, we help businesses and facilities managers cut consumption without sacrificing hygiene or user convenience.


We play an active role in educating the industry about water sustainability. Through lunch & learns and toolbox talk training, industry events and thought leadership, we highlight how improved water management can lead to substantial savings and environmental benefits. Working closely with plumbing merchants, architects and specifiers also enables us to support sustainability-driven decision-making.


Our engagement extends to collaborations with industry bodies and regulatory groups, advocating for policies that encourage responsible water usage in the built environment. As water scarcity becomes an increasing global issue, we believe that businesses and public buildings must proactively adopt smart solutions and we are committed to supporting that transition.


BMJ: How is Cistermiser changing its processes to improve sustainability? RB: Sustainability isn’t just about what we produce - it’s about how we produce it. We’re committed to transforming our manufacturing, supply chain and business processes to become as environmentally responsible as possible.


One of our key priorities has been reducing the environmental impact of our production facilities. When replacing or investing in new machinery we are consciously selecting energy-efficient alternatives to lower our power consumption while ensuring high- quality manufacturing. Where possible, we are


systems, reducing water waste within our own facilities and encouraging paperless operations and digital transformation to reduce unnecessary resource use.


integrating renewable energy sources into our operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. To cut down our carbon footprint, we are continuously reviewing our material sourcing and logistics. By working with local suppliers and reducing transport emissions, we are not only improving sustainability but also enhancing the resilience of our supply chain. A significant part of our sustainability strategy involves minimising waste and increasing the use of recycled and recyclable materials. We are working towards reducing single-use plastics, exploring product refurbishability and enhancing product end-of- life management.


BMJ: What sustainable chnages has the company made? RB: We’ve made significant internal changes to align our business operations with environmentally responsible principles. These efforts have not only reduced our environmental footprint but have also made us a more efficient, cost-effective and future- ready business.


Recently we announced the arrival of our first batch of eco-friendly brown cartons for the Standard Hydraulic Valve. This transition from full-colour packaging to a single brown carton design reflects Cistermiser’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency. The brown cartons are a sturdy, updated design with clear artwork that enhances product security with improved structural integrity.


We have also implemented a range of energy-saving measures across our offices and manufacturing facilities, including switching to LED lighting and energy-efficient HVAC


March 2025 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


BMJ: How will customers benefit? RB: By focusing on innovative water management solutions, we enable businesses to meet stringent environmental regulations and sustainability targets without compromising performance or hygiene. Water waste often goes unnoticed, but the costs add up fast: a single leaking toilet can waste 400 litres per day, while traditional urinal cisterns that flush regardless of use (up to three times per hour) can waste hundreds of thousands of litres each year. A running tap typically uses around six litres of water per minute, so conventional taps left running also drive-up bills, particularly in high-use areas. One of the most significant ways we support sustainability is through our water-saving product range. Our sensor-activated urinal controls, infrared taps and intelligent water management systems ensure that water is only used when needed, reducing unnecessary consumption and preventing waste. By combining cutting-edge technology, education and industry leadership, we empower businesses to embrace sustainability while driving down operational costs.


BMJ: What do merchants need to know about what Cistermiser is doing? RB: For merchants, sustainability is no longer just an added benefit - it has become a major driver of purchasing decisions. With increasing pressure from both regulatory bodies and environmentally conscious building owners, businesses across all sectors are actively seeking solutions that help them reduce their environmental impact, comply with stricter water efficiency regulations and achieve their sustainability goals.


Merchants play a crucial role in ensuring that commercial buildings can meet DEFRA’s achievable new water-saving targets which we have publicly welcomed. These include a national goal to reduce water leakage by 37% by 2038 and 50% by 2050, and targets for commercial buildings to reduce leakage by 9% by 2038 and 15% by 2050. Cistermiser is committed to helping merchants future-proof their business by ensuring they are aligned with the latest industry trends, regulations and sustainability expectations. As standards continue to evolve, businesses that proactively offer smart, efficient water management solutions will be better positioned to meet customer needs and maintain a competitive edge. BMJ


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