INDUSTRY UPDATE
BiKBBI –
Sustainability...it makes commercial sense!
W
ith the evident rise in public debate on the subject of our protecting our precious environment, the government focus on reducing our nation’s carbon footprint and the price of energy impacting us all, it is surprising that it has taken so long for the topic of sustainability to become a priority for the home improvement sector – but it seems that it has finally risen up the agenda, with more and more brands and businesses setting out their commitments to and goals for creating a greener future for the KBB sector. As the only organisation dedicated to KBB installation, the role that the British Institute of KBB Installation plays in being the conduit between the KBB installation community and the rest of the industry is key, particularly around topics that directly impact consumer decisions. After all, the installer will spend far more time with a customer than a manufacturer, supplier or retailer ever will, and can influence purchasing decisions, as demonstrated by research from the Bathroom Manufacturers Association in 2022.
As part of our role, BiKBBI recently conducted a ‘State of The Industry’ survey, targeting installation businesses and installers operating in the UK KBB industry, to ascertain their views and opinions on key topics impacting their businesses and their daily lives. Sustainability was a topic that survey participants were asked to comment on specifically, with clear results indicating a change in consumer interest in all things green. The survey revealed that a third of installers noticed an increase in customers asking questions about environmentally friendly products and practices, and almost 50% of respondents thought the industry was doing enough to reduce its environmental impact. However, more than one third felt the sector could be doing more to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.
Customers, perhaps influenced by rising costs, it would appear are now interested in hearing more about products that can not only save money but can positively impact the macro environment, therefore installation businesses and installers play an important role in not only communicating the environmental credentials of the industry and the brands and products within, but could also the link between innovative planet-saving products and those consumers willing to invest in the sector. So, they need to be well informed!
Now is a great time for any manufacturers operating in, or on the peripherals of the KBB industry, to connect with the British Institute of KBB Installation. There are some fantastic businesses within the sector, delivering a meaningful agenda on the subject - a great example of this was displayed in my recent visit to Triton Showers. Triton is a forward-thinking British shower manufacturer based in Warwickshire. They not only have a robust set of environmental credentials in terms of an impressive manufacturing operation today, coupled with a strategy for a carbon net zero operation over coming years, but also innovative products for consumer consumption today and the near future.
Our recently formed collaboration with Triton, via our corporate sponsorship model, means they join an impressive line-up of leading national and international brands who support BiKBBI and our purpose to drive positive change for the KBB installation sector by developing education, raising standards, providing support and promoting sustainability. If you’re a business that wants to collaborate on sustainability, please do get in touch –
michelle.daniels@bikbbi.org.uk would be a great starting point.
Damian Walters –CEO, BiKBBI 44 BKU MAY 2023
UWLA – Retailers can gain commercial opportunities by supporting water efficiency
vonne Orgill, MD at the Unified Water Label Association, (UWLA) has called on KBB retailers to embrace the water efficiency message and gain commercial advantage or risk restrictive government intervention.
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“KBB retailers could miss out on commercial gain if they do not fully embrace the water efficiency message and work together to self-regulate the industry. Opportunities are being missed for retailers to help consumers understand the benefits of using water wisely, and give them the information they need to make responsible water-saving choices. “By supporting the Unified Water Label, a smart solution developed by the industry, retailers will be supporting manufacturers that have developed these products, which can help consumers use less water in the home. The Unified Water Label empowers consumers to make choices favouring more water efficient fixtures and appliances, without compromising on quality of experience.
“By working together to change consumer behaviour we can make a positive change. Restricting consumer choice or banning products, which is likely to be part of the government’s proposed solution, will only lead to a backlash, with consumers and others finding substandard products and ways around the legislation. “The latest plan from government, the ‘Integrated Plan for Water’ unveiled by Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey in April, makes clear their intention to restrict certain products. The plan includes a key action, ‘improving water efficiency in homes by developing minimum product standards for showers, taps, and toilets’. The same plan includes a new legally binding target under the Environment Act 2021 to reduce the use of public water supply in England per head of population by 20% by
2038, and a commitment to publish its plans for a mandatory water label in May this year, with a view to delivering this by 2025. “Now is the time for KBB retailers to work with us for the benefit of the industry, and for their own commercial gain, to promote our own recognised and industry led smart tool, the Unified Water Label. Together we can achieve greater visibility in the marketplace, and drive forward significant changes in attitudes to water and energy efficiency.” The retailer pack is available to download for FREE from the UWLA website
www.uwla.eu
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