Moving towards efficiency
May 11th 2009 It is safe to say that the British bathroom is changing faster than ever before as it rises to the global challenge of sustainability. Innovative and ground breaking water efficient bathroom products which,until recently,were only a glimmer in the designer’s eye are now reaching the showrooms. Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA, reviews the progress of water efficiency in the bathroom
The rush to sustainable and water efficient bathroom products has been swift and successful” says Orgill. “The challenge of the Code for Sustainable Homes and the demand from eco-savvy consumers has really excited our members and the industry has reacted quickly and positively. Some new products have been adapted from existing designs, others have been created from the bottom up and this has been a lengthy and involved process of concept design, development, testing and marketing.”
Product development has been carried out in many areas of the bathroom but particularly in water efficient low volume flush WCs, low flow showers and taps, and low capacity baths. Additionally, remarkable and innovative products, which take advantage of the new rules in Part G of the Building Regulations (making use of recycled or harvested rainwater) have been seen at recent major trade exhibitions.
Low Volume WCs
Inventors of the WC in the late 1800s would not recognise a toilet suite of today. Back then flushing with 15 litres of water was the norm. If a pan flushed away six apples and a cloth cap then it was deemed acceptable! Today, WCs are technically advanced with cleverly shaped water channels and fast flow sumps. They have been created to flush fluids with as little as 2.6 litres and still meet the requirements of all current standards. These super-efficient WCs may be installed in new properties or they can be used in refurbishment projects.These WCs are a major advance on the current UK average WC flushing with 9 litres.
Many members of the BMA now have at least one ultra low volume WC in their portfolio. Others have two or three styles to suit differing budgets. Some have cisterns with special top-up mechanisms which delay refilling until flushing is complete, guaranteeing no wasted water.
Showers and taps
The development of showers and taps has been focussed on reducing water flow whilst still maintaining the demand for a “good experience”. A user wants a shower to give a refreshing drench, and a tap to fill the washbasin or bath quickly. These new products meet that demand but also contribute greatly to the push for sustainability.
Reducing water flow with a restrictor is an easy solution to the requirements of water efficiency but manufacturers know that users don’t want a dribble of a shower or to wait ages to fill the basin or bath.So designs are now coming to market which maintain user’s satisfaction whilst still contributing to the eco-push. Aerated shower heads, which break up the water flow with air sucked into it are now quite common. The resulting shower uses less water but gives a good drench. Tap manufacturers have taken a slightly different approach and are developing valves with ‘click stop’ technology. The internal ceramic valve gives a tactile and audible click so that users can tell when the tap is on full or half flow. If a user needs to fill the washbasin a full flow would be chosen but if the user was cleaning his or her teeth then a half flow or less would be sufficient. Spray taps, which have been common in commercial areas for many years are being restyled for use in domestic situations. Spray taps are particularly useful in the cloakroom or ensuite for simple hand washing. These achieve flow rates of just 3 litres per minute and when used together with self closing mechanisms are really ‘green.’
Low capacity baths
Manufacturers of steel or acrylic baths have responded quickly to the need for low capacity baths. There have been two solutions to the design requirements.The first and easiest has been the lowering of the overflow hole. But how far can the overflow be lowered without affecting user satisfaction? A good long soak in a bath cannot be achieved in a couple of inches of water! BMA members realise that their baths will be looked at more favourably if they use less water but at the same time meet customer expectations of a good deep soak.
The other solution has come from clever internal shaping which reduces capacity. Shapely designs are now appearing which have a total volume as low as 120 litres - way below the current allowed maximum of 230 litres.
Continuing development
Product development is continuing and more water efficient products will come to market in the coming years. Innovative technology will be introduced on a greater scale than ever before and electronics will play a greater part. Digital showers have already seen success particularly in refurbishment projects, and the use of electronic controls for taps will become more widespread. WC + Washbasin combinations will continue to appear, grey water from the washbasin being used to fill the cistern. Rainwater harvesting for non-potable use will grow.
Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. Products which are extremely water efficient (against criteria set by experts within the industry) are continually being added to the BMA’s, Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme.This database of products – online at www.waterefficiency. org.uk – helps both commerce and consumers choose products which achieve their water efficient standards.
The labelling scheme is recognised by government and has rapidly developed into a key reference for bathroom buyers who are urged to “Look for the Label”. This is now used extensively in manufacturers’ literature, advertisements, on websites and fixed to the products themselves. The label assures buyers that the product meets minimum water efficiency standards.
The Challenge in 2009 and beyond BMA members are particularly aware that customer satisfaction is crucial in bathroom product design. Manufacturers want their products to be well received and want their brands to prosper.The challenge in 2009 and beyond will be to create bathroom products which are a joy to use and achieve the best water efficiency. Installers wishing to learn more about the latest bathroom trends should visit the BMA’s special website at www.bathroom-association.org/trends.asp for two downloadable reports, just published. Manufacturers’ brochures may also be ordered direct from www.bathroom-association.org/brochures.asp More articles from The Bathroom Manufacturers Assoc: | 
