Water usage (primarily water wastage) is listed as a top concern when it comes to conservation and climate change. According to recent research, over three billion (that’s three thousand million!!) litres of drinking water is wasted every day in the UK. This wastage tends to come from leaks in pipes and taps, taking baths or long showers, and using conventional, older toilets (as opposed to low-flush ones). The water wastage doesn’t just happen at home either - many large companies, offices, schools, and hospitals require a considerable volume of water for both bathroom, food, and washing amenities. It’s crucial for businesses to consider areas where they can reduce water usage, to preserve water as a resource.
Since the 1930s, average water consumption has increased by 1% every year. It is predicted that by 2050 there will be a 40% shortage of water for people living in the UK. Making small changes in the workplace will help reduce the increasing pressure on our water supplies and can be beneficial to both employees and the environment. If you’re keen to go green, office washrooms are the place to start. Making intelligent design and product choices is a simple yet effective way to prioritise sustainability and the environment within your business.
Businesses can potentially cut water usage by at least 20% by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances within their office washrooms. Globally, more than 45 million cubic metres of water per day are lost through leakage - from large pipes through to faulty taps. At Maxwood Washrooms, we partner with Dolphin Solutions to offer a range of washroom accessories - including a variety of sensor-activated taps, which are a great way to combat both leaks and water wastage. Automatic taps only run for a specified amount of time, eliminating the risk of taps being left on for too long or accidental flooding. Not only that, but installing automatic taps can help save money - the cheaper alternative to manual taps that often need repairs or replacements. As well as the environmental and financial benefits, using touch-free products will reduce the number of regular touchpoints in the bathroom. This will reduce the transmission of germs and bacteria usually found on tap handles, in turn improving the overall cleanliness and hygiene levels in the office. Other touch-free options include sensor-activated soap dispensers and hot air hand dryers.
Another way to create a more sustainable office washroom is to install low flush toilets. According to research by Waterwise, the average UK household flushes the toilet 5,000 times a year - in offices, this amount skyrockets, with flushes accounting for 43% of office water usage. Each flush uses a huge amount of water - with traditional, older toilets using up to 13 litres per flush. Reduced flush toilets are the more environmentally friendly option, using only four litres per flush. Our luxury toilet cubicles and toilet flushes can be customised to suit the needs of your office, to maximise both aesthetic and sustainability.
Choosing the right materials for your office washroom reduces the need for over-excessive cleaning and offers another opportunity to reduce water usage with increasingly efficient cleaning processes. Our range of luxury, full-height toilet cubicles come in a range of colours and bespoke finishes - including laminate, natural wood veneer, and PVD metal. Our washroom vanities can be made from natural stone, composite stones, terrazzo, and concrete. Easy to clean and maintain, as well as some with anti-bacterial properties, our range of materials offer the perfect blend of elegance and practicality. If you’re looking for a specific design or finish, contact us! We will do our best to meet your needs.
Making the effort to reduce water wastage in the workplace will have benefits for both your business and the environment. If you’re interested in booking a consultation or installing sustainable bathroom products in your workplace washroom, we’re available via email at inspired@maxwoodwashrooms.com, or give us a call at 020 3657 7615.