Showering offers a greener way to keeping clean

(07/12/2009)

With the environment high on everyone's agenda and the topic about ‘going green’ being focussed on by the government, showering offers a greener way to keeping clean. Showering uses a fraction of the water that bathing does. This therefore helps save on your water and energy bills, as less water and heating is required.

Part G of the Building Regulations first came into force in 2000. As of the 1st October 2009 the updates to Part G become compulsory for new build domestic properties only and include enhanced hot water safety and water efficiency standards.

The main changes that relate to water efficiency that came into force on the 1st October 2009 are: (Part G2 New build Only, change of material use exempt)

A new efficiency standard of a maximum of 125 litres of water per person per day for new homes has been introduced. This is a reduction of 25 litres from the previous standard. This means that products with water efficient credentials which help meet the new criteria will need to be specified.
The government has created a useful online calculator to work out the estimated water usage of a new home, taking into account different products around the home.

Why is this so important?

It may seem crazy that the country is taking precautions to prevent a water shortage when we have just had a third successive wash out summer and recent floods; however, studies have shown that the country is continuing to be at an increasing risk of a shortage.

The thought behind the revised standard is that by starting to limit water usage now, the government is helping to prevent the threat of a lack of water in the future.

The Building Regulations and believes that they are a vital step towards tackling the important issue of water efficiency within the home.

The new Creda Thermostatic Digital Mixer shower incorporates a design feature that allows this shower to be water efficient. Electronically flow-controlled, means the Creda Digital Mixer can achieve as low as 6 litres/minute flow rates, without heating the water above 40°C.

Related categories:  Residential applications   Showers   Water efficiency