This week we hear from Bathroom Manufacturers Association Chief Executive, Tom Reynolds as he explains why sustainability needs to be first and foremost when it comes to bathroom design.
Decarbonisation, new technology and water savings are the key influences that will shape the way we look at our bathrooms in the coming decade.
Fashion fads and trends may come and go, but the national and international focus on sustainability will only increase as we move further along the road to net zero.
In this endeavour, designers and architects can be instrumental in bringing this to the forefront of their work, as savvy consumers look to counting the costs and reduce the environmental impact of their homes. Increasingly homeowners will be prioritising reduced carbon footprint and sustainable living options.
This spotlight on efficient homes is not confined to new builds, the challenge extends to all homes as the concept of whole house retrofits and green refurbishments will become part of the national psyche.
We know many households will require changes to the fabric of their homes, whether that’s insulation, airtightness, ventilation or new heating systems, the domestic setting will be under scrutiny like never before.
There are more than 10m ‘hard to treat’ homes in the UK, including high rises and historic homes, where the scope of structural alteration is limited and any achievable reduction in environmental impact will be highly valued.
As we shape this green future where we decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, everyone connected to bathroom design and manufacture needs to ensure water conservation is a key consideration in the mix. By raising the profile of sustainable bathroom design, we can demonstrate how people can drive down their environmental impact.
Around two-thirds of all domestic water use happens in the bathroom.
Changing our showering or washing habits alone will not reduce water consumption to sustainable levels, integrating more efficient systems into our bathrooms is a key part of the mix to address water conservation. Retailers can help consumers choose the most water-efficient products by giving visibility to the Unified Water Label – newly independent of the BMA.
We will see transformation in all areas of our homes in the coming decades as the country strives to decarbonise, and in that mix, we must provide bathroom solutions that deliver a great experience for customers, while reducing water use, and, decreasing carbon emissions related to the abstracting, pumping, treating and heating of water.
We need pioneering bathroom designers using innovative products to truly showcase what can be achieved to public, housing bodies and policy makers.
Now is the time to promote sustainability in all bathroom designs and demonstrate what can be done.
