Bathroom Manufacturers Association chief executive, Tom Reynolds explains why water efficiency and decarbonisation are intricately linked, and what this means for a sustainable future.
“The relationship between water efficiency and decarbonisation is gaining attention like never before.
When Environment Secretary George Eustice published a statement to parliament setting out plans to reduce domestic water consumption in July last year, there was a collective sharp intake of breath.
“An estimated 6% of the UK’s carbon impact is linked to the management of water resources. Furthermore, after space heating, water heating is the next most carbon-intensive operation in the home, so if the country is to meet its net-zero ambitions, change needs to happen.
“As a sector, bathroom manufacturers are innovating and designing to meet this new focus on water efficiency. What can be done to speed up the process of launching new water technologies, and can we encourage more homeowners to prioritise water savings when they pick a new bathroom?
“These are the issues being addressed at BMA’s upcoming Sustainability Forum, on Monday 7 March, Suite 28, NEC Birmingham. Now in its third year, the Forum has covered an extensive range of topics, with expert speakers giving their insights and pressing for action from both policymakers and the industry itself.
“The next meeting of the open forum, taking place alongside KBB Birmingham, will be about consolidation. Giving the full picture of the environmental policies affecting our sector right now and in the immediate future. Speakers include Eirini Passia, Consultant for ICF, BEIS research partners, Dr Nathan Richardson, Waterwise, and Justine Bullock, Co-Creator, The Tap End.
“We will also host a joint networking lunch with BMF Kitchen and Bathroom Forum.
“Climate change is already putting pressure on the natural environment in the UK and impacting on our water resources.
“Extreme weather events, unpredictable water availability and changes in water cycle patterns globally mean we must become more efficient with this precious natural resource. In 2019, BMA members decided that sustainability is a strategic priority for the association and that led to the creation of this open forum. It provides manufacturers, designers, retailers and architects an opportunity to hear from thought-leaders and exchange ideas to help the whole sector raise the bar.
“This is the fifth meeting of the forum, and as usual, it is attracting a top-notch speaking panel to lead discussions on a broad-ranging agenda. It is open to anyone connected to the bathroom sector with an interest in sustainability.”
The forum is free to BMA members and is £39+VAT for non-members.
Book your place here.
