Sustainable bathrooms: saving water and energy

This topic is also relevant to bathroom furniture and equipment. Modern technology and high quality materials can contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing water and energy waste.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPROACH WITH MODERN TAPS

Technology is constantly moving forward, with the range of bathroom furniture and equipment reflecting this. Taps are a good example of this, with the latest developments and innovations making significant contributions to water and energy savings. The emphasis is not only being placed on materials, but also advanced features, such as the Cold Start function, which support a sustainable household.

HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS ARE KEY

Sophisticated design and high quality materials contribute to the longer service life of taps. This prevents the need for frequent and repeated purchases of new products, whilst also preventing water leakage due to wear and tear. This is therefore something you should consider when making your choice. High-quality ceramic cartridges, aerators and durable finishes are important for ensuring taps stay in good condition and last for a long time.

SMALL HELPER PROVIDES BIG SAVINGS

Aerators with water flow limiters also contribute to savings. In the majority of modern taps, an aerator is already integrated into the design. However, if you have an older tap at home, you can also buy one separately. How does an aerator contribute to savings? By mixing water with air, flow is reduced without impacting on user comfort. This is directly reflected in water usage. In older taps, the flow rate can be up to 12 l/min, whereas in modern taps this is 4-5 l/min, which represents a significant difference in consumption.

Pure taps by JIKA stand out because they combine elegance, sophistication and practicality. They also feature high-quality ceramic cartridges and aerators with a flow rate of 5 l/min.

ENERGY SAVINGS WITH COLD START FUNCTION

Cold Start technology is relatively new in the field of washbasin and sink taps, contributing to a more efficient use of energy. Its principle is very simple and to some extent reflects our habits. The basic position of the lever is in the central position for cold water. If you want warm water, you need to turn the lever to the left. “Most of us normally leave the lever in the middle position. When we want to wash our hands quickly, we open it in that position. This automatically starts the process of heating water. However, it takes time for the hot water to flow, with hot water subsequently remaining in the pipes, where it cools down again. This means the entire heating process is triggered unnecessarily. Cold Start technology therefore works with this factor, preventing the unnecessary waste of energy.”

Mio taps by JIKA feature cold start technology and are of the highest quality workmanship. The taps include aerators made of a special anti-scale material and a backflow preventer to prevent dirty water from being sucked back in.

They are available in both classic chrome and trendy black designs.

CONVENIENCE AND SAVINGS WITH TERMOSTATIC TAPS

There is one more rule when it comes to saving water. The faster you set the desired water temperature, the less water is wasted. Thermostatic taps help to achieve this by almost instantly providing water for showering or bathing at the desired temperature. This not only avoids unnecessary waste, but also provides even more comfort of use.

With the Deep by JIKA thermostatic tap, you can set the desired water temperature in an instant and fully indulge in the showering experience. The tap meets the highest safety requirements – if cold water ceases to flow through the tap, the thermostat immediately blocks the flow of hot water. It also features a Safety Stop button that prevents the temperature from being set higher than a pleasant and safe 38 C. To set a higher temperature, the Safety Stop button must be unlocked.

MODERN TOILETS WITH EFFICIENT FLUSHING

Older toilets have a single flush of 6-9 litres of water, whereas most modern toilets feature a dual flush system – 3 litres of water for a small flush, 4.5 litres for a large flush. If we take a household of 5 people, the annual consumption for older toilets with a 6-litre flush is approximately 98,550 litres. In contrast, the consumption for modern toilets with a 3/4.5-litre flush is 57,487.5 litres.

In order to prevent the unnecessary waste of water, it is also necessary to consider the technical condition of your toilet. If the toilet leaks, there can be a huge loss of water. The repair itself does not have to be expensive, thereby not only saving you money over the long term, but also the environment.

The Deep by JIKA wall hung toilet not only brings a higher degree of hygiene to the bathroom due to the flushing technology and Rimless design, but also contributes to water savings. It features a 3/4.5-litre dual flush system. The timeless design is also impressive and perfectly complements any interior.

SMALL CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR

We can also contribute to the more efficient use of water and energy through changing our own behaviour. One way is not to let the water flow unnecessarily during personal hygiene activities, whether it be showering or brushing our teeth. By stopping the water flow during these activities, you can save tens of litres of water a month. Alternatively, for example, you could shorten your shower time; showering one minute less can help save hundreds of litres of water per month.