An effective sustainability strategy using environmentally-aware manufacturers is key for architects. Sophie Weston, Marketing Manager at Geberit, explores some of the measures that specifiers can take.
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A sustainable approach
No longer simply a ‘tick-box’ exercise, sustainability is now top of everyone’s agenda. Much of this shift has been driven by legislative and regulatory change with environmental assessment and certification now an integral part of building design. Meanwhile, greater demand from businesses for sustainable buildings has seen a growing number of firms put sustainability at the forefront of their agenda. A 2018 survey of around 2000 building professionals showed that the international market for green construction projects has grown significantly in the last ten years, with 47 per cent believing that the majority of their projects would be green by 2021.¹
Specifying sustainable products
Sustainability is increasingly viewed through a prism of a ‘life cycle’ approach, celebrating products that are created according to a stringent technical cycle and considering products through a building’s entire journey – from design and occupancy right through to wastage.
At Geberit, we first implemented our own Ecodesign approach back in 2007. For us, this has meant striking the balance between economic, environmental and social aspects in every decision-making process. Product development starts with selecting raw materials that are environmentally friendly, resource efficient, recyclable and durable. We also offer reparable and retrofittable products, and a spare parts guarantee for up to 25 years across a number of products.
Not only does our approach mean creating the smallest possible environmental footprint along the entire chain, but also ensuring that our production plants across the globe have prospects for employees and that we work with suppliers who share our vision. We also strive to ensure that each product is more sustainable than its predecessor, and have reduced our relative environmental impact by 27.5 per cent since 2015 and our share of electricity from renewable sources totaled 42 per cent at the end of 2019.
Product specification
Reducing water consumption is one example of how the right products can maximise these life cycle benefits. Geberit’s flush valve, for instance, is made of 50 per cent recycled material and can improve flush performance by 30 per cent. These must be installed correctly and, of course, valves do require occasional maintenance to ensure the best flush performance. Meanwhile, Geberit’s AquaClean Sela shower toilets, the ultimate in comfort and luxury, uses 50 per cent reduced water.
Likewise, infrared taps can lead to significant water savings compared to a manual tap, as the water only remains in use while the user is operating it. Geberit Brenta or Geberit Piave taps can save up 80 per cent of water thanks to the quick-response, two-beam scanning technology. In addition, these systems can operate independently from mains or battery power, further reducing the ecological impact to 50 per cent, when compared to a battery-operated alternative, and 80 per cent when compared to an electrical connection.
Finally, Geberit urinal systems incorporate a water-saving dynamic flush function, making it ideal for heavy footfall washrooms. Flushing time is decreased when user frequency increases – so, for instance, the preset flush time is halved when another user approaches the urinal within one minute after the most recent flushing. Flow rate can also be reduced by changing the duration of the flush. To ensure accuracy, all Geberit’s infrared products operate with a proximity flush.
Working in partnership
It is also important to work with manufacturers to understand the importance of product matching in relation to BREEAM scores and sustainable water use. Combining products across manufacturers can affect BREEAM ratings – pairing selected Geberit Duofix frames with Geberit WC ceramic pans can ensure the maximum scoring. Water companies demand a Declaration of Performance before switching on the water for any project, but there is no guarantee that products from different manufacturers will work efficiently together. The onus is on the architect to ensure that the products specified work and have been fully compatibility tested. Without this information, the BREEAM status of the components is unknown.
Assessing the landscape in a post-lockdown world
Now’s the time to reflect on the impact that Covid-19 has left on sustainability. Our carbon emissions fell by 36 per cent in the first four weeks of lockdown, compared to the most recent official carbon emissions data collected in 2018. The UK is now one of a growing number of nations looking to reset the green agenda, addressing a growing consensus to tackle the climate emergency head-on. In July 2020, Lord Goldsmith told Parliament that “…as countries respond to COVID-19, the coming months are crucial for climate and the 2030 agenda. Decisions that we take now are going to have impacts for decades to come.”
Let’s look beyond the obvious and consider the value of sustainable performance at every stage of the supply chain – and not just because it’s efficient or cost-effective. Time is running out and the action we take (or fail to take) now will affect future generations.
Contact Details
For more information visit the Geberit website.
