Gökçe Ötkün, Head of Sustainability at VitrA Global, and Nicola Friel, Showroom Manager at VitrA London, have produced a learning module for School of Specification on specifying inclusive and sustainable bathrooms. Here, they cover the key principles that are fundamental to achieving these twin goals.
What are the key principles of sustainable bathroom design?
Sustainable bathroom design aims to conserve resources, reduce waste, and enhance health, while also being socially responsible. Key principles include water and energy efficiency, durability, flexibility, accessibility, and inclusivity for all users.
Universal design principles ensure accessibility for those with mobility challenges or disabilities, incorporating features like adjustable fixtures and barrier-free showers. Flexibility in design allows for easy adaptation to changing needs and reducing waste. Using durable, eco-friendly materials ensures both environmental sustainability and occupant health. Green-certified products further support responsible sourcing and production. Sustainable design also covers social impact, ensuring responsible labour practices and community well-being.
What are the most eco-friendly material and product choices when it comes to specifying sustainable bathrooms?
Choosing eco-friendly materials and products is essential to minimise environmental impact and promote longevity. For washbasins, materials like stainless steel and copper are ideal, as they require less energy to produce and are highly durable. Showers and baths benefit from locally- sourced natural stones and recycled materials, such as glass and acrylic, both of which have a lower environmental footprint. For taps and faucets, sustainable options include brass, stainless steel, and lead-free bronze, all of which reduce environmental impact while minimising health risks.
Toilets and bidets made from recycled ceramic, recycled plastic, and stainless steel provide both durability and recyclability. Concealed cisterns made from recycled plastics and metals also offer long-lasting performance. For flooring, reclaimed and recycled materials like salvaged wood, repurposed tiles, and recycled rubber are excellent choices. Concrete and terrazzo floors can further reduce environmental impact by incorporating recycled aggregates.
When it comes to walls, sustainable options include recycled glass tiles, reclaimed ceramic or porcelain tiles, recycled metal, and responsibly sourced natural stone. Cork tiles, which come from renewable resources, are another eco-friendly option. Using low-VOC or water-based adhesives enhances the sustainability of these materials by reducing harmful emissions.
In HVAC systems, low-VOC components improve indoor air quality, while advanced insulation materials, such as recycled cellulose and aerogel, optimise energy efficiency. High-efficiency systems like geothermal heat pumps and solar-powered units can significantly reduce energy consumption. For lighting, smart lighting systems that primarily use LED technology are both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Decorative elements can also contribute to sustainability. Recycled glass countertops and reclaimed wood not only add aesthetic appeal but also support eco-friendly practices. Eco-friendly concrete can be customized to fit various styles. Shower enclosures made from recycled glass panels, bamboo frames, and recycled metals, along with reclaimed wood shelving and biodegradable baskets made from natural materials like rattan or jute, further enhance sustainability. Incorporating indoor plants, such as spider plants or pothos, not only improves air quality but also brings nature into the bathroom.
Finally, certification systems like EPD, Green Seal, FSC, Cradle to Cradle, Global Recycled Standard, and UL GREENGUARD ensure that the materials and products used meet strict environmental and sustainability criteria. These certifications offer peace of mind that your choices are truly eco-friendly.
It’s about creating spaces that are comfortable, convenient, accessible and safe for all users. Beyond functionality, designers must consider the user experience and how their time in the bathroom is being used, while also encouraging confidence and independence”
What are manufacturers doing to make their production and distribution processes more sustainable?
Manufacturers are adopting a range of eco-friendly initiatives. Closed-loop water systems recycle water during production, while lean manufacturing reduces waste. Automation improves product quality and lowers waste. Elsewhere, closed-loop systems reprocess scrap materials, reducing the need for raw resources. Energy recovery systems capture and reuse waste heat, improving efficiency. Green supply chains ensure materials are sourced sustainably, and green chemistry initiatives aim to minimise harmful chemicals. Digital twins enable manufacturers to optimise processes virtually, minimising waste. Eco-friendly packaging and water recycling also reduce environmental impact.
What can be done to maximise water conservation and energy efficiency?
Installing low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and sensor-activated taps can significantly reduce water use. Low-flow models use just 1.5 gallons per minute, cutting consumption. Taps with aerators and rimless toilets also contribute to water savings. For energy efficiency, LED bulbs and motion-sensor lighting reduce energy use. Solar water heating systems further cut energy consumption by harnessing renewable energy. Smart home systems optimise energy use by monitoring consumption and integrating renewable sources.
What are the key factors to bear in mind with regards to end of life management for bathroom fittings and fixtures?
Designing for disassembly and recyclability is crucial for sustainable end-of-life management. Modular components facilitate easy reuse or recycling of fixtures, such as basins and cabinets. Standardised plumbing and electrical connections simplify disassembly, supporting material reclamation. In addition, clear labelling and documentation guide users through the recycling process. By planning for reuse and recycling, bathroom design reduces waste and conserves resources, promoting a circular economy.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution – every bathroom should be looked at independently and tailored to its users, with space and comfort being the key objectives”
What does inclusivity mean in respect of bathrooms and why is it important?
It’s about creating spaces that are comfortable, convenient, accessible and safe for all users. Beyond functionality, designers must consider the user experience and how their time in the bathroom is being used, while also encouraging confidence and independence. Bathrooms can be vulnerable spaces, especially for the elderly and individuals with disabilities and additional needs. It is crucial that people feel they can use bathrooms on their own where possible. Designers must therefore consider what users need now and what they will need long term, to reflect a commitment to ongoing inclusivity.
Future proofing is essential to foster long-term independence, helping people to feel safe and to manage personal hygiene over time. Practical considerations are critical. For instance, the toilet roll holder should be positioned far enough away from the toilet, but at an accessible height for someone to reach it while seated. Inclusive bathroom design should not just suit the use of the person designing the bathroom, it should meet the needs of the majority or all users. This is especially important when designing commercial spaces over sole occupancy spaces and private bathrooms.
What are the key considerations in terms of designing inclusive bathrooms?
Key considerations include spatial arrangement, identifying requirements for users and ensuring overall comfort. Designers must ensure there is sufficient distance between fixtures, for instance between the shower and toilet, for comfortable use and so that users can navigate and manoeuvre around the space naturally. This includes space for wheelchairs and mobility aids, as well as room for caregivers to provide assistance.
Identifying the specific needs of users will inform decisions on appropriate products and fittings. For example, determining whether a bath or shower is more suitable, and including features like grab bars or shelves for personal items can enhance safety and convenience. You must consider who is using the bathroom, both now and in the future, and which features would be beneficial. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution – every bathroom should be looked at independently and tailored to its users, with space and comfort being the key objectives.
How important is noise pollution and what can be done to mitigate it?
Noise pollution significantly affects comfort in bathrooms. Designers should specify products and solutions that reduce noise and echoes, in order to create a more soothing atmosphere. Extractor fans, for example, should be wired in isolation (separate to lighting) to minimise noise, particularly in bathrooms that lack windows and rely on artificial lighting.
To mitigate noise, designers can incorporate sound-absorbent materials and surfaces, such as acoustic panels on walls and ceilings, as well as coverings
for concealed areas such as pipes. VitrA offers concealed cisterns that have a
foam body, as well as its ‘Quantum Flush’ technology, which reduces noise for people in the bathroom, as well as others elsewhere in the home. Finally, including radios or sound systems in bathrooms can divert attention from disruptive noises relating to pipework and mechanical functions, creating a more pleasant and relaxing environment.
Join Gökçe Ötkün and Nicola Friel’s course on specifying inclusive and sustainable bathrooms at: www.schoolofspecification.co.uk/courses/specifying-inclusive-and-sustainable-bathrooms/
VitrA has teamed up with School of Specification to offer 20 free memberships for this module. Claim yours by choosing the Specifying inclusive and sustainable bathrooms membership and entering the code vitra.
