Zip Water UK provides an insight into how architects can provide sustainable water solutions for offices at the design stage

Although cities occupy a mere two percent of the world’s landmass they are responsible for more than 70 percent of total CO2 emissions. With this in mind, businesses clearly have a great deal of environmental responsibility. The good news is that the office, as much as it can be part of the problem, can also be part of the solution – if sustainably-minded designers and architects lead the way from the outset.

The recently released BREEAM UK New Construction Scheme 2018 update promotes the idea that the highest possible BREEAM rating at the lowest cost is more achievable the earlier sustainable methods or products are implemented into construction projects. The guidelines also encourage the reduction of potable water consumption and losses through leakage.

Forward-thinking, sustainable Zip HydroTaps match the modern kitchen spaces in Time Inc. offices

According to the 2014 Nature Conservancy study, one in four large cities is water stressed, so it’s no surprise that we are being encouraged to manage this precious resource more responsibly. Moreover, it has never been more important to reduce our reliance on plastic bottled water, a modern scourge on the environment that has become headline news this year.

Britains are consuming over 3.3bn litres of bottled water a year. Sadly, nearly half of these bottles are not recycled. Offices contribute hugely to this issue, with millions of bottles of water from meetings going to waste each year – not to mention the costs associated with purchasing, storing and transportation.

Today, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to sustainable drinking water options that combine high levels of functionality with beautiful design. The HydroTap from Zip Water UK is an energy-efficient, filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water tap. Available in a range of different designs and finishes, it provides a striking addition to offices and residential kitchens alike.

The HydroTap eliminates unnecessary energy and water waste, allowing businesses to remove less efficient options. Kettles are fortunately a thing of the past, particularly as in the UK overfilling wastes £68m per year in electricity bills. In contrast, the HydroTap’s energy modes allow the unit to either sleep or power-off completely after a period of inactivity, or when the kitchen goes dark for round-the-clock power savings. A 24/7 automatic timer can also be set to turn power on and off over longer periods of time depending on user requirements.

Pure-tasting Zip water removes the need for plastic bottled water

The PowerPulse feature delivers the precise amount of energy required to the heating element. With the exact amount of boiling water provided instantly and energy-efficiently, the tap provides an excellent way of reducing water consumption. Even during the cooling process, where many water delivery appliances use excess water, the HydroTap uses state-of-the-art air cooling technology so not a drop is wasted.

Pure-tasting, chilled water is delivered with world-leading filtration that is designed to be 25 times better than a water filter jug. With water that tastes this good, employees need no incentives to stay hydrated, boosting workplace productivity. It is also thanks to this advanced filtration technology that the WRAS-approved HydroTap removes the need for bottled water, which is so often favoured over tap water for its taste. So, for those looking to lead the way in sustainable construction and specify water-efficient systems that contribute to BREEAM credits, products such as the Zip HydroTap should not to be overlooked.

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For further information please visit the Zip Water UK website.