Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has called for the Government to act on increasing its commitment to water-saving in the home.
“Access to water is man’s most basic need. Water is a most precious commodity and we need to use it wisely. The next decade will see us at the forefront of developments to enhance sustainability. However our efforts will be in vain unless it is seen as part of a multi faceted approach to the problem that combines product innovation, government intervention and widespread education”, said Tony Rheinberg, Marketing Manager at Ideal Standard.
Ideal Standard highlighted the role of manufacturers as two-fold: to create sustainable solutions for the bathroom that do not diminish performance; and to play a role in educating consumers and industry in efficient water usage. Ideal Standard stressed the need to be targeted in the areas where the most gains can be achieved – citing refurbishment as a key area.
“Getting people to turn off taps is a major challenge but there are signs that consumers are waking up to the importance of using water responsibly. Water metering will increase consumer awareness of the cost of water, for instance. But more needs to be done. In the UK we estimate there are still around 11 million WCs that flush on more than six litres of water – some use as much as 11 litres. It is in this area that government can help by providing incentives for consumers to change their WCs”.
