In today’s world, consumers and businesses alike are increasingly conscious of our impact on the environment and the importance of considering sustainability in all areas of a business. From choosing greener materials, to designing sustainable commercial washrooms, there are many changes that businesses can make to reduce their environmental impact, whilst also helping to improve moral peace of mind for green-conscious employees and consumers alike.
Whilst commercial washrooms may not be the first area of a business that you would think of when considering investment in sustainability, there are many ways that washroom design and renovation can help businesses to reduce waste and encourage greener practices.
Reduce energy waste
The average commercial washroom experiences a high footfall every day, and must be lit when in use. In many cases, washrooms are lit by high wattage bulbs or fluorescent tubes, throughout the day, and in some premises, throughout the night. As a result, a lot of electricity is used each day just to ensure a washroom is lit for the large number of people who use it. However, whilst it is important for a washroom to be well lit, there may also be large periods of time where the facilities are not in use, so there is no need for the lights to be on.
With a focus on eco-friendly washroom design, high wattage bulbs can simply be switched to low energy lightbulbs. Better still, automatic lighting systems can be linked to motion detectors so that when there is no movement for a certain period of time, lights are turned off automatically to conserve energy. Over 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, these simple practices can considerably reduce energy consumption, helping to reduce a company’s environmental impact.
Reduce water waste
One of the key waste issues in a commercial washroom is water waste. Should taps be dripping or cisterns leaking into the toilet pan, litres upon litres of water can be wasted each day, so for a sustainable washroom, regular maintenance is very important.
The type of toilet chosen for a washroom can also have a big effect on water efficiency. As a result of innovation over a number of years, high efficiency, water saving toilets and waterless urinals can be installed, allowing for many litres of water to be saved with every flush.
Choose hand dryers or paper towel dispensers carefully
With modern technology, there are now a range of eco-friendly, highly energy efficient hand dryers available with enough power to dry hands properly, removing the need for paper towels. With accurate sensors, eco-friendly driers are only in action when they sense hands, therefore, saving energy. However, in a larger washroom with a higher footfall, a paper towel dispenser may be the more sustainable solution.
Considering that a hand dryer can only operate for one person at a time, in a busier commercial washroom, there would be a need for multiple hand dryers, and therefore, energy use would also be multiplied. On the other hand, a paper towel dispenser can be used by multiple people at once. In order to prevent paper towel waste, it’s important to choose a dispenser that operates with a sensor, limiting the amount of paper that is dispensed per person.
Choose sustainable, durable materials
Perhaps the most important element of sustainable washroom design is ensuring that sustainably sourced materials are used, from floor tiles to any wood used.It’s possible to look for material suppliers with certifications from internationally recognised bodies to certify their social and environmental impact.
It’s also important to choose materials that will last, as this will prevent the need to repair and replace washroom facilities on a regular basis. Porcelain tiles can be a sustainable choice for washroom flooring. Firstly, they are made from natural materials. They are durable and non-porous, preventing the ingress of water, providing nowhere for mould and bacteria to grow. Porcelain flooring is also easy to clean, so eco-friendly cleaning products can be used in place of harsh chemicals that have a negative impact on the environment.
Refurbishment for Commercial Washrooms
If you are looking for moral peace of mind about your business, investing in sustainable washroom renovation is a small, but active step in reducing the environmental impact of your business. Choosing commercial washrooms with a sustainably focused design is a fantastic way to market yourself to employees and consumers as an eco-friendly business, concerned with the environmental impact of your business practices.
If you are looking to refurbish your washrooms with a stronger focus on sustainability, Universal Contracting can help. Our team is highly experienced in renovating and installing commercial washrooms, specialising in environmental washroom design and working with a wide range of materials, finishes and colours.
Get in touch today by calling 01794 330830 or contact us here.
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