To "G" or not to "G"?

Sunday, 6 December 2009

Impulse Bathrooms was delighted to welcome the Building Regulations Part G which were due to come into force in October. As an international supplier of bathrooms, one of IBP’s largest markets is Australia, where water saving has always been an issue and where rigorous standards are enforced to ensure products meet the water saving requirements. Impulse Bathrooms have therefore been making and selling 4.5/3 litre dual flush WC suites into this market for a number of years and introduced this technology into the UK in 2005.

“Frankly I am not surprised that Building Regulations Part G has now been delayed, although I am highly cynical as to why” says Impulse Bathrooms General Manager Gary Hawkins. “Water saving is an issue for right now and should not have been postponed. I honestly believe our European competitors are behind the delay in the introduction of these water saving regulations because they generally are not able to offer 4.5/3 litre dual flush options which help meet the requirements of Part G. The delay will give them time to play catch-up but is not good for current major projects such as the housing for the Olympics, which could be a flagship for water saving.”

Part G was due to come into effect from the 1st October and was to limit potable water usage on new build to 125 litres per person per day compared to an average current consumption of 150 litres per person per day.

“Manufacturers such as ourselves” adds Gary “have invested in developing this water saving technology and, frankly, without it I think reducing even by this relatively small amount, would be very difficult indeed. The EU mandarins responsible for authorising the delay pay no regard to just how much R&D funding goes into these technological advances and that this may all be a waste of money if the regulations are amended – which is a distinct possibility in view of this postponement? In today’s difficult economic times, industry is looking for a return for every pound invested and this situation means the whole expensive R&D process may well have to be repeated. It really is not good enough!”

Impulse Bathrooms introduced their 4.5/3 litre dual flush Tribune suite as long ago as 2005 realising the need for water saving WC’s. Having led the way in this development, they can now offer this capability on nine domestic bathroom suites plus various WC’s for use in commercial properties.

“This kind of initiative, which forms the basis of Part G, is much needed to encourage everyone to consider water saving” adds Gary “Unfortunately existing home owners in our experience, are generally unlikely to adopt a water saving philosophy until encouraged to do so by the implementation of water metering throughout the country. This would undoubtedly make consumers very aware of the cost of water wastage. In the not too distant future I also expect water recycling and rainwater harvesting to form an increasing part of the nation’s water saving policy.”

Impulse Bathrooms have WC’s in stock now ready to meet water saving specifications and believe the public sector in particular have a moral and fiscal duty to take the initiative by introducing water saving measures now on both new build and existing refurbishment projects without waiting for new legislation.