There are a number of water and energy efficiency options that can reduce the running costs of bathrooms (e.g. toilet and shower facilities). Very few organisations monitor their water consumption even though a leaking tap can waste around 200 litres a day. There are a number of ways of increasing both water and energy efficiency in bathrooms:

Urinals can waste huge amounts of water, as often they leak or are set to flush too frequently. We suggest you:

• For Automatic flush – set to flush once or twice an hour, and turned off outside office hours
• Install sensors which know when they need to flush
• Install a new waterless urinal
• Check and maintain urinals regularly.

Showers consume the significant amounts of hot water, however you can still have an effective shower with less water.

• Install a water efficient, low flow showerhead, AAA rated.
• Use aerators, which mix water and air to reduce water flow, onto all taps
• Install sensors on taps that turn off automatically when not used.
• Install an instantaneous gas or electric water heater, not a storage cylinder.
• Use Sun Power by installing a solar water heater to preheat incoming water.
• Reduce soap waste by providing a soap dispenser

Providing the most environmentally friendly method for drying hands can be difficult as people can be very fussy about what you provide. Hygiene is obviously an important issue here. A life cycle analysis would have to be done to examine the best options comparing energy (including embodied energy), water, cleaners and waste creation.

Cotton hand towels, either the dispenser towels, or individual towels are probably the best option in terms of waste reduction, and also hygienic. Washing towels in low toxic or safe cleaners improves the environmental performance of this option.

In a smaller office, after washing cotton hand towels, drying them on a clothes line, instead of a dryer, will also reduce the overall environmental impact.

Providing energy efficient electric hand dryer will reduce waste and the need for washing or drying of towels. Newer hand dryers are much more efficient and effective than older models. Compare the energy ratings on dryers when purchasing.

Disposable paper towels are sometimes cited as the most hygienic option for hand drying. However, paper towels create waste and can be very untidy if not managed properly.

• Purchase recycled paper towels
• Used hand towels can be composted in a commercial composting unit