As sustainability becomes an ever-growing priority for businesses worldwide, the United Kingdom is seeing a surge in companies using eco-friendly technologies. Among these innovations, rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems are key components for sustainable water management. These systems not only reduce environmental impact, but also offer significant financial and operational benefits.
Lisa Craven, Managing Director of Stormsaver, highlights the growing importance of water reuse technology for businesses. She notes, “Water Reuse is fast becoming the new must-have technology for businesses, with many including it as standard within their specifications for new build. And there are a host of reasons why!”
Craven emphasises the abundance of rainfall in the UK, which far exceeds the nation’s mains water consumption needs. This untapped resource can be filtered and repurposed for non-potable applications like toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling systems. By adopting water reuse systems, businesses can drastically reduce their water consumption—often by around 75%—which translates into lower operating costs and enhanced sustainability.
Furthermore, with the UK facing increasing water stress in certain regions, water reuse technologies offer a solution that allows for continued development without further depleting existing water resources. This not only supports companies’ sustainability goals but also aligns with government policies that are likely to make water reuse a regulatory requirement in the near future.
Bloomberg’s new London headquarters not only stands as a contemporary architectural marvel but also sets a benchmark in environmental sustainability, particularly in water management. Achieving an outstanding BREEAM rating with a record-breaking 98.5% score at the design stage, this building integrates innovative features that redefine sustainability standards.
Innovations in Water Management:
Central to Bloomberg’s commitment to sustainability is its approach to water conservation and reuse. The building’s environmental strategies aim for a substantial reduction in water consumption, achieving a remarkable 73% savings. This efficiency is complemented by a 35% reduction in energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions.
Greywater and Rainwater Harvesting:
A pivotal element of the building’s sustainable design is the integration of advanced water systems. These systems include:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing and utilising rainwater to reduce reliance on mains water for non-potable uses.
- Greywater Recycling: Recycling water from showers and hand basins to supply the vacuum toilets within the building. This approach not only conserves water but also optimises its use across different functionalities.
- Cooling Tower Bleed Off Water: The building ingeniously cleans and recirculates water from cooling tower bleed-off, ensuring efficient use within the cooling systems. This innovative solution minimises the need for additional mains water supply, enhancing overall water efficiency.
Bloomberg’s London headquarters exemplifies how innovative water management solutions can lead to significant environmental benefits without compromising on architectural excellence. By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, Bloomberg sets a new standard for future-proof and environmentally responsible office developments.
For UK businesses, the advantages of adopting rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems are clear. These technologies offer a robust solution to the challenges of water scarcity and rising utility costs. By reducing dependency on mains water, companies can achieve substantial cost savings while enhancing their environmental credentials.
As sustainability becomes increasingly critical in corporate strategy, businesses that lead in environmental responsibility are likely to gain a competitive edge. By investing in water reuse systems, companies not only future-proof their operations but also contribute positively to the environment and society.
As Lisa Craven aptly puts it, “Water Reuse has a crucial part to play for businesses in their future water strategies.” The example set by Bloomberg’s London headquarters provides a compelling case for other businesses to follow suit. With the right investments in sustainable water management, UK businesses can secure long-term benefits, both economically and environmentally, while setting new standards for corporate responsibility.
