On 26th March 2025, Building Insights LIVE hosted a round table at the Institute of Directors, focusing on water and energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
With water demand projected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, the built environment’s 15% share of drinking water use places it under scrutiny. Delegates explored how smarter appliances and design can cut water and energy use, especially as businesses return to office spaces.
Consultant Naomi Sadler highlighted that WCs and basins often represent the highest water use, making efficient specification crucial. Beyond reducing consumption, energy savings from less water heating are increasingly important. Defra targets a 9% leak reduction in commercial buildings by 2038, rising to 15% by 2050.
Government momentum is growing, with strategies like 80 litres per person per day and water reuse. While domestic homes have standards like Part G, commercial sectors lack clear regulation. Attendees discussed innovations from flow controls to greywater recycling.
The industry’s ‘Unified Water Label’ offers guidance but lacks mandatory enforcement. However, the Government is expected to introduce a compulsory label soon, building on a 2025 commitment by the previous administration.
Attendees:
- Dr Christine Pout, Water & Energy Development Lead, BREEAM
- Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive, Bathroom Manufacturers Association
- George Warren, Integrated Water Manager, Anglian Water
- Beth Robinson, Principal Consultant, Turner & Townsend
- Chris Brooks, Head of Water Reduction, Save Money Cut Carbon (SMCC)
- Edward Barnes, Managing Director, Magna Consulting
- Andrew Tucker, Water Demand Reduction Manager, Thames Water
- Naomi Sadler, Director, Sadler Energy & Environmental Services
- Richard Braid, Managing Director, Cistermiser
- David Davis, Technical Director, eco-cistem
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