On 21st January, Building Insights LIVE hosted a round table exploring how the commercial sector can accelerate water efficiency and respond to growing pressures on UK water supply.
Despite recent periods of heavy rainfall, long-term water resilience remains a critical challenge. Forecasts suggest a daily shortfall of up to 5 billion litres by 2050, while Government has set a National Water Target for a 15% reduction in demand. Commercial clients – spanning offices, hospitality and healthcare – will play a central role in meeting this goal. However, with limited regulation and few strong incentives in place, there is concern that progress will fall short without greater intervention.
While the residential sector has seen improvements driven by regulatory changes and initiatives such as smart metering, the commercial market has lagged behind. Discussions at the round table highlighted a lack of clear strategic direction from Government since early 2025, leaving many organisations uncertain about how to prioritise investment in water-saving technologies.
The session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including major developers, consultants, contractors and water companies. Supported by sponsors Delabie UK and Cistermiser, the discussion focused on practical, scalable solutions and the barriers to implementation. Delegates emphasised the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to complement existing incentives and drive meaningful change across the sector.
The conversation also reinforced the economic and environmental case for action. Reducing water consumption can significantly lower operational costs while cutting carbon emissions linked to heating, treatment and distribution. With increasing demand from sectors such as data centres, and rising concerns about future droughts, improving efficiency is becoming both a sustainability priority and a business imperative.
The round table highlighted the importance of collaboration across the supply chain to unlock innovation, improve performance and deliver lasting reductions in water use across commercial buildings.
Event Chair:
- James Parker, Managing Editor, Architects’ Datafile and Housebuilder & Developer
Attendees:
- James Fisher, Head of Strategic Partnerships, BREEAM
- Andrew Tucker, Water Demand Reduction Manager, Thames Water
- Naomi Sadler, Director, Sadler Energy & Environmental Services
- Garry Beaver, Programme Manager, Anglian Water
- Kate Fletcher, Director, Arup
- Daphne Doody-Green, CEO, The Bathroom Association • Jane Bellard, Co-Founder, Weir The Agency
- Chris Brooks, Head of Water Reduction, Save Money Cut Carbon
- Liz D’Arcy, Head of Data Insight & Analytics, MOSL • Claire Spendley, Head of Finance and Commercial Services, Waterwise
- Matt Wilkinson, Director of Climate Services, JLL
- Victoria Hughes, Sustainability Business Partner, BAM UK & Ireland
- Aaron Bayfield, Regional Sales Manager, Delabie UK
- Richard Braid, Managing Director, Cistermiser
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