20 June 2024
Reading time: 5 minutes / Updated: June 20, 2024
A SMART washroom leverages SMART washroom technology to gather and analyse data, leading to more efficient management of resources, better maintenance practices, and sustainable operational practices, all of which contribute to cost savings.
However, some building owners and architects may hesitate to invest in SMART washroom systems and SMART washroom products due to the high initial costs and uncertainty about their value.
As a supplier of SMART washroom products, we recognise the lack of awareness regarding the cost-saving benefits of SMART washrooms for commercial projects of all sizes. That is why we have created this article: to help you understand how a SMART washroom saves money and how you can recoup your investment through significant savings and efficiency gains.
Learn how does a SMART washroom saves money by watching the video below:
1. Reducing Water Bills
SMART-enabled products within SMART washrooms significantly help reduce water consumption, directly lowering water bills and contributing to overall sustainability.
Sensor Taps
Analysing the statistics collected by SMART washroom technology can help determine if the volume of water dispensed through the sensor taps is significant and whether changes to the taps need to be made to reduce the flow rate or run time.
This can be accomplished by installing low-flow components, such as a flow regulator and aerator. Another way is adjusting the overrun time in the BMS settings or changing the water dispensing run time.
Electronic flush plates
The same applies to SMART-enabled electronic flush plates. By monitoring the frequency and duration of usage, more intelligent decisions can be made to reduce flush volume. One way to achieve this is by installing and adjusting a delayed action inlet valve.
Taking action to lower the flow rate, reduce flush volume, and limit water run times naturally leads to lower water bills.
2. Reduce Energy Bills
A SMART washroom saves money on your energy bills.
For example, by reducing the maximum flow time in SMART-enabled sensor taps from 60 seconds to 20 seconds, the energy required to heat the water decreases. With less water run time flowing from the tap, less energy is needed for heating.
While it may seem like a small detail, it is an effective way to reduce energy consumption.
3. Save cleaning costs
A SMART washroom saves money through more efficient use of cleaning resources.
By monitoring washroom activity via a SMART washroom system, such as the total number of uses and operating hours since the last use, tenants can reduce cleaning expenses by allocating resources only where needed. This is especially beneficial with the hybrid working model, where not all washrooms are used daily and do not require cleaning.
For tenants that outsource their facilities management, this can lead to substantial cost savings, as cleaning services are typically billed by the hour. If not all washrooms require cleaning, cleaners can avoid unnecessary visits, thereby reducing billable hours and increasing efficiency.
This makes the property more attractive to potential tenants and provides an additional benefit for retaining current tenants.
4. Save washroom maintenance costs
A SMART washroom saves money by minimising the risk of unpredictable maintenance expenses.
SMART washroom systems track the usage of SMART-enabled commercial washroom products, allowing facility managers to anticipate when parts like solenoids for taps need replacement before failure.
This proactive maintenance prevents costly repairs or replacements, ensures commercial washrooms remain functional, and eliminates lengthy downtime.
5. Avoid unpredicted costs when buildings are unoccupied
Through a timed hygiene flush function linked to a SMART washroom system, a SMART washroom saves money when buildings are unoccupied during the holiday season or the leasing period following project handover.
Legionella contamination
In a SMART washroom system, implementing a regular flushing schedule as a preventative measure can help avoid the need for costly remediation efforts if legionella contamination occurs.
Remediation often involves extensive cleaning and disinfection of the water system, which can be expensive and disruptive.
Read more about what you must do to control any risks associated with legionella.
Therefore, in this article, it is challenging to estimate the exact savings, as commercial washrooms vary in size and foot traffic across buildings, and local utility rates must also be taken into account.
Investing in a SMART washroom to save money will only be successful if a concerted effort is made to use the SMART washroom system, refer to it, analyse the data, compare it with previous data, and take the time to understand washroom operations.
This commitment is essential for making informed decisions to conserve water and lower operating costs.
SMART commercial washrooms: A cost-effective investment
While the initial cost of a SMART washroom may be high, the long-term savings and water conservation benefits can be substantial.
Additionally, avoiding the larger costs associated with Legionella outbreaks, legal liabilities, and reputational damage makes it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
To ensure your SMART washroom saves money and improves water and energy usage, it is crucial to measure consumption accurately. With precise data, you can manage and optimise water usage and washroom maintenance more efficiently, leading to greater savings and enhanced performance.
