International Restroom Design  

Designing and installing for the international market can be very different from the United States. There are many factors and challenges to consider that architects, designers, and engineers must educate themselves on such as aesthetics, water conservation efforts, and plumbing regulations.

A growing trend today is for internationally based companies to seek out United States-based A & D firms to design their buildings. Creating the ideal design and function of the building, and in particular the restroom, can be a challenge due to differences in aesthetics, water quality, water pressure, regulations, and plumbing standards. It is important for domestic architects and designers to identify these differences and find viable solutions for every client that fit both their budget and their region’s specific plumbing needs. In order to specify the best possible products, architects and designers must educate themselves on the specific cultural trends, regulatory requirements, and water availability and quality of a given region. It is important, however, to keep in mind that even within a particular country, plumbing requirements and needs can vary.

All images courtesy of Sloan Valve Company

World-class commercial restroom design.

Ted Garcia, vice president of International Business Development with Sloan, has this to say about the importance of the challenges faced when designing and specifying products for the international market: “Architects, designers, building owners, and engineers around the world are challenged by balancing aesthetics and function. This is specifically true in the design of international commercial restrooms. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right products, including design aesthetic, quality, durability, sustainability, and water conservation. The use of high-efficiency restroom products can be very successful in modern restroom designs. With an increasing number of customers around the world, manufacturers need to be committed to providing high-quality products that are as beautiful as they are efficient.”

With this in mind, it is important to consult with local architects, designers, engineers, and other experts of the particular region to avoid problems. However, this continuing education course will provide basic instructions on vital aspects to consider when designing a commercial restroom for the international market.

Sustainability and Water Conservation

Around the world, the commercial restroom industry is always searching for dynamic solutions to improve the quality of life of the customers and communities that it serves. Globally, 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation services, making commercial restrooms an even greater need. Sustainability and water conservation are important across the globe, especially in developing countries, and it can be a major deciding factor in fixture/plumbing types across the board. India, for instance, is undergoing a major water conservation initiative set forth country-wide by the government.

According to statistics reported by the United Nations, the world’s population is growing by roughly 80 million people each year. As a result, global water consumption has doubled in the last 20 years and commercial buildings use 20 percent of the world’s water, creating an overwhelming demand for access to fresh water and plumbing. At any given time, close to half of all people in developing countries suffer from a health problem caused by water and sanitation deficits. According to the Global Construction 2020 Report prepared by Global Construction Perspectives, $97.7 trillion will be spent on construction globally in the next 10 years. The rapid increase in population, water usage, and construction around the world, combined with the varying percentages of trained plumbers in each country, means that a simple-to-install, water-efficient plumbing solution is a must for commercial restrooms.

Despite the increasing demands in high-traffic, commercial restrooms, current plumbing solutions can waste water and can lead to unsafe/unhealthy environments. So, what is the perfect solution to help increase access to clean, affordable sanitation in global communities while meeting the needs of water efficiency? World Health Organization (WHO) states in its Health Aspects of Plumbing Report, “Good design of plumbing systems is necessary to ensure that the installations are efficient and safe. Good design will also ensure that the installations are appropriate for the different circumstances they serve. The design of good plumbing services must be based on an understanding of the technical requirements and relevant regulatory restrictions.”¹

High-efficiency products, such as low-flow flushometers for water closets and urinals, water-free and hybrid urinals, as well as low-flow sensor faucets are all water-saving solutions in commercial restroom design. These products can be used in new construction or as retrofits to help existing facilities conserve water. New construction has the advantage of starting with the latest flushing technologies and properly sized and pitched drain lines for both performance and water savings. Plumbing retrofit and renovation decisions are more difficult for existing buildings as the condition of the plumbing infrastructure behind the wall may be unknown. Therefore, getting accurate knowledge about the current infrastructure and green building standards/certifications a region is working towards is vital.

The World Green Building Council (WGBC), a global network of Green Building Councils in more than 70 countries (United States and throughout South America, Middle East, North Africa, Asia Pacific, Africa and Europe), is one entity that promotes sustainability-focused practices in the building and construction industry around the world. A “green” building is one that adopts products and practices to reduce strain on the world’s limited resources, such as water. The members of WGBC work together to promote awareness and encourage the use of efficient products like solar-powered faucets.

The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM), is another set of certifications that encourages the use of sustainable and water-efficient products. Created in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), awarding a BREEAM certification means that a building makes effective use of resources, measured in 10 categories. These categories include: energy, health and wellbeing, innovation, land use, materials, management, pollution, transport, waste, and of course, water. Adopted in over 77 countries, BREEAM encourages the use of plumbing products that limit the strain on the finite water resource. However, there are other certifications around the world that encourage the use of sustainable water products.

Variables ranging from the economic climate to the social customs to availability of resources will impact how much a region can work toward sustainability and which products it can use. After all, achieving those sustainability goals is just as important, if not even more so, than it is in the United States.

High-efficiency products, like water-free and hybrid urinals as well as low-flow sensor faucets, are water-savings solutions in commercial restroom design.

Water Quality and Water Pressure

Water quality and pressure drastically differs around the world. The most important factors to consider when designing for the commercial restroom are the quality and availability of water in that particular area. These differences are most apparent outside of the United States. Countries with water shortages, aging plumbing infrastructure, or little to no filtration systems will drastically change the types of products specified. Impure water or solid particles within the water compromise performance and the life of the products and infrastructure. A lack of plumbing regulations and filtration systems are the leading causes of these issues.

There are two distinct international markets, the developed world and the developing world. One is characterized by specific water delivery infrastructure and offers consistent pressure and reduced tertiary and particulate matter. The other is prone to intermittent outages, fluctuation or low water pressure, and a higher likelihood of turbid or particulate laden water supplies.

The primary need in a developing market is hygiene, water savings, and product reliability. This involves the ability to work with high turbid or particulate levels as well as fluctuating voltage levels.

In developing countries, it’s important to be able to offer sensor faucets with battery backup power supplies so that inconsistent power supply does not interrupt the function of bathroom fixtures. If the overall conditions are stabilized, then more advanced features like LED lit controls, high technology devices, and adaptive sensing are applicable to the market.

Filters in the supply lines for sensor faucets and flushometers are important because they can trap debris within the water supply that can then be easily removed instead of interfering with the operation of sensor-based products.

The quality of the water in international markets seldom has anything to do with the age of the piping system. Instead, it often has to do with water being purely filtered and cleaned. Also, many countries’ source of water is groundwater, which tends to be harder and carries more minerals. Chile, for example, has hard water that contains calcium and tartar due to a lack of a filtration system.

The most important factors to consider when designing for the commercial restroom are the quality and availability of water in that particular area.

Plumbing and Other Regulatory Factors to Remember

Before specifying internationally, it is important to contact the local authorities regarding the certification process and paperwork that is necessary. This is essential in order to successfully adhere to local laws and gain approval to bring product through the customs process. Each country has its own set of regulations and/or governing bodies that monitor product certification and installation. U.S. certification standards, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Research and Testing (IAPMO R&T), and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) do carry over to other countries.

Each country has its own set of regulations and/or governing bodies that monitor product certification and installation.

Plumbing regulations in Mexico are monitored by the National Water Commission (Comisión Nacional del Agua), Conagua. Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) serves as the certification group in Mexico. IAPMO certifications for NOM are recognized by Conagua. Therefore, it is important to remember that American plumbing products cannot pass through customs without a NOM certificate, per NOM regulations. This is the only U.S. certification that Mexico recognizes. Products must be recertified every year.

The plumbing industry in South America is regulated by local standards that are similar to standards issued by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for both the United States and Canada. However, IAPMO’s certifications for these standards are recognized and accepted in certain countries in the region, such as Chile, Columbia, Peru, and Ecuador.

The Brazilian government controls its own plumbing industry. Separate local standards are in place, and products must be certified in Brazil as compliant to the Brazilian standards. The government imposes high import fees in order to promote local manufacturers.

In Costa Rica, Panama, and Guatemala, the plumbing industry follows ASSE/ASME standards from the United States and Canada. Buildings are often built by American contractors with parts/components similar to equivalent buildings in the Unites States.

The Indian plumbing standards are less rigorous than ASSE and ASME standards from the United States and Canada. In India, products must be certified by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This organization was created under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act in 1986. The focus of both the BIS and the Indian Standards Act is exemplary quality control and certification. Products used in governmental buildings must be BIS certified. IAPMO India has the power to certify plumbing products for ASME and ASSE.

For the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) rules the standards and, indirectly, the imports. Water conservation efforts are in place here, and in general, SASO standards follow ASSE and ASME standards from the United States and Canada. Customs will not pass products into KSA without a current certification to IAPMO or Intertek and verified by a third party for every single shipment. Every product must have the country of origin on the label.

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, generally favors American-made or European-made plumbing products. In fact, the UAE adopted a program almost identical to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Program. Unfortunately, water conservation methods are not thoroughly followed in all areas of the Middle East. However, this is starting to change with increased efforts to reduce water consumption.

China’s plumbing industry is regulated by the China Compulsory Certification (CCC). Plumbing products must receive certification before being allowed to cross into China. However, for the United States and Canada, the CCC recognizes certifications from IAPMO, Intertek, UL, and TÜV SÜD.

In addition, product transparency reports, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and Health Product Declarations (HPD), are available for all LEED v4 projects, and Declare Labels are available for All Living Building Challenge projects, which are similar to LEED v4. EPD, HPD and Declare labels are being requested more frequently today in the United States as well as in international projects.

Last, be aware when specifying and installing products that the United States is one of only three countries in the world that does not use the metric system; the other two being Liberia and Myanmar. While the rest of the world uses the Metric system, the United States uses the Imperial system of measurement.

Electrical Voltage Requirements

Differences in electrical requirements are another set of factors to consider when designing and installing abroad. North American products will not work internationally if the voltage and frequency are different. Below are a few examples of voltage and frequency differences:

Mexico: 127 V; 60 Hz

South America: Mixed ranges, anywhere from 110 V to 240 V. Check local codes for exact requirements.

Brazil: 110/220 V; 60 Hz

Costa Rica: 120 V; 60 Hz

Panama: 110 V; 60 Hz

India: 230 V; 50 Hz

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): 127/220 V; 60 Hz

UAE: 220/240 V; 50 Hz

China: 220 V; 60 Hz

Design Trends and Aesthetics

Today, there is a move toward commercial restroom equipment that’s easier to operate (automated), more hygienic (hands-off operation), better for the environment (high-efficiency and low-flow), and conservative with natural resources. An important influence on installation is design aesthetics, in conjunction with reliability, ease of installation, and maintenance. The determining factor for product installations in many places around the world today is the design aesthetic of the restroom.

Using products with special finishes helps create a unified restroom experience.

Every country has its own design trends and product preferences. For example, concealed flushometers are much more common outside of the United States. Trends can differ within each country. Therefore, it is never safe to assume that “one design fits all.” Communication and researching the preferred design aesthetics of the region are key to properly identify the needs of the client. That being said, there are widespread emerging trends to be aware of. Some specific industry aesthetics and trends are the following:

Public vs. Private Styles Merging

In the United States, companies tend to cater to the residential and commercial markets separately with two distinct product lines. Some companies manufacture for just one market. Internationally, there is less differentiation between residential and commercial restroom products. Many countries use the same products for commercial and residential properties. For instance, more products are installed in public spaces that you would normally see in a residential or private space, such as gooseneck faucets. Originating in the residential market, countries are looking to make commercial/public spaces feel more like home. Therefore, gooseneck faucets are popping up more and more. Especially in Mexico, the emerging trend is transforming commercial restrooms into spaces that feel more like home.

Gooseneck faucet and soap dispensers are one example of the European faucet designs that are gaining popularity for their sleek curves.

Customization

In an effort to become more “design-forward,” the demand for product customization has increased. Today, you can customize the commercial restroom with the addition of special finishes or custom engravings. Customization, like the engraving of fixtures such as faucet crowns and flushometers or special/unique finishes for flushometers, faucets, soap dispensers, and hand dryers, is becoming increasingly popular in international design. Using products with special finishes helps create a unified restroom experience across all designs. Custom engravings for faucets and flushometers help brand a restroom and create a wholly unique restroom experience.

Customization like engravings are becoming increasingly popular in international design.

Building Materials

United States buildings typically use wood, gypsum, and drywall. It is more common to find brick, masonry tile, or concrete in international construction. Therefore, international commercial materials can be harder to work with and are less flexible than United States-preferred materials. Ease of installation becomes more difficult in many countries due to this fact.

Sink Design

For sinks, it is best to feature engineered stone as the high-end product, but show fabricated solid surface and molded solid surface as a lower-cost product. Sink design’s current trend is trough-style, however, it is shifting toward individual-user stations. Customizable options are the perfect fit for high-end applications, especially internationally, as the customer may want to showcase a unique, one-of-a-kind design. New trends, such as deck-mounted hand dryers, support sustainability efforts and offer a design that is unique and fresh.

New trends such as deck-mounted hand dryers support sustainability efforts and offer a design that is unique and fresh.

Faucet Design

European faucet design trends, are influential all over the world, particularly in the Middle East and Dubai. In South America, specifically, not only do they look to Europe, but to the United States, as well. As previously noted, gooseneck faucets are one example of the European faucet designs that are gaining popularity for their sleek curves.

Soap Dispenser Design

Soap dispensers are trending toward sensor operated, especially with foam soaps, which creates a more luxurious feel in comparison to liquid soaps. The use of sensor operated offers a consistent application of soap every time. Soap dispenser spouts with designs that aesthetically match the faucets are being used in order to create a level of design consistency across the restroom.

Flushometer Design

The United States focuses mainly on exposed flushometers, as does Mexico, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. However, many other regions, such as China, Malaysia, India, Brazil, Columbia, and most Middle Eastern countries, prefer to conceal flushometers behind a wall for a cleaner restroom aesthetic—a model that may have its origins in European design. Concealed sensor or manual flushometers provide a clean look and help prevent tampering/vandalism.

Fixture Design

Water closets come in three primary configurations: wall hung/wall mounted with wall outlet, floor mounted with floor outlet, and floor mounted with rear outlet. The most popular design internationally is the wall hung. The toilet bowls themselves come in two different rim shapes, the elongated or round. Elongated is used almost exclusively in commercial restrooms and primarily in the United States. Washdown is the overall predominant flushing method throughout the world, but is rarely used in the United States where siphonjet method is utilized.

Qualities of Plumbing Products for the International Market

Flushometers

In a true flushometer installation, water flows under pressure from the supply piping directly to the fixture. The required flow rate, measured in liters per minute (Lpm), is established by the hydraulics of the fixture. If the supply pipes are properly sized, an adequate volume of water will pass through the flushometer and permit the fixture to operate efficiently.

A true flushometer is specifically built to address the needs in global commercial restrooms.

It is the use of the pressurized water supply that gives a flushometer a performance advantage over a tank toilet in commercial applications. In a tank toilet, the water used for the flush is first accumulated in the tank. The water flows by gravity into the fixture when the tank toilet is flushed. The energy behind the flush is created by the weight of the water in the tank. Because flushometers rely on the pressure and flow from the supply piping, there is more energy behind the flush, which is important in a commercial application and vital to using water efficiently and effectively. Flushometers also reset faster than gravity toilets (there is no refill time), which is another important requirement in a commercial installation.

Concealed tank toilets are commonly used around the world in the commercial restroom environment, and they are better suited for residential applications. Since tanks take time to fill up, they are not efficient enough for high-traffic restrooms typically required in commercial applications. Concealed tanks are also more difficult to install and maintain than most flushometers. In addition, flushometers are also easier to service than their tanked counterparts, making their maintenance easier and more cost effective. Finally, tanks have a reputation of leaking over time and thus wasting water.

Many global restrooms also use simple hold-open flush or metering valves (i.e., valves that don’t automatically shut off) for their plumbing solutions. However, a hold-open valve is ultimately inefficient, inaccurate, and unsafe. Typical problems arise particularly in the case of intermittent supply, which is common in many countries. Sudden changes in pressure can damage valves to levels of non-functionality. Floods are also a serious problem with hold-open technology. Because a hold-open valve will dispense water as long as the button is engaged, a flood in the restroom can occur if the button is stuck in the open position.

Many of the issues of hold-open technology can be solved with true flushometer technology. A flushometer will dispense the same amount of water every time, increasing water efficiency in a commercial restroom environment and delivering reliable and accurate performance with each flush. And compared to a hold-open valve that will dispense water as long the button is engaged, up to 75 Lpm/20 gpm, a flushometer will provide a limited flow of water, no matter how long the button is pushed.

One company in particular has manufactured a true flushometer specifically built to address these needs in global commercial restrooms. The design and engineering of this specialized flushometer goes above and beyond the typical true flushometer and provides the highest water efficiency and savings in global applications.

There are two different water delivery orientations: exposed and concealed. Exposed, as its name suggests, delivers the water in full view to the user via a pipe/flushometer or a visible tank. Exposed orientations are usually less expensive and easier to work on and maintain.

For concealed, the water is delivered from behind a wall directly into the fixture with only a flush activation button, sensor or handle exposed. This system, combined with gravity-fed tanks, is very popular in many international countries outside of the United States. The concealed flushometer is gaining popularity primarily for its accuracy and water conservation as well as its clean, modern look and less product surface area to maintain.

Fixtures

When it comes to fixtures, water closets come in three primary configurations: wall hung/wall mounted with wall outlet, floor mounted with floor outlet, and floor mounted with rear outlet. With wall hung, the bowl is mounted in a cantilevered fashion that protrudes from the wall horizontally and is supported by what is known as a carrier that is mounted securely to the floor. The carrier has an integral waste drain for the waste to pass through it to the main drain lines. The most popular design internationally is the wall hung.

The toilet bowls themselves come in two different rim shapes, elongated or round. Elongated is an oblong oval shape when viewed from the top. It is larger overall and can accommodate a wider variety of users. This shape is used almost exclusively in commercial (public/non-residential) restrooms and primarily in the United States. Round is more compact and takes up less room. It is the primary style in residential and hospitality settings for the guest rooms as well as small business environments with lower traffic/use.

Washdown is the overall predominant flushing method throughout the world, but is rarely used in the United States where siphonjet method is utilized. Washdown is powered by gravity with a tank that is either exposed or behind the wall. This method relies on feeding all of the water through the rim and basically “pushes” the waste out of the bowl via a short, simple P-trap. On the other end of the spectrum, siphonjet can be powered by a flushometer, pressure assist, or gravity and is the overwhelming style used in United States. This particular method relies on water that is fed through both the rim as well as a main jet located in the “well” at the bottom of the bowl. Siphonjet has a longer S-shaped trapway. When the flow of the water reaches a certain point, it initiates a siphon effect and pulls the waste out through the outlet. In the case of siphonjet or pressure assist, the waste is also forced out prior to the siphon effect.

When selecting and installing any fixture, it is important to specify a water delivery method that matches the pressure and water volume requirements. The water delivery system chosen differs on aesthetic and water efficiency. In a flushometer installation, water flows under pressure from the supply piping directly to the fixture. The required flow rate, measured in liters per minute (Lpm), is established primarlily by the hydraulics of the fixture rather than the valve. If the supply pipes are properly sized, an adequate volume of water will pass through the flushometer and permit the fixture to operate efficiently.

Faucets

Selecting a faucet for commercial applications is no simple task. It’s much more than just finding a way to get water into a basin. The faucet represents a critical point of interaction—the culmination of a positive, hygienic experience that begins with a designer or architect’s vision. From an engineer’s perspective, it’s all about reliability, ease of installation and maintenance. Finding the right solution involves striking a balance among many (often competing) factors.

In restrooms with manual faucets, handles are a prime breeding ground for germs. Touching faucet handles after washing simply re-contaminates hands and reverses much of the good that came from washing in the first place. Therefore, touchless, sensor-operated faucets can contribute to a higher level of handwashing hygiene.

According to James Piper, P.E., in “Five Ways to Reduce Restroom Operating Costs,” (FacilitiesNet Magazine, July 2012), “Electronic faucets are a very effective means of reducing water use. In a typical installation, they can produce water savings in the range of 50 to 80 percent when compared to manual faucets. While the units are more expensive to purchase than manual faucets, the cost savings produced by using less water typically recover this additional first cost in one to three years.”

There are two different kinds of sensing technologies available: Active Infrared (IR) and Capacitance (C). Active Infrared sensing operates when a user’s hands reflect an invisible light beam, alerting the faucet to begin the flow of water. Infrared models are designed to provide easy, above-deck access to key components, and offer additional user enhancements. Capacitance sensing utilizes the human body’s own natural conductivity. When the faucet senses a hand, it starts the flow of water. There is no sensor window, and critical components are protected in a watertight, below-deck box. In some instances, the proper functioning of Capacitance technology can be inhibited by metal fixtures or the proximity of large metal objects.

Some electronic sensor-operated faucets use as little as one-third gallon of water per minute, a conservative flow that saves water while aptly supporting proper handwashing hygiene. These faucets are either hardwired or powered by battery, solar, or turbine energy. Solar faucets resourcefully derive power from any natural or artificial light source, faucets with turbines harness the energy of moving water.

Sensor faucets are preset to shut off after a certain amount of time, they save a significant amount of water, and accidental flooding can’t occur if a user leaves it running. And, because they are hands-free, they help reduce the spread of germs and keep the vanity area clean.

Sinks

Sinks are the most visible of the functional elements in a commercial restroom. Floors, walls and mirrors may set the tone, but sinks pull together the designer or architect’s vision. Yet simply catching the eye isn’t enough. Building managers and engineers have higher expectations than ever.

As noted earlier, regulatory requirements and preferences differ by country. Choosing a sink that is IAPMO-certified is a good option since it has passed a complete battery of tests to prove it can stand up to any commercial application domestically as well as internationally. In addition, following ADA-compliance standards is important in many countries. In order to adhere to ADA domestic standards, one requirement is that a sink must be a maximum of 34 inches above the finished floor, which requires proper installation.

Choosing a sink that has detailed installation instructions, in the language spoken in that specific country, is also essential for proper installation. If a sink does not have installation instructions in the language of the country, choosing simpler installation options, such as angle brackets versus an enclosure, can reduce the risk of improper installation.

The sink also combines components such as faucets, soap dispensers, and on-deck hand dryers that also have to be evaluated. As previously noted, the electrical requirements vary per country, so the products chosen must be compatible or have a plug-in adapter if they are hardwired. An alternative option is to use battery-powered products. It is also important to ensure that repair parts and refills for soap dispensers. are locally available at a reasonable price.

Additional Factors to Consider

Price Points

Price is a factor as well, but usually only if the design isn’t groundbreaking. Price matters for varying reasons. For instance, in Latin America (in general) manual products are usually chosen over automatic, with cost the deciding factor: manual products are less expensive—at least on a first-cost basis—especially in developing areas.

Plumbing Knowledge and Licensing

Plumbing knowledge and licensing differs in many parts of the world, resulting in varying repair times and affecting ease of installation. It is extremely important to remember that not all plumbers are properly certified or certified at all in the same way they are in the United States, and manufacturers are not always locally based. This is especially true within South America.

Communication and Research

Above all, architects, designers, and engineers must communicate with their clients and do their research. It should be noted that a “global manufacturer” can do the regulatory research for the region a an architect is designing for.

COMPENSAR-BOGOTÁ, COLUMBIA

Incorporating Different Architectural Styles to Suit a Melting Pot of Cultures

In the center of Colombia is the capitol city of Bogotá, a vibrant metropolis that is home to almost 10 million people. A melting pot of cultures, Bogotá also boasts a multitude of architectural styles, from classic colonial to distinctly modern. The headquarters for health insurance provider Compensar, located in the Suba area of Bogotá, is a product of its surroundings, blending into its vivacious urban environment. Inspired by the relationship to water, the 18,000-square-meter (193,750-square-feet), seven-floor structure features several pools surrounded by lush green space.

With an eye for clean, attractive and modern design, the architects and designers wanted to incorporate contemporary ideas. They chose to install efficient, environmentally friendly elements throughout Compensar, including an array of beautiful, innovatively efficient plumbing products—including state-of-the-art flushometers and automated, solar-powered faucets.

The Flushometer Solution

A flushometer, a device used for flushing toilets, is designed to utilize less water than a conventional flushing system and to use the pressure of the water supply to force water into the toilet bowl for flushing.

The high-pressure water delivery minimizes the volume of water needed to flush when compared with a traditional tank or cistern toilet, which relies on gravity. Over time, the amount of water used for flushing can be significantly reduced.

For the Compensar project, architects specified restroom products that came recommended and which were known to be both attractive and efficient in their water conservation abilities. Hardwired, concealed flushometers were installed in virtually every restroom in the building. The devices were equipped with mechanical override functionality to ensure the toilet can be flushed in the event of a power outage.

Additionally, sensor-exposed flushometers for floor-mount or wall-hung water closets were installed. These devices are unique in that they harvest indoor lighting to power the flushometer and feature battery backup as well as providing a stylish, energy- and water-efficient solution.

Harvesting Efficiency with Automatic Faucets

Another fixture solution for the project was the installation of automatic sink faucets with optimal sensing technology. Utilizing solar energy harvesting, the faucets deliver hygienic, touch-free performance.

According to Daniel Bonilla, designer, Taller de Arquitetur de Bogotá, “We specify products we know we can trust. The fixtures we chose are not only highly respected by those in our industry for their performance and efficiency, they complement a contemporary design.”

Automatic sink faucets use solar energy harvesting to deliver hygienic, touch-free performance.

Endnotes

¹Health Aspects of Plumbing. Geneva: World Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Plumbing Council, apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/43423. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017. Published jointly by the World Plumbing Council

Resources

www.worldgbc.org (World Green Building Council)

www.sloan.com/design/inspiration/case-studies/vanke-centre (Vanke Center Case Study)

www.sloan.com/node/151376 (Compensar HQ Case Study)

www.sloan.com/resources/education/white-papers (Whitepapers)

www.cakex.org/directory/organizations/national-water-commission-comisi%C3%B3n-nacional-del-agua-conagua (National Water Commission – Mexico)

build.export.gov/china/doingbizinchina/eg_cn_027466 (China Compulsory Certification)

www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=356 (The National Bureau of Asian Research)

www.breeam.com/ (BREEAM)

www.bis.org.in/home_about.asp (Bureau of Indian Standards)

Sloan is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems and has been since 1906. The company is at the forefront of the green building movement and provides smart sustainable restroom solutions by manufacturing water-efficient products such as flushometers, sensor faucets, sinks, soap dispensers, and vitreous china fixtures for commercial markets worldwide. www.sloan.com