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AWA R E N E S S
Water waste
Renewable technologies will help to drive growth, says AMA Research
I N D U S T RY
Water heating market growth THE WATER HEATING market experienced a decline of around -13% in 2020, following the COVID-19 outbreak. However, a report from AMA Research suggests growth is expected to be reported for 2021. The UK water heating market is influenced by factors including construction, climate, fuel prices and the development of renewable technologies. However, renewable sources of heat are likely to drive environmentally friendly specification types and market growth.
Abdul Tantouch, research manager at AMA Research, said: “With the government’s drive towards net zero carbon emissions, there will be an increasing focus on renewable technologies, particularly heat pumps and solar energy. This development will have a considerable impact on the type of water heating systems specified.” Find details of the CIPHE’s Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Design course at www.ciphe.org.uk
MARKET RESEARCH
Great expectations
Triton says customers expect longevity
Triton Showers has revealed that following a survey of 2,000 people, homeowners expect a shower to work for eight-and-a-half years, running twice a day, and a toilet for six-and-a-half years. “Bathroom products are expected to last a little longer, on average, than anything else in the home, but these items are often used by the whole family multiple times per day,” said Tina Simpson, spokesperson for Triton
6 P&H ENGINEERING | QUARTER ONE | 2022
Showers. “When choosing an item for the home, I’d always recommend checking that it is covered by a guarantee and ensuring that the manufacturer recycles old parts, where possible. There are also steps that can be taken to make appliances perform longer. For example, those living in a hard water area can install a water softener or scale reducer which can help to extend the life of showers, washing machines and dishwashers.”
The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has called on the industry to encourage consumers to use water wisely by promoting the Unified Water Label. The UWLA submitted a detailed background paper for DEFRA and BEIS on water efficiency in the bathroom industry, as part of the information gathering phase, before consultations begin in 2022 on a mandatory label. Yvonne Orgill, managing director at UWLA, said: “The Unified Water Label is an established and recognised smart tool that can help the industry motivate the consumer to recognise that water matters and make the changes required to meet the government’s targets. We have the support of manufacturers who have responded by driving forward innovation to deliver bathroom products that use less water and energy, but we must keep our focus on how these products are used in the home. “Retailers can help the consumer understand the link between using water, energy and their carbon footprint. Without their commitment to drive home our messages and help the consumer make informed decisions, we will fail.”
CIPHE.ORG.UK
