What is BREEAM?

As sustainability and environmental performance become increasingly important within the built environment, developers, architects, contractors, and building owners are looking for recognised standards that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable design and operation. One of the most widely used frameworks in the UK and around the world is BREEAM.

Understanding BREEAM

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading sustainability assessment method for buildings and infrastructure projects. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in 1990, it provides a framework for measuring and certifying the environmental performance of buildings throughout their lifecycle.

BREEAM assesses a wide range of sustainability criteria, including:

• Energy efficiency
• Water consumption
• Health and wellbeing
• Materials selection
• Waste management
• Pollution reduction
• Transport accessibility
• Land use and ecology
• Building management practices

Projects are awarded credits across these categories, resulting in an overall rating of:

• Pass
• Good
• Very Good
• Excellent
• Outstanding

Achieving a high BREEAM rating can enhance a building's value, reduce operating costs, improve occupant wellbeing, and demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Why Water Efficiency Matters in BREEAM

Water is one of the key assessment categories within BREEAM. The framework encourages buildings to reduce potable water consumption through the specification of efficient fixtures, fittings, and control systems.

Credits are available for implementing technologies that minimise water waste while maintaining user comfort and hygiene. This includes low-flow taps, water-efficient WCs, leak detection systems, and intelligent flushing solutions.

For commercial buildings with high footfall, such as offices, shopping centres, airports, schools, and leisure facilities, washroom water consumption can represent a significant proportion of overall water use. As a result, washroom design plays an important role in supporting BREEAM certification goals.

The Role of Urinal Flush Controls

Traditional urinal cisterns often flush continuously throughout the day, regardless of whether the facilities are being used. This can lead to substantial water wastage, particularly during evenings, weekends, and other periods of low occupancy.

Urinal flush controls are designed to eliminate unnecessary flushing by ensuring water is only used when required. These systems can operate using occupancy sensors, infrared technology or programmed timers.

By reducing the number of flushes and optimising water usage, urinal flush controls can deliver significant water savings compared to uncontrolled systems.

How Urinal Flush Controls Support BREEAM Credits

BREEAM encourages the adoption of water-saving technologies that contribute to reduced building water consumption. Installing urinal flush controls can support this objective by:

Reducing Potable Water Consumption

Sensor-controlled flushing ensures water is only used when occupants are present. This directly lowers water usage and contributes to improved performance within BREEAM's water efficiency assessments.

Supporting Sustainable Building Design

Water-efficient washrooms form an important part of a holistic sustainability strategy. Urinal flush controls complement other efficient sanitaryware and help demonstrate a commitment to resource conservation.

Lowering Operational Costs

Reduced water consumption not only benefits the environment but also decreases utility costs. This aligns with BREEAM's broader goal of promoting sustainable and cost-effective building operation.

Enhancing Building Performance

Modern urinal control systems can be integrated into wider building management strategies, helping facilities managers monitor and optimise water use across the property.

Choosing the Right Urinal Flush Control System

When specifying urinal flush controls for a BREEAM-focused project, it is important to consider:

• Building occupancy patterns
• Expected washroom usage
• Installation requirements
• Maintenance needs
• Compatibility with existing plumbing systems
• Potential water-saving performance

Systems that utilise occupancy sensing technology are often particularly effective because they respond directly to actual usage, ensuring flushing occurs only when necessary.

Conclusion

BREEAM provides a recognised framework for creating more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible buildings. Water efficiency is a key component of the assessment process, making every opportunity to reduce consumption valuable.

Urinal flush controls offer a simple yet highly effective solution for cutting unnecessary water use in commercial washrooms. By preventing continuous flushing and ensuring water is only used when required, these systems can help building owners improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support the sustainability objectives that underpin successful BREEAM certification.

As demand for greener buildings continues to grow, intelligent water management solutions such as urinal flush controls are becoming an essential part of modern building design.