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Delays to Part G create breathing space
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The delays to the launch of Approved Document G of The Building Regulations came as a dissapointment to those working in the bathroom industry. But since the regulations will not now become law until April 2010 bathroom manufacturers have been given a little more time to create even more innovative and stylish products to meet the new demands.
Members of the BMA have a proven track record in innovation but this six month delay creates more breathing space for manufacturers to create products which will further help installers fully conform with the regs.
Part G1 of the regulations allows, for the first time, the use of harvested rainwater or recycled greywater for activities such as flushing the toilet. Highly developed and technically advanced recycling products are already available and more are on the way.
Part G2 is all about water efficiency and bathroom products are playing a major role in driving down our water consumption to the maximum 125 litres per person per day in a new dwelling. WCs are now available with volumes as low as 2.6 litres for the short flush. Compare this with the UK average of 9 litres and the huge savings are easy to see. The toilet is no longer the bad boy in the bathroom. Showers have seen major technical advances recently. Digital thermostatic showers coupled with eco shower heads are water efficient by default. New baths, too, allow a good long relaxing soak with the lowest possible water volume.
Part G3 looks at hot water safety, amongst other requirements. To prevent scalding the hot water supply to a bath (in a new dwelling or substantial refurb) must not exceed 48°C. BMA members have developed technically advanced thermostatic systems which do exactly what is required in the law. New TMV products are being launched regularly to meet the demand.
The number of innovative bathroom products coming to market is accelerating and the choice available to installers can be bewildering. To assist the trade in its search for the very best water efficient products (including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling) the BMA recently upgraded its Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. The new website at www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk/ gives product details, advice, and store locations – a new feature showing where products are stocked – and is well worth a look.

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