As architects and designers strive to cut the environmental footprint of hotels, bathroom innovations are stepping up. Among them, shower toilets are redefining sustainable design. Sophie Weston, Head of Marketing at Geberit, explains why…
There has been an upswell of conversation regarding sustainability. Reducing water and waste creation through smart technologies, water-efficient water systems and the use of more sustainable materials has become a must, not a need. Resource and water scarcity is a growing global concern, and toilets play a crucial role.
First, water efficiency. Traditional toilets can use up to six litres per flush, while older models may use even more. In contrast, shower toilets like the Geberit AquaClean Alba are designed with water efficiency in mind. While shower toilets increase a household’s water consumption, about 2 to 3% more than a toilet without a shower function, the impact is minimal compared to the water and wood required to produce toilet paper.
The actual water consumption depends less on the shower function of a toilet and more on the flushing system. The TurboFlush flushing technology uses an asymmetrical inner geometry in the WC ceramic appliance. This creates a powerful yet quiet whirl of water during the flushing process, which cleans the toilet particularly efficiently and thoroughly – even the centre of the toilet and the siphon are completely flushed out. This means that a single flush is sufficient to clean the toilet thoroughly.
Geberit AquaClean Alba | Image credit: Geberit
Trumping toilet paper
The environmental impact of toilet paper is often overlooked, but it is substantial. The production of toilet paper contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and significant energy consumption. By providing a water-based cleaning option, shower toilets like the Geberit AquaClean Alba can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for toilet paper.
This reduction in paper usage not only conserves trees and reduces manufacturing-related pollution, it also decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills or processing plants. For architects working on large-scale projects like hotels, the cumulative effect of this reduction can be substantial, potentially influencing the overall waste management strategy of the building.
On average, a four-person household uses a good 15 kilograms of toilet paper per year. With a conventional toilet, paper consumption is the biggest environmental impact, even ahead of water consumption and manufacturing. An alternative to cleaning with paper is the shower toilet, which cleans gently with water. If paper is only used for drying, toilet paper consumption is reduced by a good 40%. With shower toilets with a dryer, such as the premium model Geberit AquaClean Mera, toilet paper can be avoided altogether.
Designing for durability
Sustainability in architecture isn’t just about immediate resource consumption; it also encompasses the longevity and maintenance of fixtures. Sanitary ceramics have proven themselves in bathrooms over decades, as they are characterised by a particularly long service life and robustness. High-quality workmanship also contributes to this longevity: the WC ceramic appliances are manufactured in Geberit’s European factories, while the technical unit for all AquaClean shower toilet models is assembled at the Swiss headquarters. This combination of robust materials and precise manufacturing forms the basis for long-lasting product quality.
The AquaClean Alba’s design also prioritises ease of cleaning and durability, which contributes to its long-term sustainability.
The rimless ceramic bowl eliminates hard-to-reach areas where bacteria and limescale can accumulate. This design not only improves hygiene but also reduces the need for harsh cleaning chemicals, further minimising environmental impact. The durability of these fixtures means they need to be replaced less frequently, reducing waste and the need for new resources over time.
As guest demands for eco-friendly designs continue to grow, and as regulations around building efficiency become more stringent, shower toilets are likely to become an increasingly common feature in hotelier architecture. Their ability to combine luxury and comfort with substantial environmental benefits makes them an attractive option for architects looking to create spaces that are both appealing and sustainable.
Discover more about Geberit’s shower toilet range in the latest HD Sofa Session:
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Main image credit: Geberit
