Savings by design

Sometimes the simplest changes can have the biggest impact on our home's green credentials. With around 25 percent of domestic water consumption used for flushing the toilet, it's worth asking about water savings when you're thinking about a new bathroom design.

Kiwi homeowners are increasingly choosing eco-friendly options, says Scott Simpson, general manager for Caroma Industries. In response to this demand, the company has designed the Caroma Smartflush® range of toilets. The Caroma Smartflush toilet suite reduces water use from 6 litres to 4.5 litres for a full flush.

Five years of research and development have resulted in this new design. The entire flushing process has been re-engineered to make the cistern, pan and trap work effectively as one unit, so that less water is required.

"The new technology doesn't sacrifice performance. You save water and trim your water bills by using less water for each full flush, without even noticing the difference," says Simpson.

Caroma Smartflush has been rated under the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) scheme. It has achieved a four-star WELS water-efficiency rating, out of a possible six.

"The WELS scheme gives customers a benchmark on water efficiency and consumption, which is helpful when choosing water-consuming products," he says.

The Caroma Smartflush technology is available in seven models, as part of a suite of bathroom products. This makes it easy for architects and homeowners to achieve an integrated look in new bathrooms.

"Style and design is not compromised by innovation," he says. "Water-saving technology is concealed within contemporary styles to suit all bathroom designs."

The new innovation is no more complex or expensive to install than other toilet suites. The cistern, pan and trap are engineered to work together, which means that both the Smartflush cistern and pan need to be installed for the best results.

Several models in the range can be used to replace old toilets. Homes with older toilets use anything up to 11 litres for each flush, making retrofitting a viable option.

"In an average home, replacing an old 11-litre single-flush toilet with a new Caroma Smartflush toilet would save around 35,000 litres of water every year," says Simpson.

For more information, contact Caroma Industries, phone (09) 279 2700. Email: customer.service@caroma.co.nz. Website: www.caroma.smartflush.info, or visit your nearest plumbing or building merchant.

Story by: Trendsideas