Delivering water efficiency in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Delivering water efficiency in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers (IP 6/14) was written by Tom Taylor and published by BRE on 13 June 2014.
This information paper provides guidance about how to deliver water efficiency savings through improved facilities management. It is part of a series of BRE publications providing guidance for facilities managers, maintenance contractors and building owners about issues relating to the operation and management of commercial buildings.
Whilst sometimes considered secondary to energy efficiency, the importance of water efficiency should not be underestimated, particularly with water shortages on the increase as a result of growing demand and the increasing variability of weather patterns. Reducing demand through water efficiency and sourcing water from alternative supplies alleviates pressure on water resources, improves resilience, and helps cut costs.
This 8-page publication provides an overview of how to determine water consumption and establish a building’s water efficiency performance. It offers guidance about how to ensure water systems are operating as intended and how to identify causes of poor water efficiency. It will help the reader gain an understanding of some of the key issues that impact on water efficiency and to identify opportunities for making water efficiency savings.
Its contents are:
- Water-consumption monitoring and benchmarking.
- Water efficiency and maintenance.
- User engagement.
- Investing in water efficiency.
- Conclusions.
- References.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BREEAM Water consumption.
- BREEAM Water efficient equipment.
- BREEAM Water leak detection.
- BREEAM Water monitoring.
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Flood and Water Management Act
- Green roofs.
- Greywater.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Shower vs bath.
- Sustainable water.
- The State of the Environment: Water Resources.
- Types of water.
- Water consumption.
- Water engineering.
- Water investment.
Featured articles and news
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.