Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for natural resources surpasses what the earth can regenerate in one year. This means we are living on credit for five whole months and depleting the earth’s resources further and further. This alarming fact calls for urgent action to reduce our ecological footprint and preserve the planet for future generations.
Simple changes in our everyday behaviour and the use of new, innovative technologies could push back the date of Earth Overshoot Day.
GROHE has made it a mission to develop water-saving solutions that empower everyone to contribute to water and energy conservation efforts.
Here, Ronke Ugbaja, Leader, Product Management, LIXIL EMENA, and GROHE UK highlights the home innovations available to help reduce consumption at home.
1. When it comes to the bathroom tap, GROHE SilkMove ES technology helps to save energy. When operating standard taps with the lever in the middle position, mixed hot and cold water flows every time – even when only briefly rinsing a toothbrush or washing hands. This unnecessary energy consumption is prevented by the SilkMove ES (Energy Saving) cartridge, which ensures that only cold water runs if the tap lever remains in the default centre position. Only once the lever is turned to the left, does warm water flow, making running warm water a conscious decision.
2. To reduce water consumption, GROHE taps with EcoJoy technology are equipped with a flow-limiting mousseur. This helps to reduce water flow from the usual 10 litres per minute, to just over 5 litres per minute. At the same time, an aerator enriches the water with air, letting the water jet remain pleasantly powerful. This saves water without sacrificing performance or comfort.
3. GROHE EcoJoy technology can also save water and energy in the shower area. The water flow is reduced by a flow limiter and, thanks to smaller nozzles, this is not noticeable when showering as the flow remains as strong as usual.
4. Shower thermostats also help to save water and energy, as they maintain the chosen water temperature for the duration of the shower, so there is no need to spend time re-adjusting or waiting for the shower to reach the desired temperature. Many models, like the GROHE Grohtherm 1000, also include the GROHE EcoButton. The full water flow is only achieved by pressing this button, meaning users have to actively opt out of an eco-flow.
5. The latest innovation is GROHE Everstream, the brand’s first water-recycling shower technology that circulates hygienically treated water in order to create the showering experience users expect but consuming as little fresh water as possible – and using far less energy. The shower system uses as little as a quarter of the water and a third of the energy typically required by traditional showers, translating into a cost saving of up to 65% a year for a four-person household, and up to 70% fewer CO2 emissions, depending on individual showering habits. The water recycling shower will be launched to market in 2024.
Earth Overshoot Day reminds us of the urgent need to re-think how we live and consume. This reality will continue to nudge GROHE to play a pioneering role in the development of sustainable solutions that change how resources are used in kitchens and bathrooms. With this commitment to water and energy conservation and dedication to technological innovation, the brand aims to continue paving the way to #MoveTheDate.
For more on GROHE’s Sustainability mission, visit GROHE’s mission for a sustainable future (grohe-x.com).
