11/10/2016
Green Products Save Resources and Money
While streaming music in the bathroom and shower control systems are gaining attention, environmentally friendly plumbing technology is also growing in consumer interest.
Environmental products are not only relatively affordable, but they also save money by reducing water use over time without compromising day-to-day use. Products that are innovative and promote green building practices are great items for retailers to offer, as consumers will begin to make the switch over time.
Of the retailers we reached out to for our questionnaire, nearly 90 percent already provide green products in their plumbing category. When asked if customers were actively seeking out green products, 47 percent of the retailers say they have had customers coming into their stores and requesting these green, money-saving products.
One example of appliances that integrate both technology and eco-friendly functions can be found in dishwashers. Manufacturers are continuing to develop products that meet higher energy-efficiency standards and save water, with some using water from the rinse cycle for the next wash. An average family who washes dishes four times per week could save 700 gallons of water each year through the use of a smart dishwasher, according to Reviewed.com.
Additional emerging technologies combine home automation technologies with green practices. For example, new sprinkler systems attach to controllers that use Wi-Fi to download seven days of weather forecasts, adjusting the sprinklers accordingly.
Finding ways to conserve and, in some cases, reuse, water, is extremely important, according to an article on Ecobuildingpulse.com. Builder Online states that the cost of water is rising, increasing 6 to 7 percent a year.
With this increase in cost, consumers will be looking to hardware retailers for plumbing products that decrease water use without affecting their day-to-day activities. One way to make this transition is through a greywater recycling system.
This system uses water from showers, sinks, washing machines and dishwashers that is relatively clean, containing very few pathogens. This water, unlike black water, which comes from toilets, requires very little treatment before it can be reused for non-drinking purposes, such as for toilet flushing and lawn watering with sprinkler systems. The cost of installing a greywater system into a new home ranges from $500 to $2,500, according to an article from HGTV. Continuous technological advancements will allow this system to be integrated into more homes.
Another eco-friendly product that continues to gain popularity in the plumbing category is the tankless water heater. A storage water heater is an insulated tank holding 20 to 80 gallons of water. Tankless water heaters provide constant hot water and energy savings. A 2008 Consumer Reports’ article found that tankless water heaters use about 22 percent less energy than their storage-type counterparts.
Despite the benefits in water savings, tankless units tend to be more expensive than storage units so retailers should be able to discuss the positive and negative aspects of these products.
In addition to some of the newer, technologically advanced green products mentioned above, green practices in plumbing have led to a new program, called WaterSense, from the United States Environmental Protection Act (EPA). The WaterSense program was created to find ways to use water efficiently for consumers, communities and the environment, while helping conserve resources for the future. Retailers interested in having WaterSense-labeled products can work with the EPA to get approved products in their stores.
While green practices are sure to continue to evolve and develop, retailers who have environmentally efficient products should communicate to their customers the green options provided in-store. Not only will it aid those looking to save money on their water bills, but it will also contribute toward better conservation practices.