5.3.2 Flushing and sanitary fitments
The traditional cistern is designed to use 7~9 litres per flush.
Nowadays, water efficient sanitary fitments are available, which include
dual flush cisterns, low volume flushing water closets, and waterless
urinals. Although seawater flushing has been adopted in most urban
areas in Hong Kong, water savings from flushing will also save the
energy required by the government pump house, as well as the energy
used for water treatment.
5.3
Plumbing and drainage
As mentioned in
water efficiency is a key issue for environmental sustainability. The retail sector is one of
the major consumers of water; thus it is important to encourage retail consumers to use water efficiently.
5.3.1 Water efficient fittings
Traditional water basin taps will consume 6~9 litres/min. Nowadays, the water efficient tap
can significantly reduce water consumption to 2 litres/min for normal washing purposes.
Lowering the flow rate and pressure will reduce water consumption and contribute to the
water economy.
Meanwhile, infra-red sensor taps can be used to replace the traditional self-closing water
tap. It can help eliminate running water taps and reduce water consumption.
It is also recommended that water efficient fixtures which have been tested and labelled by
the Water Supplies Department of Hong Kong be used whenever available.
Figure 107 Water efficient
fittings
(Source: Kai Shing
Management Services
Limited
Figure 108 Dual flush & low volume
flushing urinal
(Source: Kai Shing Management
Services Limited)
TECHNICAL NOTE
Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
The voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is a water conservation initiative of the Hong
Kong SAR Government. WELS intends to cover the common types of plumbing fixtures and water-
consuming appliances. Products participating in WELS carry a water efficiency label that will tell consumers
the level of water consumption and water efficiency of the produce to help consumers choose water efficient
products for water conservation. At present, four groups of plumbing fixtures and appliances are included in
the scheme:
• Showerheads for bathing
• Water taps
• Urinal equipment
• Washing machines
Read more at:
Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Water Supplies Department. (2013).
Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme. Retrieved 30 May 2013, from
5
Energy efficient building systems for shopping malls and shop spaces
5.3
Plumbing and drainage
132 Hong Kong Green Shop Guide
