World's Greenest Toilet?

Minimise Water has designed its new High Performance Toilet to use just a sixth of the water of a conventional nine litre toilet, resulting in an 80 per cent reduction in the energy needed to process the water and waste

An innovative toilet could help businesses shave up to 60 per cent off their water bills, as well as reduce their carbon footprint.
Minimise Water has designed its new High Performance Toilet to use just a sixth of the water of a conventional nine litre toilet, resulting in an 80 per cent reduction in the energy needed to process the water and waste.

The toilet is designed for use in public sector, education, hospital and care, leisure and commercial facilities. Minimise Water estimates the efficiency gains delivered by the system could save businesses more than £24,000 and reduce emissions by more than 2,500kg each year if 25 conventional toilets are replaced.
The company also said the design has achieved the highest performance rating for water efficiency under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) and exceeds the requirements set out under environmental planning legislation.
Barry Webber, technical director of Minimise Water's green compliance division, said the toilet would bring cost and environmental benefits to businesses.
"Toilet flushing accounts for up to 90 per cent of water consumption in commercial buildings," he said. "Changing to a more sustainable and water-efficient technology can pay both cost and environmental dividends. This system reduces the water used but does not compromise on the action. In fact, it significantly improves flushing and hygiene performance."
The toilet, which is delivered by Propelair, employs the company's patented displaced air POWA technology, which uses air and water to provide a powerful flush and reduce water usage.

"[The toilet] has a two-section cistern; one for air and one for water," Minimise Water said in a statement. "Before flushing, the lid is closed to form a seal. When the flush button is pressed the water enters the pan to wash it, followed by air, which pushes out the entire contents of the pan, giving a powerful, reliable flush. The remaining water fills the trap. The flush is completed in three seconds, with the toilet ready to be reflushed in about 20 seconds (subject to water supply pressure)."

The company maintains the toilet can be retrofitted to existing drainage systems and qualifies for the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme, which allows businesses to pay for the purchase and installation within the first tax year using cost savings.
In addition, the company said the system delivers hygiene benefits, as it does not result in the "sneeze" effect of conventional toilets whereby germs can travel up to eight feet following a flush.

Source: Business Green

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• Soil & Water Assessment Tools
• Portable Toilets & Waste Management
• Environmental Engineering