Your Guide to Green Plumbing

Professionals in plumbing jobs throughout the UK are quickly discovering an increasingly ‘green’ aspect to their work. As eco-friendly credentials become more and more of a priority for customers, it’s vital that plumbers best understand how to meet these needs.  

With the UK pledging to reach Net Zero by 2050, plumbing professionals must become familiar with various renewable energy technologies if they want to adapt. Green plumbing has many benefits for businesses, their customers, and the planet, so let's take a closer look at this sustainable movement and what it involves. 

Also known as sustainable plumbing, green plumbing refers to an investment in environmentally friendly strategies and plumbing techniques. This could include installing products that reduce water usage, or not using any chemicals that may harm the environment.

Green plumbing is part of a wider movement towards a more sustainable future, with a focus on causing as little damage to the environment as possible.

Customers are showing an increased interest in sustainable plumbing thanks to various key benefits for their homes and the environment. The benefits of green plumbing include:

Lower monthly bills
Many customers are prepared to pay more for plumbing upfront if it means saving money in the long run. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to add pressure on to households, many are looking for ways to reduce spending on their monthly bills and outgoings. Sustainable plumbing solutions don’t just benefit the planet; they traditionally use less water and require fewer repairs, passing on savings for customers. 

Fewer water shortages
Research has revealed that 46% of people believe their household uses under 20 litres of water a day, when the average is actually 142 litres per day, per person. UK Environmental Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan has highlighted the increased risk of drought and water shortages in the UK due to the effects of climate change, so it's vital to minimise water usage where possible.

By installing green plumbing appliances that use less water, businesses and households can reduce the strain on water supplies and save money, too! 

Less impact on the environment
Green plumbing helps to minimise ecological disruption, without compromising on the ease and efficiency of traditional plumbing systems. Fixtures and systems like tankless water heaters or water-efficient shower heads reduce the amount of water and energy used for day-to-day activities. These reductions help to curb pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fossil fuel use, reducing harmful impacts on the environment. 

Green plumbers provide a great deal of value to their customers, and their services go far beyond just installing heat pumps! Those trained in green plumbing technology do install a lot of energy-efficient appliances, but they can offer far more. 

Experts in sustainable and energy-efficient plumbing have undertaken extensive training and research in their field, expanding their knowledge of new technologies to better serve the environment – and their customers. Green plumbing specialists can also educate their customers on the latest technologies, allowing them to seek the most effective ways to save money and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. 

If you’re thinking about entering the sustainable plumbing industry, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the following strategies:

Installing energy-efficient heating systems
Green plumbers should be well-versed in the installation of energy-efficient heating systems. These systems can be powered by various types of renewable energy, including air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, biomass heating systems and underfloor heating. 

Energy-efficient plumbing systems 
If renewable energy systems can’t be used, energy-efficient water heaters (like combi boilers) can be installed instead. These systems use less energy than traditional boilers as they don’t need to keep reheating water throughout the day. 

Energy-efficient plumbing systems can also include the installation of fixtures, fittings and accessories that reduce water use, such as low-flow shower heads and leak monitoring devices. Other options include green plumbing systems, like reuse greywater systems or rainwater capture and filter systems. 

Green practices
There are also many green practices that fall under the training and day-to-day work of a sustainable plumber. These include things like:

•    Identifying and fixing plumbing issues without the use of harsh chemicals. 
•    Recycling and reusing any waste materials.
•    Responsible sourcing – purchasing raw materials from suppliers that promote green practices.  
•    Educating customers about reducing their water use.
•    Using innovative software tools to improve efficiency. 
•    A focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible. 

Green plumbing is the next step towards more sustainable ways of living, and at Highbourne Group, caring for the environment and supporting the race to Net Zero are at the heart of our business. We’ve had a dedicated Energy and Renewables team in place for over 10 years, to ensure we’re up to date with the latest in sustainable plumbing and other renewable energy technologies. 

Learn more about our environmental policies here or contact us today to find out more.