To reduce the consumption of potable water for sanitary use in new buildings through the use of water efficient components and water recycling systems.

• Improving water efficiency and reducing cost related to water consumption in use.
• Reducing potable water use so helping to conserve stretched water reserves at times of shortage.
• Reducing water industry greenhouse gas emissions, pollution impacts and associated costs on a national level.

In England1HM Government, Defra. Future Water: The Government’s water strategy for England [Internet]. The Stationery Office; 2008. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69346/pb13562-future-water-080204.pdf the average person uses about 150 litres of water a day for a range of uses including sanitation, where significant savings are possible. Given that climate projections forecast half as much rainfall in summer in the South East of England by 2080, it is important to build water efficiency in to our building stock and minimise the need for major infrastructure enhancements to meet these pressures as well as growing demands. Under these scenarios and with the expected high population growth, unless adaptation interventions are made, deficits are expected to be already widespread by the 2050s. The UK is expected to be in deficit by up to 16% of the total water demand in the 2050s and of up to 29% in the 2080s leading to major impacts on cost and resource levels2 HR Wallingford. CCRA2: Updated projections for water availability for the UK Final Report [Internet]. 2015. Available from: https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CCRA-2-Updated-projections-of-water-availability-for-the-UK.pdf .