Achieving Water-Saving Targets for Residential HPI Certification
SONAS Bathrooms provided specifications and delivered products for the stylish new development, Dun Óir, constructed by B&C Contractors in South Dublin. The project includes 3, 4 & 5-bedroom homes, as well as contemporary apartments. Throughout the development, SONAS sanitaryware, featuring the INSPIRE Rimless Back to Wall WC, OTTO Vanity Unit, and NORFOLK water-saving basin mixer range, has been seamlessly integrated. Furthermore, these products actively contribute to the accomplishment of water-saving goals.
The Brief
The project's goal was to achieve water-saving targets mandated by the Irish Green Building Council's HPI Certification, concurrently delivering a high-quality and stylish design.
Michael Colgan, the National Specifications Manager, and Paul O’Neill, the Residential Sales Manager, collaborated with B&C Contractors and COADY Architects. Together, they developed a specification for stylish, high-quality, and sustainable Sanitary Fittings and Taps, successfully meeting the water-saving goals for HPI Certification.
About the Project
The Dun Óir houses are set to redefine the standard of living, offering inspiring home environments that embody quality, comfort, and convenience. Each house is meticulously designed to provide a comfortable and sustainable home.
Nestled in the thriving community of Kilternan, this charming development combines the advantages of city living with a country setting. It stands as a distinctive new development, seamlessly blending urban design with stunning scenery.
Each stylish house prioritizes balance, featuring spacious interiors, energy efficiency, and enviable amenities designed to make daily life feel like a walk in the park. (dunoir.ie, 2023)
The Importance of HPI Certification in Residential Developments
The IGBC Home Performance Index (HPI) Certification operates as a quality label for sustainable residential developments. Not only does HPI assure homeowners that their residences are meticulously designed and constructed, ensuring low running costs, occupant well-being, and minimized environmental impact, but it also complements existing commercial sector schemes like BREEAM and LEED.
In alignment with the 2021 Climate Action Plan, which aims for a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 across all sectors (passivehouseplus.ie, 2022), it's noteworthy that water treatment stands out as a significant source of carbon emissions for local authorities.
Specifically, hot water has emerged as a substantial contributor to energy consumption in homes built to current Part L energy regulations (homeperformanceindex.ie, 2023). With bathrooms accounting for a staggering 70% of household water consumption (The Water Forum, 2022), the specification of water-saving bathroom products becomes pivotal.
In a landscape where ESG targets are more crucial than ever to meet the CAP pathway goals, the choice of these products significantly impacts the long-term sustainability of a development.
Products Supplied for the Project
The toilets provided included the INSPIRE Back to Wall and SOPHIA Close Coupled Rimless WC suites, featuring water-saving, low volume, dual flush options of 4.5 and 3 litres. Showers and basin mixers were equipped with water flow restrictors, further decreasing the average water consumption per property.
For storage and space in smaller units, VERONA Washbasin and OTTO Vanity Units were supplied. The Round Slide Rail Kit within the shower was enhanced with a Pressure Compensation Flow Regulator. Additionally, KRISTAL Low Profile Shower Trays, incorporating an anti-slip layer, were installed for future-proofing homes.
The outcome is a specification of high-quality, contemporary, and sustainable bathroom products that significantly reduce water consumption in each property.
Site Survey
To certify the supply and installation of sustainable products, SONAS conducted a comprehensive site survey, affirming the effectiveness of their water-saving products.
This survey aimed to assess various aspects, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability.
- Verify that the WC’s were set to deliver the correct flush of 4.5 & 3 litres
- Ensure the washbasin mixers were delivering the correct flow rate of 1.89 lpm
- Confirm the shower & bath shower mixers were delivering the correct flow rate of 5Lpm
- That the bath capacity to overflow was as stated on the data sheet
- Ensure the kitchen taps were delivering the correct flow rate of 8Lpm
- That the dishwasher was as stated on the data sheet.
The survey figures aligned with DEAP calculations for these houses, revealing that SONAS products utilised 92 litres per day. This outperformance surpassed the RIAI 2025 targets, which aim for 95 litres of water per person, per day.
With the results from the Site survey, Dun Óir achieved the water-saving targets required for IGBC HPI Certification
SONAS Water-Saving Sustainable Solutions
Dun Óir exemplifies how water-saving techniques contribute to achieving overall ESG targets. In this development, SONAS specified bathroom products exceeded the RIAI 2025 target of 95 litres per person per day, with a total water consumption of 92.5 litres per person, per day, inclusive of external water use, and 87.5 litres per person, per day excluding external water use.
According to Irish Water (water.ie, 2023), the average water consumption rate for a standard-size household is 133 litres per person, per day.
Achieving ESG targets can be challenging. At SONAS, our specifications team are experts in water-saving bathroom solutions, aiming to simplify the bathroom specification process and provide tailored solutions for all project requirements. Email us today at [email protected].
About SONAS Bathrooms
SONAS Bathrooms are Ireland’s leading provider of quality bathroom products.
A successful Irish company for 45 years, the SONAS range of long-lasting, stylish and sustainable bathroom products offers new possibilities for both domestic and commercial bathrooms. We sell through a network of trade resellers throughout the country, including most retail bathroom showrooms and builders’ merchants.
Our ranges are specifically tailored to meet the requirements of Homeowners, Installers and Trade Professionals. We cater for every application from domestic bathroom refurbishment, new house build, healthcare, education, special needs and showering solutions.
Whether embracing the latest design trends or opting for a classic, timeless look, all our products come with dedicated after-sales and technical support. This ensures future peace of mind and provides assurance to our customers. Our passion for bathrooms and qualified expertise makes us experts in bathrooms.
Contact us today for commercial enquiries or find your nearest stockist of SONAS Bathroom Products here
Contact Information
103 Northwest Business Park,
Ballycoolin,
Dublin 15
D15 R883
Phone: +353 (0) 1 817 9755
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sonasbathrooms.com
About B&C Contractors
B&C Building Contractors, a division of the B&C group, commenced over 45 years ago under the leadership of Michael Mc Bride Snr.
Currently, it is managed by his two sons, Jim and Colm Mc Bride, with the active involvement of the third generation in the company, namely Stephen and Michael Mc Bride.
Originating in Co. Monaghan, B&C has expanded its presence with offices in both Monaghan and Dublin. It has emerged as one of the leading residential developers and contractors in the Dublin area in recent years.
B&C Contractors carry out Design and Build, Building Contract and development of Residential, Commercial and Industrial projects. B&C Contractors pride themselves on their ability to provide meticulous attention to detail and fulfilment of client needs across every sector.
Contact details:
Phone: 042 966 1124
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bandccontractors.ie
About COADY Architects
Established in 1987, COADY Architects is a design-driven and socially responsible architectural practice with over 60 professions, from graphics designers to technologists.
With over 34 years of experience, the team, led by three directors, four associate directors, and seven associates, has earned a strong reputation for quality design and creation of exciting building and environments for forward-thinking clients.
COADY Architects specialises in Healthcare, Residential, Workplace, and Education based designs and are known for their portfolio of well-crafted designs.
Contact details:
Phone: 00 497 6766
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.coady.ie
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