How to score BREEAM Excellent or higher
As pressure grows to build more sustainably, developers are looking for effective, measurable ways to reduce water consumption. Vacuum toilet systems are emerging as a smart solution - not only for saving water but also for securing valuable BREEAM credits.
Looking to maximise BREEAM scores and reduce potable water use in your next project? Vacuum toilet systems offer up to 90% water savings and can secure the full 6 points available in the BREEAM Water Efficiency category. In this article, we explore how these systems work, how they align with the New London Plan, and how they contribute to more sustainable building performance.
How vacuum toilets contribute to BREEAM certification
In the BREEAM Water Efficiency (Wat 01) category, the use of vacuum toilets from Jets® can earn the full 5 points available. These systems reduce water consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional toilets.
Additionally, vacuum toilets are recognised within BREEAM as an innovative approach to water efficiency, attracting an extra innovation credit, bringing the total to 6 points. For projects aiming for a BREEAM 'Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating, this represents a straightforward way to meet water efficiency targets.
Aligning with the New London Plan
The New London Plan places growing emphasis on sustainable water use. Commercial developments are now encouraged, and in some cases required, to minimise the use of potable mains water and achieve a minimum BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard.
Vacuum toilets support this goal not only through their ultra-low water use but also through their compatibility with rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems.
These allow for toilet flushing without any reliance on mains water, resulting in a net-zero potable water solution for this application. In London, such systems are already in use, contributing to real and measurable reductions in total building water consumption.
Two routes to water savings
There are generally two categories of water-saving strategies considered in sustainable building design:
1. Fittings with Reduced Flow or Volume
These reduce water use at the point of delivery. Examples include:
- Vacuum toilets
- Aerated taps for basins and showers
- Dual flush toilet cisterns
- Efficient dishwashers and washing machines
2. Systems for Reusing Water
These focus on offsetting the demand for potable water by capturing and reusing alternative sources:
- Greywater recycling systems
- Rainwater harvesting setups
- Other water collection and treatment technologies
Incorporating both approaches can create a comprehensive, high-impact strategy for reducing a building’s overall water footprint.
How BREEAM assesses water use
Water efficiency in BREEAM is assessed using the WAT 01 calculator, which evaluates a building’s predicted consumption of domestic water. This is based on the specification of individual fittings, including flow rates and flush volumes, and compares projected performance against a baseline.
Credits are then awarded in proportion to the level of improvement: the greater the reduction in water use, the higher the score. Projects that demonstrate a significant reduction, particularly through innovative or combined systems, can achieve full marks in this category.
Vacuum drainage as part of a water efficiency strategy
Vacuum toilet systems offer a substantial reduction in water use by design. When combined with a recycled water source (such as greywater or rainwater), the result is a system that:
- Eliminates the use of potable water for toilet flushing
- Reduces overall water demand
- Helps preserve clean water supplies, especially in areas under water stress
This makes vacuum drainage technology an effective component in the push towards more sustainable building design, particularly in regions where water resources are already under pressure.