This graphic can be seen in a growing number of hotel bathrooms. eco-cistem™ is a toilet cistern offering a breakthrough in toilet technology, as it utilises condensate water from air conditioning units for flushing. It can be fitted in most buildings, but it is a perfect solution for both new-build and retrofit hotel bathrooms.
eco-cistem™ is designed to work with an existing air conditioning unit that produces varying amounts of condensate water, which in a hotel typically flows directly into the bathroom waste pipe. In an eco-cistem™ installation, this condensate water is simply redirected to the cistern and used to flush the toilet. The unit prioritises using condensate water for flushing and only pulls in fresh water when no condensate water is available. This ensures an efficient flush each time with no reduction in performance.
The eco-cistem™ unit features a patented 18-litre, twin-chamber cistern that can store up to 12 litres of ‘free’ condensate grey water above a standard 6-litre chamber dedicated to flushing the toilet. The amount of condensate produced by air conditioning units varies significantly based on usage by country. However, even in the UK, climate change is affecting weather conditions, and buildings are also becoming so thermally efficient that they need to be cooled to maintain comfortable levels. As a result, the forecast for air conditioning unit sales and usage is on the increase. Considering that even a small 1.75kw aircon unit can produce over 1 litre of condensate per hour, an eco-cistem™ installation will always make a substantial saving on freshwater usage, and current site monitors are averaging 64% freshwater savings.
The eco-cistem™ has been designed and manufactured in the UK and is created as a concealed cistern installation that suits any brand of ceramic WC. At 485mm high, 476mm wide, and 195mm deep, the cistern can fit into all standard service voids. It is simple to install for wall or frame-mounted WCs and has adjustable flush volumes between 3.5 and 6 litres to suit different regions worldwide. It has undergone testing, and its components have received WRAS approval, ensuring compliance with UK Water Supply Regulations. Additionally, it has passed the AB Air Gap test conducted by KIWA, achieving Category 5 compliance. The cistern is also eligible for BREEAM points under WAT 01 for water consumption and can earn up to six points in LEED’s water efficiency category.
