Problem addressed

Despite the vital role it plays in effective sanitation, the toilet has not fundamentally changed since the late 1800s. According to Propelair, UK toilets use an average of 9 litres per flush and are responsible for 48% of water consumption in commercial washroom. As water is becoming an increasingly valuable and costly resource, organisations can cut their carbon footprint and water costs by switching to a more resource efficient toilet.

Solution overview

Propelair’s toilet solution is a water efficient, economical, and hygienic system. The toilet has a two-section cistern; one for air and one for water. When the lid is closed, the flush sensor is activated and water enters the pan to wash it, followed by 60 litres of air from the unique patented pump. The air cannot escape due to the sealed lid. This pushes out the entire contents of the pan to give a powerful, reliable flush. The Propelair toilet uses just 1.35 litres of water per flush compared to the UK average of 9 litres per flush. Through this significant water saving, Propelair helps organisations to reduce their environmental impact and save money on water and sewage bills.

The Propelair toilet can be easily retrofitted to existing drainage systems using 4inch (110mm) bore pipes. Propelair can be installed as a like-for-like replacement for conventional toilets on vented gravity drainage systems.

Case study

The Sustainable Ventures HQ in London is now saving 1,100 litres of water a day by switching to Propelair. By installing 13 toilets in their coworking space, their water consumption has been reduced by more than 84 litres per toilet, per day. In the 38 working days tested for savings in 2021, the company saved 41,562 litres – equivalent to 138 full baths or filling one bath every day from 1 January until 22 May. Sustainable Ventures also reduced the carbon footprint of their workspace by 58kg – equivalent to 5.7 gallons of diesel, or 146 miles driven by an average car.

Facts and Figures

84 %
1.5 L
Up to 60 %
<1 Year

This page presents data, evidence, and solutions that are provided by our partners and members and should therefore not be attributed to UKGBC. While we showcase these solutions for inspiration, to build consensus, and create momentum for climate action, UKGBC does not offer commercial endorsement of individual solutions. If you would like to quote something from this page, or more information, please contact our Communications team at media@ukgbc.org.

Related