Restrooms Achieve New Level with Innovative Technologies

By Jason Renner

The design of today’s newer commercial restrooms is light years ahead of designs of even a decade or two ago. Due to the influx of new technologies and products, commercial restroom design has seen a number of innovations and significant advancements. There is now demand for products and materials that have sustainable, durable, low-maintenance, hygienic and water- and energy-saving qualities. The key is blending such utilitarian product features with sleek, modern and residential-inspired styling.

It’s a well known fact that the majority of visitors entering a facility stop at the restroom, so many building owners and managers are motivated to allocate increased resources to ensure a positive restroom experience. Establishments that ignore restroom conditions risk real damage to their business, according to research conducted in 2011 by Bradley Corp., manufacturer of restroom and plumbing fixtures.

The study found that half of Americans have had an unpleasant experience in a public restroom, due to the condition of the facilities. The annual survey, which looked at Americans’ handwashing habits in public, showed that 35 percent of respondents said they left the facility after visiting the restroom, cutting short their transaction at the business establishment, 35% will think twice about using the business again and 36 percent plan to never frequent the business in the future. One-fourth said that they spread negative word-of-mouth about the business following the experience.

The bottom line is that restroom design impacts business profitability. In response, there are a number of trends and technological innovations focused on driving efficiency, maintainability and attractiveness in the restroom.

Sustainability and maintainability = profitability

From lighting to fixtures to flooring, there are numerous technologies and sustainable materials that will help improve efficiency and achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design)
certification.

More manufacturers are incorporating sustainable materials into restroom products, which can increase the maintainability and life span of these products. One of the newest materials available for lavatory fixtures is a molded, natural quartz material that can be sculpted into a range of design options — curves, soft radius edges and attractive shapes. This natural material, composed of 25 percent pre-consumer material and a bio-based resin made of soy and corn, costs less than granite and is virtually maintenance-free, since it does not require sealing, buffing or reconditioning. Also, unlike granite, quartz material can be repaired, and its smooth, seamless finish has a non-porous surface, so it does not support microbial growth.

Solid surface lavatory countertops made of recycled materials composed of pre-consumer recycled content and rapidly renewable material also help ensure long-term durability, ease of cleaning and long-term maintenance. Solid plastic toilet partitions made from 100% post-consumer recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic are another option. The solid plastic material is ideal for heavy usage, especially in wet humid conditions, and is easy to maintain.

Light-activated lavatory systems are another innovation that saves energy and costs. Newer lavatories incorporate the use of photovoltaic cells integrated into the top of a lavatory system to convert light into energy. Whether natural light or normal restroom lighting, the cells capture light when it is available and store the energy for later use in a battery-free system. This eliminates the need for electrical hookups, resulting in a fixture that is not only energy efficient and environmentally sound but also virtually maintenance-free.

Curbing water usage

Implementing water conservation strategies provides another way to go green. Low-flow fixtures have become the standard in commercial restrooms. For example, while high-efficiency toilets use less water to flush waste, dual-flush toilets conserve water by using different amounts of water for various flushing needs. Most models use 1.6 gpf for solid waste and 0.8 gpf for liquid waste.

Building owners wanting to take the next step in conservation are using ultra-low flow toilets and waterless urinals. Sensor-activated flush meters can also be used to control water use at peak times. Tankless water heaters concealed within the pedestal of lavatory systems are another way to increase efficiency. These tankless units heat only the amount of hot water needed for each use, which eliminates wasting electricity to heat an entire hot water tank for restrooms.

Hands-free faucets with infrared or capacitive sensors also restrict water usage, reducing up to 30 percent of an average commercial facility’s water consumption. Such fixtures that feature less than the 2.5 water conserving gallons per minute (gpm) standard can also help earn LEED credit. These fixtures also save energy, because the faucet automatically shuts off after a user’s hands leave the sensor area. Some newer touchless fixtures use just 0.38 gpm faucets vs. 0.5 gpm, which achieves over 20% water savings.

Restroom surfaces: a touchy subject

Many consider public restrooms a breeding ground for germs and prefer not to touch anything during their visit. And they are right; germs in restrooms lurk in wet areas, around sink crevices and on door handles. One solution is using antimicrobial coatings and washroom accessories (grab bars, partition door pulls and latches, etc.) designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microbes, beginning when the microorganisms first come into contact with the product’s surface.

Using hands-free faucets, hand dryers, paper towel dispensers and soap dispensers is another common strategy to help users avoid touching surfaces contaminated with bacteria or viruses in the first place.

Newer models of hand dryers use 80 percent less electricity, while drying hands in as little as 10 –15 seconds, about three times faster than most hand dryers. The energy to operate these new models is generally less than 10 percent of the cost of paper towels; including labor costs for ordering, storing, replenishing dispensers, collecting and disposing of paper towels. That’s not to mention the environmental benefits of conserving resources and eliminating excess paper waste.

Washroom accessories take the stage

Washroom accessories are typically considered to be boxy and institutional-looking and often fade into the background of a restroom’s design. The newest models of stainless steel washroom accessories, however, incorporate a more attractive dual-curve geometric design and present a more modern and polished appearance. It’s important to furnish a restroom with coordinating accessories throughout for a common aesthetic and a complete look.

Mirrors are another key accessory from a design — and security — standpoint. New models have adopted a more modern and spa-like look, with acid-etched frosted glass and various border styles. Well-planned mirror placement can also increase security by allowing a sightline from the entrance to the back of the restroom.

While trends and technology evolve, restroom design continues to be driven by functionality, sustainability, efficiency, maintainability and polish — a winning combination that will attract the repeat customer and promote business profitability.

Jason Renner is a senior product manager at Bradley Corporation, a leading manufacturer of plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, partitions, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers. He can be reached at Bradley Corp., W142 N9101 Fountain Blvd., Menomonee Falls, Wis., 53052-0309. For more information, call 800/BRADLEY or visit www.bradleycorp.com.