Label for less

The Water Efficiency Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS), launched by the BMA in September 2007, has now been revised. The changes come following an increase in water saving and energy efficient products and changes to government regulations.

They include the addition of two new product categories - grey water recycling units and shower handsets. These look to help specifiers meet the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes 2008, The Water Regulations, and the upcoming Building Regulations PartG.

Underlying the whole scheme are the labels themselves and these have had a makeover. Based on the Energy Efficiency labels found on white goods, the updated Water Efficiency Labels now show how well a particular product performs.

Manufacturers, showrooms, DIY stores and builders merchants are being encouraged to use the labels and a collection of POS material is available.

Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA, comments: We are really excited about the recent developments with the scheme. Modern bathroom suites have come a long way in recent years and the latest designs have water and energy efficiency built in. This scheme shows only products which meet the strict efficiency criteria laid down by industry experts. It is a great opportunity for bathroom retailers to use the scheme as a marketing tool, to get one step ahead of the competition and show a lead in the drive for water efficiency.

The scheme is open to all suppliers of bathroom products and not just members of the BMA trade association. It has almost 700 products included so far.