CEO Series: Future-proofing our existing buildings with Retrofit Rainwater Harvesting

The UK is heading into a well-documented water crisis. Climate change, water habits and population growth all put a severe strain onto our existing water infrastructure. In order to meet future demands we need to find 3.4 billion litres per day in order to avoid water shortages like those seen during 2022.

To combat water scarcity, we all need to play our part. Using water wisely, reducing leakages and water reuse will contribute towards significant savings.

I think of water reuse as a two-pronged attack;

1. All future developments should be required to install rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling (water reuse) in the construction phase. Making these proven technologies standard in all new builds would be a massive step towards a more water secure future.
2. However, we seriously need to consider how to make our existing building stock more water efficient.

I would like to use today’s blog to talk about how rainwater harvesting can be retrofitted into existing building stock.

At present, most water saving efforts are focussed on the development of new buildings where it is relatively simple to install rainwater harvesting during the construction phase. Due to the complexities surrounding existing buildings, many people dismiss retrofitting water reuse technologies. However, retrofitting rainwater harvesting into existing buildings isn’t always complicating with the right solution.

I wanted to create a rainwater harvesting system which was easy to retrofit. From the outset, I decided on three principles;

• The installation of the system must work through a ‘plug and play’ design.
• Simple installation with limited groundworks.
• The solution must be financially viable for the majority of companies.

The solution is the StormStation. StormStation is a UK first. It is Stormsaver’s carbon neutral solution to retrofit rainwater harvesting. Not only does it help re-use rainwater, but it generates its own power too! Now buildings of any age, design or use can reduce use of drinking water supplies by up to 50%. StormStation is one, single unit housing built in with all the necessary components to capture and reuse a sustainable supply of rainwater.

The simple steps to retrofit rainwater harvesting

1. Stormsaver will conduct a free-of-charge desktop survey to calculate capture potential. Our retrofit specialist will then produce an initial proposal. My advice – take advantage of this free service. Don’t miss out!
2. The next step involves a Stormsaver specialist attending your facility to check if roof drainage can be diverted, where potential points of use are located and estimate the cost of installation (there is a survey cost for this part). We will then provide a proposal giving you all the information you need.
3. If you decide to go ahead, Stormsaver can provide full installation services. We will always work around your needs ensuring not to disturb your operation.
4. Start saving water, carbon, and money with rainwater harvesting!

I hope you found this blog helpful. If you have any questions about retrofit rainwater harvesting, please feel free to contact myself through LinkedIn or contact our team here. We have a dedicated retrofit specialists ready to help.