Case Study: Reducing Water Use with Low-Flow Fixtures in a Conference Hotel in Oslo, Norway

Case Study: Reducing Water Use with Low-Flow Fixtures in a Conference Hotel in Oslo, Norway

A conference hotel in Oslo, Norway, participated in a study to assess the impact of installing water-saving fixtures. The hotel consists of three identical accommodation blocks: Block A, B, and C.

Case Study: Reducing Water Use with Low-Flow Fixtures in a Conference Hotel in Oslo, Norway

What was the intervention?

  • Block A was fitted with water-saving basin and shower taps with a flow rate of 5–6 litres per minute (L/min).

  • Block C retained the original fixtures, which had a significantly higher flow rate of 13–14 L/min.

  • Block B was excluded from the primary comparison.

Results

  • Water consumption per guest in Block A was reduced by 60% compared to Block C.

  • Importantly, the reduced flow rate did not affect shower duration, suggesting that lower flow does not change guest behaviour in terms of time spent using water.

  • Guest feedback was mostly neutral or positive, though a few guests noted a slight reduction in comfort due to the lower flow.

Key findings

  • Low-flow taps can deliver substantial water savings without compromising guest habits.

  • Some sensitivity to flow strength was observed, indicating that guest comfort should still be considered in water-saving initiatives.

  • The study authors recommend an optimal flow rate of 7–8 L/min as a balance between sustainability and guest satisfaction.

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