Energy Technology List introduces new technology: Showers
Background and Development
The Energy Technology List (ETL) is thrilled to announce the addition of non-domestic showers to its portfolio of energy-saving technologies. This inclusion continues the ETL’s mission to promote high-efficiency products that contribute to energy conservation and cost savings.
Non-domestic showers refer specifically to showers used in commercial and hospitality settings, such as hotels, gymnasiums, student accommodations, hospitals and office spaces.
The addition of showers to the ETL is a result of direct feedback from manufacturers through the New Technology Proposal process (NTP). This resulted in a scoping study held in consultation with a number of relevant stakeholders, including the Bathroom Manufacturer’s Association (BMA).
The shower category highlights how efficient shower systems save on water and energy costs, resulting in positive environmental impact.
Categories of Showers on the ETL
The ETL criteria for non-domestic showers covers four categories:
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Shower Valves: These devices regulate water flow and may include additional features such as isolating and check valves. Thermostatic valves ensure a consistent water temperature, enhancing user safety and comfort.
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Shower Heads: These control the water spray in showers, covering both hand showers and fixed head outlets. Designed to optimise water flow and distribution, they play a crucial role in minimising water usage without compromising the shower experience.
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Shower Systems: Combining both shower heads (whether hand shower or overhead, or both) and mixing valves.
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Electric Showers: These systems heat water instantaneously as it flows through the unit, comprising a hand shower, flexible hose, and shower heating unit. This category is particularly beneficial for settings where a constant supply of hot water is necessary without the need for extensive plumbing or boiler systems.
Energy and Cost Savings
The primary goal of including showers on the ETL is to promote products that use the least amount of water and energy while maintaining a high-quality user experience. Key features such as user behaviour features (UBFs) help reduce shower duration and water consumption. Examples of UBFs include push valves, shower duration or resource consumption displays, timed shut-off valves, and water or temperature breaks.
For end-users, particularly those with high shower usage such as gyms, hotels, and student accommodations, the economic and environmental benefits are substantial. By investing in ETL-listed showers, these facilities can reduce their water and heating bills. For instance, a leisure centre with numerous showers can achieve savings by adopting high-efficiency shower systems that regulate flow and temperature effectively.
Paul Ravnbo-West, Marketing Director for Kelda Showers, had this to say about the inclusion of the technology, “I’m excited that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) now recognises the energy-saving benefits of water-efficient showers through the launch of the new shower technology group within the Energy Technology List (ETL).
“The new category is the result of over four years of collaboration, where real-world data on shower energy savings has informed the development of rigorous technical criteria.
“Products listed on the ETL represent the top 25% of energy-efficient options in their class. Submitting an ETL product application can provide a great platform for manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and net zero goals. It also helps to showcase the product’s exceptional energy efficiency, while offering purchasers a reliable source for finding the highest-performing assets that have met stringent energy efficiency standards.”
Verification and Testing
To ensure the highest standards of performance and compliance, products listed on the ETL undergo rigorous verification and testing processes. Various testing routes are available, including in-house testing (self-tested and verified or cross-checked by independent bodies), witnessed testing, and independent testing. For products with multiple models based on the same design, representative testing can be used, provided that all variants meet the required criteria.
More information about the ETL testing routes can be found in the ETL Testing Framework.
Eligibility and Performance Requirements
The products within scope of the ETL criteria, must meet specific eligibility and performance requirements which are applicable to their product category.
Performance metrics such as flow rate, pressure independency, and spray coverage, are required and must be in accordance with the Unified Water Label (UWL) scheme “Taps & Showers Technical Criteria” which was published in January 2023. These testing procedures guarantee that only the most efficient and reliable shower systems are included on the ETL, providing end-users with confidence in their investment in energy-saving technologies.
The ETL criteria requires that applicants demonstrate that their products are for non-domestic applications. The criteria also list the following standards, where applicable, to determine product eligibility:
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EN 1111:2017 Sanitary tapware. Thermostatic mixing valves (PN 10). General technical specification.
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EN 1287:2017 Sanitary tapware - Low pressure thermostatic mixing valves - General technical specification.
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EN 1112:2008 Shower outlets for sanitary tapware for water supply systems type 1 and type 2. General technical specification.
Impact and Future Directions
The inclusion of showers on the ETL forms part of the scheme’s expanding focus on water-using technologies, recognising their direct correlation with energy consumption. By integrating efficient showers onto the ETL, the initiative supports broader sustainability goals, offering a practical solution to reduce both water and energy usage.
Moreover, the ETL's inclusion of other related technologies, such as wastewater heat recovery systems, presents alignment opportunities for delivering comprehensive energy-saving solutions to end-users. By capturing waste heat from shower water to preheat incoming water, facilities can further enhance their energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
The addition of showers to the ETL is a testament to the proactive engagement of stakeholders. This development not only offers significant benefits to non-domestic users but also reinforces the ETL’s commitment to promoting sustainable, energy-efficient technologies.
Applications now open
The ETL is now accepting applications for product registration. Be the first to get your product registered and take advantage of this opportunity. We encourage all manufacturers to learn more about our application process by watching our How to list your products on the ETL YouTube video. If you’re a manufacturer looking to register your product, click here.
If you would like to learn more, please visit our website.
If you’re a purchaser looking to find energy efficient technology, watch the How to find products on the ETL YouTube video here and browse our list here.
Contact us at info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk to explore how the ETL can get you closer to a net-zero reality.