The Windsor Declaration acknowledges our sector’s concern about the pressing issues of water scarcity and antimicrobial resistance.
The pledge entails investing in research and development to develop more efficient toilets and showers, clearly label products so homeowners can choose options that conserve water, and lobby governments worldwide for support to save water. It also includes efforts to reduce infection risk through improving hand hygiene and reducing toilet plumes and biofilm growth.
The Windsor Declaration
Preamble
We, the undersigned global bathroom product manufacturers, gathered at the 2024 Windsor Summit and thereafter, acknowledge the pressing challenge of water scarcity. Further, we recognise the need for solutions for infection prevention to overcome the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. As industry leaders, we recognise our responsibility to pursue contributions to address these global issues through innovative solutions, responsible practices, and proactive collaboration with governments and stakeholders worldwide.
Commitments of the Bathroom Manufacturing Industry
Water Efficiency Labelling
- We commit to providing our customers with water efficiency information about our products. This commitment will be achieved by utilising existing and new labelling schemes developed in alignment with ISO 31600. Using water efficiency labels empowers consumers with clear information, enabling them to make informed decisions that contribute to water conservation.
Bathroom and Plumbing Products that Prevent Infection
- We pledge to pursue enhancements in design and functionality of our products so that they contribute to reducing infection risks. This pledge will entail improving hand hygiene, reducing toilet plumes and biofilm growth along with other developments. Examples include the further development of touchless technologies, improvement of flushing systems, and surfaces that inhibit microbial growth.
Research and Development
- Where possible, we will invest in research and development to create bathroom products that deliver superior performance with less water usage, including in situations with low water pressure, and enter into dialogue with supply chains to accelerate innovation.
- We will continue to innovate ways to reduce or eliminate leaks from toilets by developing performance requirements while transitioning older designs to newer, more resilient ones.
- We will also invest in researching and utilising novel materials and plumbing solutions to enhance overall hygiene standards.
Sanitation Globally
- We are committed to extending our efforts to improve sanitation globally, and particularly in low to middle-income countries. Individually and collectively through industry bodies, we will collaborate with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to provide affordable and efficient bathroom solutions that address both water scarcity and hygiene challenges.
Commitments of membership organisations
The undersigned member organisations undertake to support and collaborate regarding these topics. This support will include, but not be limited to, research, data gathering, information exchange, campaigning and stakeholder engagement.
Requests to Governments
Support for R&D and Innovation
- We call upon governments to provide robust support for research and development in the bathroom manufacturing sector. This includes incentives to encourage the development of advanced water-saving and hygienic technologies, and the stimulation of markets for those solutions.
Regulatory Framework
- We urge governments to establish and enforce regulations that facilitate the replacement of outdated and less effective bathroom fittings. This includes setting higher standards for water efficiency and hygiene properties in bathroom products, and driving the replacement of older, less efficient plumbing in the existing built environment.
Public Awareness and Education
- We recommend that governments initiate and support public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of water conservation and hygiene practices. Collaboration with the industry to promote the benefits of innovative bathroom products can drive widespread adoption and behaviour change.
Infrastructure Investment
- We advocate for increased government investment in water infrastructure to ensure sustainable water management. This includes the modernisation of sanitation systems and the promotion of technologies that enhance water use efficiency in public and private spaces.
Conclusion
By signing this declaration, we, global bathroom manufacturers, reaffirm our commitment to being at the forefront of the fight against water scarcity and the improvement of sanitation and hygiene globally. We believe that through concerted efforts and partnerships with governments and other stakeholders, we can create a sustainable future where everyone has access to efficient and hygienic bathroom solutions.
We invite all relevant parties to join us on the first steps on this vital mission.
List of Signatories
Kohler, Fortune Brands Innovations, Thomas Dudley, Lecico, Hansgrohe, Bristan, Roca, Ideal Standard/Villeroy & Boch, Coram Group, GWA Group, Norcros PLC, Toto, Fluidmaster, McAlpine, Lixil
Supporting Organisations
Bathroom Manufacturers Association, National Kitchen and Bath Association, International Codes Council, IAPMO
