Appliances
White goods are major sources of domestic water consumption (a washing machine typically accounts for 14% of water use in an average home) and can also be significant consumers when used in offices or other building types (e.g. in catering or service areas).
Water efficient white goods can achieve major water savings. Highly water efficient washing machines currently use less than 50 litres of water per wash, which is less than half the amount used by a machine that is 10 years old. Similarly, highly water efficient dishwashers use less than half the water required to wash the same dishes by hand.
Where white goods are included within a development, highly efficient models (e.g. A rated) can deliver water bill reductions of £20-£40 a year together with lower energy bills. Where white goods are not included, developers can encourage occupiers to purchase suitable products by providing information (in buyer or tenant packs) on the benefits of using A-rated products.
It is possible to buy A-rated washing machines and dishwashers for comparable prices to non A-rated products. However, it is worth noting the specific water consumption of a product in addition to its rating because some products will be more efficient than others even with the same rating.
Energy rating label for a washing machine
The water and energy consumption of white goods are directly correlated because most energy consumption is related to water heat or movement. In many cases the most water efficient product is also the most technically advanced product and also offers performance, noise and other benefits.