Water is the vital component for life and important for health, refreshment, cleansing and sanitation. It should not be wasted or polluted. Drinking water in particular should not be squandered as it uses considerable chemical and energy inputs to make it fit of human consumption – yet we literally flush it down the toilet every day. The water section assesses a wide range of water efficiency measures as well as using alternative sources to the mains. It also covers measures aimed at reducing pollutions arising from cleaning and waste water disposal. Examples of the water assessment criteria include:

• Water efficient showers, taps and toilets
• Washing machines and dishwashers
• Harvesting rainwater and greywater or using off-mains sources
• Chlorine and phosphate-free cleaners
• Natural based cleaners and methods
• Ecological waste water treatments