HDPE pipe for rainwater harvesting helps achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’

Geberit, rainwater harvesting, renewable energy
An HDPE-based rainwater-harvesting system has been installed in this new building of Exeter University. (Photo: Stuart Townley, courtesy of the University of Exeter).

Geberit’s HDPE pipework has been used to construct a 35 000 l rainwater-harvesting system for a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ building at the University of Exeter. The system for the Environment & Sustainability Institute is twice the normal BREEAM-compliant size.

The water is used for the building’s toilets, which have low water use and automatic shut-off valves.

The pipe is made from high-density polythene, which consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms. It is completely recyclable and harmless to the environment.

George Lewis, head of capital projects with Falmouth Exeter Plus, the service delivery partner for Exeter University, said, ‘The university of Exeter’s decision to build a BREEAM “Outstanding” building and to minimise the use of PVC presented a number of design and specification challenges, but Geberit’s HDPE system has provided a robust alternative.’

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