11/04/2026
Rainwater goods are often overlooked, but they play a critical role in how buildings respond to our changing climate.
From gutters and downpipes to integrated rainwater harvesting, managing water isn’t just about drainage, it’s efficiency and long-term sustainability too. Capturing and reusing rainwater can significantly reduce demand on mains supply, particularly for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
Water authorities such as South West Water promote a clear hierarchy of surface water management with re-use such as smart butts, rainwater harvesting, and grey flushing toilets being top-of-the-list. Designing rainwater harvesting in from the outset is a simple but impactful way to support climate targets, aligning with national policy, and planning applications.
Your project will likely need to consider how surface water is addressed - early design decisions can make a lasting difference.
