Shower study could help cut waste

09/01/12: New study shows a shower can use more water and energy than a bathUnilever shower study reveals bathroom habitsAn eight minute power shower can use twice as much water and energy as an average bath, according to a new study by Unilever UK and Ireland into showering habits.The information – from 2,600 showers by 100 families over ten days – shows that the average shower lasts eight minutes, much longer than previous studies suggested.The results will enable scientists to design ways for people to save money by conserving energy and water.According to the data, an eight-minute shower uses 62 litres of hot water compared with an average bath’s 80 litres.With a power shower – an appliance that adds extra pressure to the water flow – the eight-minute shower would require twice as much water and energy as a bath.Saving moneyThe survey suggested that taking eight-minute showers costs an average UK family £416 (€484) a year; using a power shower increases the bill to £918 (€1,068).“Around 95% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our shampoos, soaps and shower gels come from consumers using hot water, especially in showers,” said Hilde Hendrickx, an R&D behavioural scientist.“We have a responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of our products but first we need to build an accurate picture of how people shower.”The study revealed that boys aged 12 and under spend longer than anyone else in the shower, around ten minutes on average. It also showed that men and women spend a similar amount of time but women undertake multiple activities such as cleaning their teeth, while men just seem to enjoy the experience.Previous research that asked households to complete questionnaires was inaccurate because most people aren’t very good at estimating time taken to do a particular activity.Catalysts for changing consumer behaviourThis study used an innovative sensor developed at Port Sunlight to record when the shower was in use – by picking up the noise of the water running through the pipe – and changes in temperature. Researchers could then extract information about people’s behaviour from the raw data.Hilde added: “The study will help us understand what some of the catalysts are for changing consumer behaviour and enable our scientists to design new products and other solutions to deliver savings in energy, water and money.”How to save energy, water & money todayCheck your water temperature (ideally it should be 55–60 degrees Celsius)Install a low-flow shower headTurn the shower off while applying shampoo, conditioner or soapTry out the ‘Shower Ballad’ Facebook application Check if your water company gives away free shower timers

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