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Why does Aqua Libra Co have a reputation for excellence? Well, for a start, our water-dispense systems are durable, compact, economical, and great looking. They’re also designed for sustainability. From the materials they’re made of, to their low-energy usage, to their efficient dispense functions, our products are destined to leave only the faintest carbon footprint throughout their life. Yet another reason for Aqua Libra Co’s excellent reputation is its world-class service. We have a team of highly skilled technicians, located all over the UK, dedicated to customer care. From installation – including full staff training in the operation of equipment – to repairs and servicing, our customer-support team includes some of the most experienced technicians in the industry. What’s more, they carry with them a well-maintained stock of parts, including parts for brands other than our own. Our partners have faith in us Forgive us for a little bit of bragging! What we say about ourselves, however, isn’t worth a great deal without testimony from our clients and partners. When businesses choose to work in partnership with Aqua Libra Co, that’s our stamp of approval. In February this year, our exclusive agreement to service EauVation’s bottling systems came into effect. EauVation, a company that shares our commitment to sustainability, has a portfolio that includes some of the most respected restaurant groups in the UK and abroad, such as multi-Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsey Restaurants and Gourmet Burger Kitchen. Wahaca, which in 2016 became the first restaurant group in the UK to be carbon neutral, is also among EauVation’s clients. We look forward to building new relationships with these companies and many others. Aqua Bottlers Bottling systems are at the core of all that Aqua Libra Co believes in: Healthy hydration has a positive effect on productivity. Our mission is to provide easily accessible water sources to businesses and communities. Bottling systems present an attractive and logistical alternative to packaged water. Eliminating one-use plastic reduces the consumption of fossil fuel (in the manufacture and shipping of plastic), emissions of greenhouse gases, and the volume of plastic waste in the environment. Aqua Libra Co bottling systems take up less room than stored bottles, and the cost of providing highly filtered water is less than the bottled-water alternative. Our bottling systems are available in two forms. The Countertop Bottler is compact and robust, ideally suited to a busy office environment. The Undercounter Bottler fits neatly into a 600mm by 600mm cupboard, and you can choose, for dispense, an Aqua Alto or Mechanical tap. Depending on the capacity you choose, the Undercounter and Countertop Bottlers will dispense up to 60 or 120 litres per hour. Contact us To make an appointment to visit our London showroom, or to talk to us about Aqua Libra Co bottling systems, including our bottle branding service, give us a call on 0800 080 6696 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, complete the contact form and we’ll get back to you.  

We’re pleased to confirm that as of Monday 22nd February 2021, our exclusive agreement to service bottling systems of the EauVation business has come into effect. With over 500 assets to service, the customer base includes well-known restaurants and hospitality sites, including Gordon Ramsey, Wahaca, and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.   Aqua Libra Co’s reputation for excellence is founded on premium products and world-class customer care. We believe that our reputation, together with fantastic servicing opportunities, such as our partnership with EauVation, will be instrumental to the growth of the bottling offering. We believe that this growth will extend beyond the catering market. For further information on our bottling solutions, please click here.

Biophilia – from Greek bio (life) and philia (love) – is a word coined by German psychologist, Erich Fromm. Biophilia In his 1964 book, The Heart of Man, Fromm described the psychological orientation of being attracted to life and vitality. American biologist, Edward Osborne Wilson, defined biophilia (in Biophilia, 1984) as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”. The concept of biophilia has been hypothesised as a product of evolution. The irresistible cross-species appeal of baby mammals contributes to survival rates, and the tendency for humans to surround themselves with plants is conducive to the sustainability of many plant species. The association of flowering plants with future food sources could be a biological driver behind our relationship with flowers. However, our deep-rooted attraction to the natural world goes beyond the organic (the bio). A desire for fresh air, natural light, views of the outdoors, and the joy of a natural soundscape (running water, birdsong, moving leaves) are all part of the modern definition of biophilia. For many, the ideal holiday is spent at a beach, on a mountain, or in woodland; and when it comes to views, house prices reflect our preferences. Biophilic office space Over the last 50 years or so, biophilia has played an important role in architectural design. Huge expanses of glass in the structure of schools and hospitals have shed light and air into institutions that used to be dark and stuffy. In schools, windows are no longer high up, but low down, providing views of the outdoors. But any existing space can be adapted to the principles of biophilia. Windows Windows are arguably the most important aspect of the office when it comes to meeting the human need to be in touch with the natural environment. From the window, we get natural light, and we can see what the weather is doing. Having a view of the outdoors – of foliage, sky, and other members of our species – we get the feeling of being a part of the world. Through windows – even closed windows – we’re exposed to natural sounds, like rain, hail, wind, barking dogs, birdsong, and human voices. The great thing about windows is that they can be opened. An open window provides the stimulating touch of cool air on skin; and fresh air restores the balance of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air. Natural smells from outside – mown grass, wet earth, dry earth, sea air, wet wood, flowering plants, etc – are powerful stimulants, satisfying our desire to engage with nature. Plants and animals We’ve all seen aquariums in doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries, classrooms, waiting rooms, and foyers. Extensive research has shown that a tank of fish has a calming effect, contributing directly to a lowering of blood pressure and heart rate. The movement, colour, and vitality of the fish, the sound of moving water, and the plant and mineral backdrop all combine to create rich, natural diversity. In a garden or patio area, trees, shrubs, and flowers add a feel-good quality to the work environment. To be able to see foliage from the window has a positive effect on wellbeing (studies have shown a quicker rate of recovery in hospital patients exposed to views of nature, opposed to patients stuck with views of brick walls), and these outdoor areas present as pleasant alternatives to meeting rooms and break rooms. Indoor greenery is very popular in the modern office, and with good reason. The process of photosynthesis produces oxygen, and in a natural environment, there’s a healthy balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. However, a group of people shut up in a building for hours at a time, breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide, is somewhat one-sided. Plant life brings balance to the atmosphere, restoring the oxygen that’s vital for every function of the body. Natural materials and imagery Nature can be represented in paintings, photographs, sculptures, furniture, music, and video. Natural geometrics, such as the honeycomb pattern, can be incorporated into screens or partition walls. The ripple effect of water might be suggested in wall art. Soundtracks of birdsong, whale song, or the jungle can inspire calmness, concentration, and creativity. Sculpture not only evokes the visual form of a subject, but it also has a tactile appeal. Wood, metal, stone, or clay sculptures beg to be touched, and we experience pleasure in the material itself. Leather upholstery, wooden furniture, ornamental beach pebbles, and stone paperweights … they all bring nature into the office. Drinking water The essence of all life is water. Pure drinking water, on tap, is the most vital ingredient in a biophilic office!  

Social drinking Social drinking is deeply ingrained in our culture: Going out for a drink translates as meeting friends in a pub. Having coffee with my brother means meeting my brother for a chat. Come in for a cup of tea is interpreted as let’s talk. (True story: there was once a little girl – no more than two years old – who would say “cup-or-tea” when she wanted to socialise. She’d picked up the term from her mother.) At the office, people drink together. Whether it’s a hot cuppa first thing in the morning and at break times, or pure, chilled table water at meetings … we do it together. We share ideas, too: (True story: 19-year-old Colin, in the IT department, always enjoyed a cup of herbal tea. His workmates teased him – in a friendly, affectionate way. “Herbal tea’s for girls!” they joked. “Try it,” said Colin. They did. And they liked it. And they still do.) So, what happens when staff are working from home? Can hydration still be fun when you’re working alone? Why is it important to stay hydrated? Some experts say we should drink eight glasses of water a day. Others say that we should drink the amount of water, in fluid ounces, that’s equal to half our bodyweight in pounds. Example: if you weigh 10 stone, that’s 140 pounds. Half of 140 is 70. Therefore, you should drink 70 ounces of water each day. Some experts advise us to drink 2 litres of water a day. Others say 2 litres for men, and 1.5 litres for women. Logic tells us that there can’t possibly be a one-size-fits-all solution or a tidy, fool-proof formula. The universal truth is simply that it’s important to keep hydrated. Dehydration can have detrimental effects on productivity and general wellbeing. Company branded bottles Having drinking water close by at all times is generally advised by health professionals. With a cup or bottle of water within sight and reach, it’s easy to remember to take frequent sips. But how can the hydration routine be a team activity? By providing each member of staff with a branded water bottle. Durable borosilicate bottles, designed and manufactured in the UK, are a part of Aqua Libra Co's Aqua Bottler suite. Made from the very toughest and most resilient type of glass, these elegant decanters look great on the conference table and on the desk. And they look even better with your company branding on them! A bottle of chilled or sparkling water can be infused with something tasty. Here are few ideas: Strawberries and lime Mint leaves Lemon and ginger Orange Mango Apple and pear Different work teams have varying levels of camaraderie and different ideas of fun. This type of shared experience might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you think your team might enjoy it, here goes: Touch base every morning with a video call. Always on the agenda is What I have in my bottle today. In turn, each member of the team tells their colleagues what they have in their company-branded bottle. This activity will serve as a nudge for those reluctant water-drinkers, and it might also be an opportunity to share ideas and ultimately to make hydration rather fun! So, can hydration still be fun when you’re working alone? Yes! Of course it can! For more information about industry-leading water dispensers, contact Aqua Libra Co. We look forward to hearing from you.  

Sustainable Buildings London is home to some of the world’s most sustainable buildings. Take, for example, the PricewaterhouseCoopers office building, constructed above Charring Cross Station. This building, which has a BREEAM rating of 96.3% (“Outstanding”), features an energy system that converts recycled vegetable waste into fuel, and a staircase installed within the atria to promote physical activity rather than the use of lifts. More than 95% of the materials used in construction were responsibly sourced. Consider, too, Citicape House, the five-star hotel and co-working venue best known for its huge living wall. Sequestering up to 8,000 kg of carbon dioxide per year, Citicape House’s 3,716 m2 living wall is the largest in Europe. And then there’s the 19-year-old Gherkin, the iconic London skyscraper that’s become a legend in its own time. Double-skinned glass exterior, spiralling light wells, and natural ventilation are all part of an energy-efficient design that cuts energy consumption to about half that of a typical building of its size. This 41-storey architectural masterpiece has the distinction of being London’s first environmentally sustainable skyscraper.  These buildings – and many others in London and throughout the UK – are built and fitted out with a view to reducing air and water pollution, land use, and operational costs. They’re created with a view to increasing efficiency, productivity, and wellbeing. Buildings like these are leading the way down an arduous route towards net zero emissions in the global building stock. The Race to Zero campaign, a global initiative launched in 2020 by the United Nations Framework for Climate Change (UNFCC), aims to achieve net zero by the year 2050. Sustainable Hydration Imagine a drinking-water system that provides fresh, filtered water – chilled, still and sparkling – to every department on every floor of a skyscraper. Because each hydration station is fed by one central unit, which filters the water at source, all pipes are totally clear of limescale, meaning that the whole system is energy efficient and reliable. Imagine a space-saving, energy-efficient network of water dispensers that’s capable of hydrating a whole workforce. There’s no need to imagine it. This is Aqua Link, the world’s most advanced single-source hydration system for multiple dispense locations. The heart of Aqua Link may be out of sight in a plantroom, but it’s always in touch with the client and the Aqua Libra Co maintenance team. Connected to its own Internet network, the control unit provides dynamic reporting on all aspects of the system, including volume of water used, incoming mains-water pressure, water temperature, flow rate, leak detection, and CO2 replacement management. A dual pump system means that if the operational pump malfunctions, the second one will kick in. If this happens, the Aqua Libra Co team will be alerted by the control unit, and remedial work can be undertaken without downtime. Every hour, each outlet is capable of dispensing 45 litres of drinking water. That’s a lot of water! So just imagine all that water being sourced from plastic bottles, and all those plastic bottles being trundled away for recycling in a vehicle that swallows 9 litres of fuel every eight miles … The Aqua Link system consumes significantly less energy than it would take to run the equivalent number of discrete units, and as additional outlets join the network, the proportionate running cost decreases. An ideal system for a growing company. Aqua Link is a mains-fed system. Cold drinking water is filtered and chilled in the control unit, and for sparkling water, there’s a large-capacity carbonator. This means that no dedicated cupboard space is required at dispense points; all that’s needed is a tap or a bottler on a worksurface. BREEAM Accreditation BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment environmental assessment method. BREEAM accreditation helps owners and managers of buildings demonstrate social responsibility and sustainable business leadership. BREEAM recognition can give a business credibility in the eyes of consumers and investors, but it can also help a business gauge its own sustainability performance and plan a clear route to higher levels of sustainability. The scope of the BREEAM system includes all commercial buildings in all stages of development. This means not only planning and construction, but also fitting out and refurbishment. For large corporations, conference centres, and hotels, Aqua Link is the world’s most sustainable single-source drinking-water system for multiple dispense outlets. Facilities managers all over the UK and beyond have selected Aqua Link for energy-efficient hydration throughout a building. (Read Aqua Libra Co’s Rhubarb Hospitality case study.) Contact Us At Aqua Libra Co, we know a lot about hydration and water dispense. If you’d like to know more about Aqua Link or any of our other products, visit  https://aqualibra.com/. Alternatively, give us a call on 0800 080 6696 or email [email protected].

The year 2020 has been a year of accelerated changes. The trend towards home working went suddenly into fifth gear as COVID-19 spread through the global population. During this difficult time, we were presented with some useful technology that might not, under normal circumstances, have been accepted into common use for a few more years. So, what’s stopping us from steaming ahead with the sustainable development agenda? Nothing, really. Let’s do it! What is sustainable development? Sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. (United Nations’ 1987 Brundtland Report) The Brundtland Report – a paper entitled Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development – presents a case for the merging together of economics and environment in all decision making. The movement looks beyond the parameters of organisation, community, sector, or nation. Sustainable development is a philosophy built on global foundations and supported by the three universal pillars of: People, Environment, Profit. A sustainability policy will present opportunities to all members of society, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or age. And it will nurture the wellbeing of the workforce. A sustainability policy will include strategies for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases in manufacturing and shipping processes. And it will commit to recycling and reusing materials. A sustainability policy will strive for financial stability and growth. A financially healthy company is a customer and supplier to other businesses, and it provides employment. People Over recent years, the wellbeing of staff has risen in the hierarchical ranks of priority. The latest Health and Wellbeing at Work survey report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reveals that organisations running a wellbeing programme have seen a drop in sickness absence, increase in staff retention, and improvement in employee morale and engagement. A culture of general wellbeing is having a huge impact on corporate productivity. Through in-house gyms and sports clubs, health insurance, counselling sessions, social events, and biophilic offices, employers are becoming increasingly invested in the general wellbeing of staff. When it comes to health and wellbeing, there’s no single factor more important than hydration. Access to purified boiling, chilled, and sparkling water – on tap or bottled – can make a big difference to an individual’s mood, cognitive ability, and general health. Environment Sustainability is very much about reducing waste and preserving natural resources. It’s also about controlling the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere. Global warming is a problem with far-reaching consequences. Without greenhouse gases, however, we wouldn’t be here. Naturally occurring gaseous compounds, such as H2O (water), CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), and N2O (nitrous oxide), absorb heat from the sun as it’s reflected off the surface of the Earth. That thermal energy in the atmosphere keeps our planet warm and able to sustain life. For every million molecules of gas in our atmosphere (air), between 200 and 280 are – or rather, were, until a century ago – greenhouse gases. The balance that lasted hundreds of thousands of years has been tipped as a result of industry. The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a natural product of respiration, has increased by more than 40% since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (second half of the 18th century). One reason for this is the burning of fossil fuel for energy production. Another contributing factor is deforestation. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis, but with the destruction of large areas of forest, unused carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere. Methane is a natural product of ruminant digestion. But the concentration of methane in the atmosphere has increased as a result of agriculture and the decomposition of landfill waste. Nitrous oxide, which is almost 300 times the GWP (global warming potential) of carbon dioxide, is produced by the burning of biomass and the combustion of fossil fuel. Water vapour is also a greenhouse gas – one that has feedback effect. A warmer atmosphere produces more water vapour, which absorbs more heat. The H2O gas rises and cools, condensing into liquid water droplets (aerosol). This liquid water forms clouds, which reflect around 30% of the sun’s radiation, preventing the Earth from becoming overheated. So, as a result of global warming, clouds are formed, and the clouds help to cool the Earth. This is one way in which water has negative global warming feedback. Ice is white and highly reflective, unlike the dark oceans. Ice will reflect a lot of sunlight, whereas a dark body of water will absorb the light. As the world gets warmer, ice melts, adding to the area of dark, light-absorbing water and reducing the white, reflective area. Water changes state from solid to liquid as a result of rising temperatures, and the change perpetuates the warming process. This is an example of how water can have positive global warming feedback. Triple bottom line A sustainable business will incorporate principles of sustainability into all decisions. What’s best for society and for the workers’ wellbeing? How can we offer customers a top-quality, environmentally friendly alternative to a not-so-green product? How can we incorporate pastoral and environmental care into our business growth plan? To learn more about Aqua Libra Co’s cost-effective, environmentally friendly water-dispenser units, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.  

Accreditation from the Building Research Establishment environmental assessment method (BREEAM) helps owners and managers to “demonstrate corporate social responsibility and sustainable business leadership”. BREEAM accreditation provides businesses with: the means to gauge their own sustainability performance; a clear route towards even higher levels of sustainability. The scope of the system includes all commercial premises in all stages of development, from planning to construction, to refurbishment and fitting out. Most relevant to the provision of drinking water is the BREEAM In-Use standard, which, for permanently staffed buildings or office areas, sets a baseline requirement that a chilled, mains-fed point-of-use water supply (or point-of-use water cooler) is provided in each staff kitchenette or in a suitable location on each floor level and in any staff canteen. So, when it comes to specifying a workplace water-dispenser system, what factors will affect the organisation’s BREEAM credits? Minimising the carbon footprint The impact human beings have on the environment is determined by the amount of greenhouse gases that we produce. The degree of pollution caused by the emission of greenhouse gases is calculated as a carbon footprint, a concept that can be associated with a product or service, an individual, family, business, event, nation, or, in fact, the global population. A business’s carbon footprint is measured by the sum of its parts. When specifying a drinking-water system associated with low emissions of greenhouse gases, the major consideration must surely be that the product offers a high-quality alternative to bottled water. The manufacture of plastic bottles involves numerous processes that emit greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide) into the atmosphere. These processes include: extraction of raw materials (mainly oil) production of plastic resins transportation (from source to plant to factory to wholesaler to retailer to consumer to landfill/recycling centre) (potential) incineration With the capacity to dispense hundreds of cups of boiling, chilled, or sparkling water every hour, the Aqua illi tap or the Aqua Alto tap can provide pure, top-quality drinking water to large workforces. Hand in hand with a company’s own environmental policy, these units can play a major part in eliminating disposable plastic in the workplace. Improved health and wellbeing According to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), access to drinking water is a human right. Many employers, however, go that step further and actively promote good hydration, because they recognise that supporting the health and wellbeing of employees equates to long-term investment in productivity. Along with natural light and fresh air, good hydration is essential for wellbeing. Through the provision of attractive, modern water dispensers, installed in prominent locations throughout the workplace, employers encourage good hydration and nurture a culture of health and wellbeing. Each Aqua illi and Aqua Alto tap is capable of dispensing hundreds of cups of pure drinking water every hour. But for times when table water is required, we have the Aqua Bottler, which will dispense more than 100 litres of still or sparkling chilled water per hour. This system comes as a countertop or undercounter unit, and our own borosilicate glass bottles are available for stylish decanting. Many of our customers choose to have their bottles branded with their own company logo, a service provided by our highly skilled in-house team. For bulk volumes of hot water, have a look at the Aqua Boil wall-hung boiler with full touch-button LCD display screen. Lowering the running costs The running costs of Aqua Libra Co’s water-dispenser systems are approximately 5% of the cost of providing drinking water by means of chilled bottled water and kettle-boiled water. Compared to our leading competitors’ products, our systems run at around half the cost. Zero limescale is a factor in low running costs. All our systems incorporate the Aqua Pure water purifier, meaning that every drop of water is 100% purified at the point where it’s sourced from the mains. Maintenance costs are cut by a massive 90%. For large corporations, hotels, or conference centres, Aqua Link is the world’s most advanced single-source, energy-saving drinking-water system for multiple dispense locations. The master unit, incorporating a dual pump, Aqua Pure purifying system, and Aqua Link Control Unit (smart reporting technology), is installed in a plantroom environment – for example, an attic or basement. From here, it feeds as many hydration points as you choose, on multiple floors of the building. As a company grows, the Aqua Link network can grow too. The greater number of outlets, the lower the proportionate cost of operation. Smart reporting means immediate response from our maintenance team, and minimal downtime. The Aqua Link Control Unit provides dynamic reporting on: incoming mains water pressure volume of water dispensed flow rate leak detection water temperature CO2 replacement management pump malfunction Contact Aqua Libra Co Aqua Libra Co is proud to have been always at the forefront of environmental initiatives within the water industry. Our aim is to help our clients achieve their sustainability goals – in terms of the natural environment, staff wellbeing, and economy. Our water-dispenser systems are designed for sustainability, and any one of them will contribute considerably to an organisation’s BREEAM credits. If you’d like to talk to us about any of our products, or if you’d like a copy of our 2021 product brochure, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.  

We all know how important it is to drink plenty of water. In fact, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) cites access to drinking water as a basic human right. All over the world, in businesses of all sizes, water-dispenser units are important features of the workplace. But sometimes – in a board meeting, training session, or at a dining table – nothing will do quite as well as bottled water. It’s there on the table; people don’t have to keep jumping up for refills. Provision of drinking water also shows a certain level of forethought and courtesy. To cap it all, how about your company’s branding on the bottles! No more plastic At Aqua Libra Co, we’re constantly striving for sustainable production and environmentally friendly products. We understand that simply cutting out plastic bottles will only go so far towards our efforts to reduce plastic waste. Realistically, this measure won’t help us reach our ultimate goal of being part of a plastic-free society. After all, there’s a plentiful supply of plastic out there. If people want plastic bottles, they won’t have to look far. The best way to help our clients and suppliers along the road to a greener way of life and business is to provide a high-quality alternative. Just because we – and thousands of others – have a no-single-use-plastic policy, it doesn’t mean that bottled water is off the menu. There’s no reason at all why we can’t provide bottled water. Borosilicate glass Invented by German chemist, Friedrich Otto Schott (1851-1935), borosilicate glass is a tough kind of glass with exceptional durability and high resistance to thermal shock. It survives knocks and bumps far better than normal glass, and it can withstand temperature differentials of around 165°C without cracking. The main constituents of borosilicate glass are silica (SiO2) and boron trioxide (B2O3). These safe and environmentally-friendly chemicals make borosilicate glass more heat resistant than other forms of glass. Our bottles are made of borosilicate glass, designed and manufactured in the UK. Custom Branding Glass bottles of pure water – both still and sparkling – add a touch of style to a meeting room or dining table. There’s a certain wholesomeness to the weight and stability of a glass bottle. And a rich beauty in the way it reflects the light. Believe it or not, a good impression can be improved upon! Branded water bottles are the icing on the cake when it comes to presenting your organisation to visitors, subcontractors, new staff, or customers. They also make superb corporate gifts. Because we use a high-quality ceramic ink, your corporate colours can be accurately matched and faithfully reproduced in your chosen design. Fired at a very high temperature, our ceramic ink has excellent adhesive properties and produces sharply defined, scratch-resistant graphics. Offer your guests pure drinking water from an elegant bottle, printed with your brand logo, and you won’t be forgotten. Aqua Bottlers The Undercounter and Countertop Aqua Bottlers have been designed to dispense large volumes of sparkling and chilled ‘table water’.  A perfect solution for meeting rooms, hotels and restaurants. It eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles and packaging. Check out the elegant Aqua Alto ensemble, comprising boiling-, chilled-, and sparkling-water dispenser taps; or the chic Aqua illi three-in-one tap (with extension available), ideal for refilling your reusable bottles, over and over again. Whatever water dispenser unit you have, whether it’s an Aqua Bottler or one of our taps - Aqua illi and Aqua Alto - it will serve a double purpose. Always available for single servings throughout every day, these stylish dispensers will provide you and your team with pure table water that’s so clear, it will stand the scrutiny of the harshest critic. Contact us now for more information about Aqua Bottlers or any of our other products.  

Aqua Libra Co’s product range has been designed and developed to excel in four key areas: functionality, aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. These four elements of excellence amalgamate into a fifth quality: adaptability. Our water systems come in modular form, so we can provide you with the right combination of features to meet your specific needs. Whatever the size and layout of your premises, and however many people are being catered for, we’ll be able to offer you a bespoke solution. It’s your water. We’ll do it your way. Ergonomic functionality One of the most amazing things about Aqua Libra Co undercounter water dispensers is their diminutive size. When you think about the sheer volume of water that these systems can dispense every hour, all through the day, it’s hard to believe that a three-function unit, which provides boiling, chilled, and sparkling water, can be housed in a cupboard no larger than 600mm (w) x 600mm (d) x 900mm (h). It’s true, though! As standard, each Aqua Alto or Aqua illi system is capable of dispensing 45 litres of purified water – hot, ambient, or chilled – every hour. That’s 180 250ml cups or glasses. At the ultra-high setting, the maximum volume of water per hour is doubled. The Aqua Bottling System, available as a countertop or undercounter unit, delivers 60 litres of still or sparkling chilled water per hour as standard, or, with the ultra-high option, 120 litres. Every business’s needs are unique, and this is reflected in the design of our hydration systems. Each tap can be pre-set to deliver a prescribed volume of water, reducing the risk of spills, splashes, and waste. Controlled flow, removable (and washable) dispense nozzles, plumbed-to-waste, flush-fitting drip tray, and straightforward user interface all contribute to easy and safe operation. Now, more than ever, we must all take particular care when using shared surfaces; but the best way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 via surface contact is to minimise that contact. Aqua Touchless is a gesture-controlled unit that requires no physical contact. With a generous delay time to ensure safety, this new technology plays a huge role in keeping workplaces safe from COVID-19. Streamlined aesthetics The first thing about the appearance of Aqua Libra Co taps is that they can be seen. In recent years, hydration has taken on a more prominent role in the workplace, emerging from the kitchen, or a dark corner of the office, into the limelight. No longer considered to be a feature of domesticity that has little to do with business processes, hydration now takes its place at the centre of activity. Aqua Libra Co taps are visible, and they make a statement: “stay hydrated”. With each unit tucked away in a small, under-counter cupboard, all there is to see is a simple, elegant tap and a tidy drainage grid. With the capacity to dispense hot, chilled, and carbonated water from one tap, the stylish Aqua illi, which comes in satin-black or chrome finish, is the highest-performing tap on the market today. Each elegant, swan-neck Aqua Alto tap dispenses one kind of drinking water. It could be hot, chilled, carbonated, or ambient. Just one under-counter unit, however, supplies up to three Aqua Alto taps. Now, what about colour? The Aqua Alto tap is available in any colour mentioned in the famous “Coat of Many Colours” song from the musical hit, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. … Times 35. … Plus some. Your Aqua Alto taps can be any of the 1000-plus Pantone colours, and therefore can be matched exactly to your existing décor or your brand colours. Exceptional performance Aqua Libra Co water systems deliver 100% purified water. Thoroughly filtered and treated with UV light, your water is totally free of microorganisms, protecting your staff from waterborne viruses and bacteria. It’s also free of minerals, meaning zero limescale for your system. Limescale is to blame for 90% of all problems associated with hot water products. No limescale means 90% less maintenance. Energy efficiency is, of course, a major factor in all areas of business operation. Our patented twin boiler heats water in two stages, reaping optimum value from the power input, while the cooling system chills water at the rate it’s used. This operational economy amounts to huge energy savings. The cost of running one of our water-dispenser systems is approximately 5% of the cost of providing hot and chilled water via kettles and refrigerated bottled water. Aqua Link is a centralised and fully monitored water-distribution system that delivers high volumes of chilled water, both still and sparkling, to multiple dispensers throughout an entire building. Any Aqua Libra Co dispenser will work within this system, and additional hydration outlets can be easily installed to cater for a growing company. Aqua Link’s unique dual pump ensures that any pump-related problems don’t impact too heavily on the service. If the operational pump stops working, the second one kicks in, preventing downtime whilst maintenance work is carried out. The Aqua Link also has the distinction of incorporating an extra-large-capacity carbonator in the master unit, along with the Aqua Pure water purifier, which purifies all water as it comes in from the mains, thus eliminating any chance of limescale in the system. There are so many reasons for us to be proud of the Aqua Link; and here’s one more. Smart technology allows dynamic recording of water use, flow rate, water temperature, incoming mains water pressure, leaks, and CO2 management. Real-time information is sent to our maintenance team, who will respond as soon as possible. Workplace sustainability Aqua Libra Co hydration systems contribute to BREEAM credits by: lowering the carbon footprint; promoting health and wellbeing; supporting economic development. Aqua Libra Co dispenser systems are designed as a desirable alternative to bottled water. Manufacture, transportation, and disposal of plastic bottles are all associated with emissions of greenhouse gases – as is the refrigeration of large quantities of bottled water. Our mission is to contribute to a reduction in the world’s plastic consumption. A company is only truly sustainable if it supports the health of its workforce. Water is essential for every biological function, including temperature control, circulation, digestion, excretion, and cognition. The human body is between 50% and 75% water, and if we don’t keep topped up, we get dehydrated, which can lead to poor memory, fatigue, anxiety, and an inability to concentrate. Access to drinking water promotes general wellbeing, which is conducive to innovation, productivity, and commitment. Contact us If you’d like to know more about Aqua Libra Co's products and how they can fit into your work environment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.  

At Aqua Libra Co, we’re proud to provide an industry-leading standard of service. We have a dedicated customer care team to manage installations, maintenance, repair, and all other areas of customer support. Our elite after-sales service is fully backed by a dedicated, nationwide team of highly skilled technicians; and full staff training for the operation of equipment and best practices for your systems comes as standard. We’re the only company in the industry that uses purified water in the boiler, which increases water quality, eliminates limescale, and cuts faults and breakdowns by 90%. Our products are environmentally friendly and economical to operate. Although we say it ourselves, our taps are devilishly handsome! But are Aqua Libra Co’s products suitable for any business? Is there something here for everyone? Aqua Libra Co taps are stylish Case study Polish company Nowy Styl (English translation ‘new style’) is a European leader in comprehensive furniture solutions for offices and public spaces, with 33 showrooms in Europe and Asia, including London, Paris, Vienna, Warsaw, Prague, and Dubai. Nowy Styl were looking to provide boiling, chilled, and sparkling water in their brand-new showroom in Warsaw. For this company, style is of paramount importance. This fantastic new space now features an Aqua illi tap, with chrome finish, in the main refreshment area, dispensing drinks for staff and clients. The Aqua illi tap is probably the very best of its kind. We’ve supplied this product to a wide range of businesses and organisations, from small firms with fewer than 10 members of staff to large corporations with offices in multiple locations. Aqua illi is ideally suited to a customer-facing position – for example, in the hospitality sector or, as in the case of Nowy Styl, customer care. Aqua illi’s patented boiler design provides high volumes of purified boiling water (up to 360 cups per hour), so just one tap goes a long way to fulfilling the greatest of demands. Fill volumes can be pre-set for any vessel, and there are free-flow options available. Aqua illi's perfect water flow means no splashing – or any other nasty surprises! Whether the Aqua illi tap is in the form of a stand-alone unit or part of the Aqua Link system, it can cater for dozens of users, quickly and efficiently. Aqua Libra Co taps are environmentally friendly Case study BIKE-DROP provides valet-style parking and security for bicycles in Central London. Besides parking, services include charging stations for e-bikes, puncture-repair services, and hydration stations for free water-bottle refill. BIKE-DROP were looking to install chilled-water dispensers at multiple locations in Central London, and they wanted to work with a reliable hydration partner who shares the same commitment to environmental care. They opted for Aqua Alto taps in orange finish – to match their corporate colours. Each Aqua Alto tap dispenses one kind of drinking water: boiling, chilled (still or sparkling), or ambient. The great thing about Aqua Alto, though, is that up to three taps are fed by just one base unit. With three separate taps, dispensing as many as 360 cups of boiling water or 600 cups of chilled water per hour, queues are greatly reduced. Aqua Alto is a popular choice for many reasons – not least the fact that it comes in any colour you choose. BIKE-DROP matched their taps to their main company colour. Other clients have selected colours to complement, or contrast with, their office décor. Like all our products and systems, the Aqua Alto tap takes the place of pre-packaged drinking water, a policy embraced by organisations who have a mission to reduce the amount of plastic that’s manufactured and dumped. Aqua Libra Co taps are hygienic and safe Every drop of water that comes out of our taps is 100% pure. Even the boiling water. Through a combination of fine filtration and ultraviolet light treatment, all viruses, bacteria, minerals, and plastic particles are eliminated, leaving only pure, unadulterated water. The water is hygienic, but what about the equipment? Aqua Touchless is really finding a place for itself in a world where office managers are doing their utmost to prevent the transition of COVID-19 in the workplace. Aqua Touchless is a piece of equipment that works alongside any of our water-dispenser systems, allowing all communication with the tap to be touchless. Operated by gesture control, Aqua Touchless greatly reduces the risk of transmitting COVID-19 through touching shared surfaces. Aqua Libra Co taps are adaptable Case study BWI (BeijingWest Industries) Group is a leading international supplier of automotive components, with manufacturing facilities in the UK, Poland, Czech Republic, China, and Mexico. The company was looking to provide efficient hydration stations for the 400-plus employees working in their brand-new research and development centre in Krakow, Poland. The research centre is now furnished with five hydration stations, each featuring a three-in-one Aqua illi tap that dispenses boiling, chilled, and sparkling water. In addition, there are ultra-high-capacity Aqua Alto taps in the main breakout room, to cater for busy times. The Aqua illi and Aqua Alto taps are ideal solutions for portion dispense. But they’re also perfectly designed for filling bottles without the need for font extension. A flush-fitting drip tray, plumbed to the waste-water system, catches spills, preventing water from dripping onto the floor and creating a slip hazard. A product we recommend for large organisations – particularly those that occupy a multi-floor building – is Aqua Link. The Aqua Link system comprises a centrally located control unit, usually installed in a plantroom environment, and as many hydration points as you choose. With options including the Aqua Alto tap, the Aqua illi tap, the Aqua Bottler (available as a countertop or undercounter unit), and the Aqua Boil wall-hung boiler, you can install the most appropriate dispense solution at each hydration point throughout the building. Aqua Link saves space at dispense points, reduces costs, and guarantees zero downtime, thanks to its dual-pump system. The unit’s Smart Control provides dynamic reporting on incoming mains water pressure, the volume of water dispensed, flow rate, and leak detection. Aqua Link is the world’s only single-source drinking water system for multiple dispense points to purify and carbonate water at source. The ultra-high-capacity carbonator facilitates the supply of large volumes of sparkling water. Can we cater for any business? So, are Aqua Libra Co’s products suitable for any business? Is there something here for everyone? We believe they are. And we believe there is. To talk to us about water-dispense systems, contact Aqua Libra Co. We look forward to hearing from you.

Office design is about the marriage of commercial advancement and human needs. It's about privacy and collaboration – the ability to work alone and focus, yet still to have the support and companionship of colleagues. And it’s about health, safety, and hygiene – the rights of employees to work in a clean, safe environment, with access to lavatories, first-aid, and drinking water. These aspects of office design are as relevant as ever, but as we move into 2021, they’re going to be shaped by the world’s recent experience of a viral pandemic. Purpose of the office Many companies have been operating successfully throughout all stages of lockdown by means of a WFH (work from home) regime. A trend for home-working was already creeping into the schedule of many UK businesses, with just over 5% of people in employment working mainly in their own home in 2019 – compared to 4.3% in 2015. But in 2019, only around 30% of workers had any experience at all of working from home. [Source: Office for National Statistics] In 2020, the slowly shifting pattern of office life was given a mighty nudge by the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as damage control seems to be the path we wanted to take anyway. Home work is becoming a new normal. Despite a general approval of WFH, we’re very far from the point of ditching the office completely. In fact, companies are putting time and effort and money into adapting their workplaces to the new requirements. Maybe the office will be a central station for meetings, collaboration, and training – where social and professional bonds are kept secure. Social distancing at the office The concept of hygiene, as we knew it before COVID-19, doesn’t really cover all the bases when it comes to the modern workplace. Transmitted via water vapour from one respiratory system to another, the COVID-19 virus has excellent chances of survival and growth wherever people are close together. Visual signage - arrows, worded instructions, and demarcations - is a familiar feature of hospital buildings. During 2020, this type of signage has also become commonplace in shops, banks, and walkways. And offices. A good start to social distancing is a one-way system, which makes it easier for people to avoid face-to-face proximity. A one-way system might include separate entrances and exits, although not all existing spaces are equipped for this set-up. Wide walkways and multiple entrances might be a major consideration in the design of new office buildings. Any space saved by fewer staff in the office will inevitably be used up in reorganisation for social distancing. In 2021 and beyond, there’ll be a need for meeting spaces that have capacity for several people, at least two metres apart. Tight huddles and leaning over a colleague’s shoulder are already a thing of the past. Office design in 2021 could well be based on meeting spaces rather than numerous individual workstations. Working independently at home for some of the time and coming into the office for collaboration and staff meetings might be the way much of the UK’s workforce will be working. Touch-free office Touchless sensing and gesture control are types of touch-free technology that respond to the stimulus of movement. Automatic doors, toilet flushes, taps, and air-conditioning units are already familiar to most of us. Other sensor-operated appliances include coffee machines, lifts, lights, and water dispensers. The essence of touch-free technology is that we don’t have to touch shared surfaces, and the use of smartphones in a touch-free environment is of tremendous value. An internet connection provides not only a means of activating a door, for example, but also a reliable level of security. Where authorisation is required, an identifiable smartphone is valid ID. Personal health and hygiene Handwashing has taken on a new level of significance. Health and Safety at Work guidelines have previously told us to wash our hands: after using the toilet or handling refuse; after using cleaning products; after a break; before and after touching food; and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing our nose. Handwashing is now a high priority in any public (or private) environment. Office design in 2021 will undoubtedly incorporate handwashing facilities, and for many companies these facilities will operate by touch-free technology. In certain offices, there’s already a requirement for all staff to take their own temperature on arrival, and this simple procedure might become more widespread in 2021. In a move to avoid using public transport, many people have been cycling or walking to work. This might lead to a demand for showering facilities at work. Ventilation The gases we breathe out are loaded with water vapour. If a person is infected with COVID-19, the virus will be cadging a ride in the vapour, ready to be breathed in by somebody else. Diluting the indoor atmosphere with fresh air reduces the chances of catching the virus through inhaling. Open windows are a great source of fresh air. But sometimes the weather is prohibitive. Now, more than ever, a good ventilation system is an essential office appliance. Materials in a 2021 office Porous materials, such as wood, stone, unglazed ceramic, linen, and cotton are not as easily cleaned and sanitised as non-porous materials – for example, metal, marble, varnished wood, and vinyl. Natural textiles and untreated wood probably won’t feature much in the offices of 2021. Heavy-duty carpets with moisture-barrier backing will withstand a rigorous cleaning regime, and a carpet that’s regularly shampooed will last longer if it’s made of solution-dyed synthetic fabric. Synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are polymers, created in a liquid state. If pigment is added to the molten polymer before it’s extruded through the spinneret, the colour will be fully integrated into the material, and it won’t fade. A new awareness COVID-19 really has upset the status quo of businesses and communities. One reassuring aspect of the pandemic, however, is that we’re all in this together. Technology, scientific research, government guidelines, social awareness, and a co-operative mindset in business relationships will all contribute to a smooth transgression from one normal to another.  

“The owners of hotels and other guest accommodation have a duty to reduce workplace risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking preventative measures.” UK government website: Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and support Will there be changes to the way we offer drinking water post lockdown? COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. Contamination occurs when the virus enters a person’s respiratory system, carried in the breath’s moisture. Contamination can occur in two ways: 1. Directly – from one person’s exhalation to another’s inhalation.2. Indirectly – transferred from one surface to another, and ultimately to a person’s respiratory system. Through the use of face coverings in public or in gatherings, direct contamination can be largely prevented. However, the transference of COVID-19 via touch is a bigger beast to tackle, because the virus can survive on untreated surfaces for more than 24 hours. Via spittle and saliva, the virus can be transferred from hand to hand, hand to surface, surface to hand, and ultimately to a person’s respiratory system. So, will there be changes to the way drinking water is provided in corporate hospitality and office environments? Some procedural changes are already coming into practice. Cleaning routines Because COVID-19 is highly infectious, all touchable surfaces must be vigilantly monitored, cleansed, and disinfected. In this post-lockdown period, when offices and hotels and conference centres are reopening, we’re already becoming more aware of cleaning procedures, which, in the old normal, were usually carried out discreetly, in the background. The necessity for cleaning tasks to be undertaken more frequently means that this aspect of service is now more visible, providing, in addition to scrupulous hygiene, a certain sense of reassurance to customers and staff. Water dispensers are touched every time they’re used – with the exception of the Aqua Touchless from Aqua Libra Co. Even if people are conscientious about hand-washing, it only takes a touch to the mouth or nose to transfer moisture from the respiratory system to the hand, and, potentially, to contaminate a surface with COVID-19. The virus can be present in someone before they experience any symptoms. It’s important, therefore, to keep water dispensers, display cabinets, and tabletops clean and disinfected – a procedure that will require additional resources, such as PPE (personal protective equipment), cleaning products and materials, and, possibly, labour. As in a supermarket, where disinfectant spray and paper towels are provided to customers for the cleansing of baskets and trolleys, it might well become common practice for similar facilities to be provided at hydration stations. Hand sanitisers Once upon a time, before COVID-19, it wasn’t the norm to carry around hand sanitiser and to use it frequently throughout every day. Many moons ago, before COVID-19, the only establishment in which you’d expect to see hand sanitiser for public use was the hospital. In the post-lockdown world, hand sanitiser is universally available; far from being considered a little eccentric for using it, you might be frowned upon for not using it. Therefore, where there’s a water dispenser, there will surely be a supply of hand sanitiser. Multiple hydration stations During lockdown, single-use items became a universal solution to business continuity in the catering industry. But a backward stride in environmental concern can’t be a long-term solution. Bottled water and disposable cups were saviours for many businesses earlier this year, but now that we’re moving into a new normal that could go on indefinitely, there’s a need to redress the balance. The manufacture, filling, and shipping of plastic bottles, and their subsequent disposal, accrue a huge cost to the natural environment. Providing drinking water by means of water dispensers is a more environmentally friendly solution than large numbers of plastic bottles. Water dispensers also present a financially better option. In offices and communal areas where water dispensers are already installed, we could see additional units appearing. With a need to avoid queues and gatherings, and at the same time allowing time for the sanitising of hands and equipment, business owners and managers might well consider additional units to be a good long-term solution for the provision of drinking water to visitors, customers, and staff. Disposable cups might be provided, but people can also refill their own reusable cups and bottles. The new normal Over the past seven years, water-dispenser units have become increasingly popular in the UK. Concern for the natural environment and a growing awareness of the link between hydration and health have led more and more business owners to opt for the water dispenser as a means of providing staff, visitors, and customers with pure, chilled water. If this trend continues, we might see a significant reduction in the amount of plastic that’s disposed of every day. And in 10, 20, 30 years’ time, hand sanitisers and DIY cleaning facilities in shops, offices, and tourist attractions – and at all hydration stations, too – might still be the norm. For now, though, in the second half of 2020, going into 2021, the way we offer drinking water will be with respect for hygiene and safety, hand-in-hand with that long-established determination to be kind to the environment.

It will be tiring, stressful, and costly. The move itself will incur direct costs, and there’ll be numerous other costs – the result of downtime and reassignment of manpower. So why are you moving office? Maybe your staff team is growing, and you need more space for workstations and meeting rooms. Or are you looking to create a more hospitable environment for customers? In a business that relies on face-to-face consultation, the right setting can make a big difference. But this move might be primarily about location. It might be driven by footfall, parking facilities, visibility, or accessibility. Whatever your reasons for moving office, this exciting project is a big step forward – a landmark in your company’s history. Appoint a Project Manager Relocating to a new office is a huge project. And, like all projects, it must be headed up by a project manager – someone who’s dedicated to co-ordinating the move. The project manager will organise the logistics and establish the costs of moving, from early planning to choreographing events on moving day. Plan your workplace environment The new office has to work for your business. The way it’s set out, the way it looks, and the facilities it has to offer are all factors that ultimately play a part in productivity. The following issues need to be addressed: How much of your furniture will you be taking? What will a removal service cost? What additional furniture (e.g. desks, chairs, filing cabinets) will you need? Will you match new items to existing furniture? How much will the new furniture cost? Will you need additional IT equipment (e.g. PCs and peripheries, printers, copiers)? What will additional IT equipment cost? How will workstations be arranged? How will the position of windows, walls, and doors affect layout and orientation? Consider light – both natural and electric. Will you need blinds at the windows? Where are ceiling/wall lights located? Is there a need for additional lighting? How much will additional lighting and/or blinds cost? What sort of floor covering will the new office have? Is there a carpet already laid? Will you change the carpet? Do you want a hard floor? What effect will a hard floor have on acoustics and sound insulation? How much will a new floor covering cost? If you plan to create spaces for group meetings and/or client consultation, how will this be arranged? Consider privacy, access, dimensions, etc. How will you physically divide up your office space? How much will partition equipment (screens etc) cost? What about access to drinking water? If your firm already uses an undercounter unit, where will it be located in the new office? Might you need an additional unit? If you don’t already have access to chilled- and boiling-water dispenser taps, this is the ideal time to consider it. How much will an office water dispenser cost? Consider the number and position of plug sockets and light fixtures. Do you need more? And where should they be installed? How much will an electrician’s services cost? Consider security. Can you relocate your existing CCTV and alarms? Will you need additional equipment? What will be the cost of installing security equipment? Are there adequate toilet and kitchen facilities in the new office? Is there any work to do before you move in? How much will adaptations to toilet/kitchen facilities cost? Update your business address When you relocate, everyone has to know. And wherever your address is cited, contact details need to be updated. Arrange redirection of mail. Update business cards, headed paper, and other branding materials. Inform suppliers and customers of the new address and update contracts and subscriptions. Update social media accounts, other online accounts, your website, and email signatures. Inform service providers (electricity, water, gas, phone, broadband, managed services, cleaners, refuse collection) and make arrangement for location transfer. Update contracts of employment. Transfer insurance policies. Logistics of moving Set a day and time for moving. Consider: the location of the new office (is it in a busy street?); downtime (would it be best to move on a Sunday?); costs (balance the costs saved/incurred by making the move outside of business hours). Book a removals company. Consider the size of van and the number of removals staff you’ll need. Make sure you have adequate packaging: boxes, paper, bubble-wrap, polystyrene, parcel tape, labels, etc. Appoint a dedicated packing desk. If moving day is a normal work day, will you be conducting business as usual? Or will you close for the day? What will each member of staff be doing on moving day? Who will be working from home? Do you need to divert phone calls on that day? Who will be assisting with the move? If necessary, organise temporary external storage. Good luck! Relocation usually goes hand-in-hand with growth. Whether you’re a small start-up, moving into your first business premises, or an established company that’s outgrown its skin … you're growing. And that’s exciting.

Let’s invent a fictional company. We don’t know what product or service the company sells. We’re only interested in staff refreshments. This company employs 18 full-time staff, and they all work in one large office. The office operates Monday to Friday for 50 weeks in the year. (The staff take a two-week break over Christmas and New Year.) We’ll call the company CashSave Ltd. The boss’s name is Sophie. CashSave Ltd has always provided the staff with refreshments at work. Sophie believes that good hydration is key to health and wellbeing, and she knows that if she looks after her workers, productivity will be high. CashSave Ltd is located in a fictional county called Averageshire, where electricity charges are always set at the UK average. For the past two years, in Averageshire, the standing charge has been 20.58p per day, and the electricity unit rate 14.4p per kWh. Kettles and bottles (Year 1) Until a year ago, the CashSave staff made their hot drinks by boiling the three office kettles. Sophie also provided each member of staff with a 2-litre bottle of water daily. Each of the three 2kW kettles held 1.5 litres of water, which provided 6 servings. Four times a day, all three kettles were filled and boiled for hot drinks. Each kettle consumed 0.1 kWh at each boil. Every day, the cost of boiling 12 (4 x 3) kettles was 17.28p. Sophie would buy bottled water in bulk, and each 2-litre bottle cost the company 50p. The daily cost of water was 900p. In Year 1, the daily cost of drinking water at CashSave Ltd was 917.28p. Aqua illi – the world’s smartest touch tap (Year 2) Exactly one year ago, Sophie made a radical change at the office: she had a new water dispenser unit installed. It was the Aqua illi tap, designed and built in the UK by Aqua Libra Co – an industry leader in commercial boiling- and chilled-water dispensers, and the industry’s No.1 for after-sales service. Built in modular form, Aqua illi can be adapted to requirements. At present, the office model dispenses boiling and chilled water, but Sophie is planning to add sparkling-water to the unit in the near future. The Aqua illi tap in the CashSave office is switched on for 12 hours a day, five days a week. In standby mode, the boiler consumes 0.1kWh of energy per hour. In full operation mode, it consumes 1.1kWh per hour (constantly in use). At each tea break, the boiler is in operation mode for approximately 10 minutes, consuming 0.183 kWh. In a day (a total of 40 minutes), the boiler consumes 0.732 kWh in operation mode. During the 11 hours and 20 minutes in standby mode, the Aqua illi boiler uses 1.13 kWh of energy. The daily running cost of the Aqua illi boiling tap is 26.8p. The Aqua illi cooler delivers up to 600 deliciously chilled cups of pure water every hour. In full operation mode, the cooler consumes 0.15kWh. To say that the cooler is in operation mode for 50% of the 12-hour day is surely an exaggeration, but we’ll use this figure in the knowledge that we’re in no danger of under-estimating the running costs. Therefore, over a period of six hours, the cooler consumes 0.9kWh, at a cost of 12.96p. All water dispensed by the illimani taps is purified – a process that consumes 0.432kWh in each 12-hour day, at a cost of 6.22p. In Year 2, the daily cost of drinking water at CashSave Ltd was 45.98p. Comparisons In Year 1, Sophie spent £2,293.00 on drinking water. The total cost of drinking water in Year 2 was £114.95. How does Year 2’s figure compare to Aqua Libra Co’s competitors – the best of the rest? It’s approximately 50%. How does it compare to the total cost of drinking water in Year 1? It’s approximately 5%. How do you provide drinking water at the office?  

The word “spring” came to Britain as an Anglo-Saxon noun meaning “head of a well” and a verb meaning “rush out in a stream”. In Middle English, the word took on a figurative sense of origin, renewal, and resurrection, as in “sunrise” (spring of dai) and “moonrise” (spring of mone). As Middle English morphed into Modern English, the terms springing time and spring of the year were coined to describe the season of regrowth. The adjective “vernal” came to Modern English from Latin vernus, “of spring”, from ver, “spring”. Spring cleaning traditions Historically, spring has been a good time for a deep clean. Open fires, candles, and stoves fuelled by wood and coal meant a house full of soot. With warmer weather and lengthening days, there was less need for fires and candlelight. Walls, floors, and furniture could be thoroughly washed, and windows could be left open for airing. Nowadays, with vacuum cleaners, air conditioning, and central heating, there’s little need to schedule a deep clean for springtime. But the tradition lives on. Below are just a few examples of how spring cleaning has woven itself into world culture. Jewish religion Passover is a springtime Jewish festival celebrating the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. One of the most significant aspects of this festival is the ridding of leavened food from the household. So, before Passover, Jews carry out a ritual cleansing of the house. Christian religion Easter is a springtime Christian festival that celebrates the resurrection of Christ, and by association, the resurrection and rebirth of the organic world. It’s traditional for Christians to clean their churches thoroughly on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. Clean Monday, as this custom is known, extends to the home, which is purged of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods. Iranian (Persian) new year The Iranian solar calendar begins at the spring equinox. The first month of the year is Farvardin, and the first day of Farvardin is Nowruz. This first day of the year is prepared for by thoroughly cleaning everything in the house. Renewal of health and wellbeing As the natural world springs into life, springtime inspires regrowth and a desire for a fresh start. For example, April marks the beginning of a new financial year, so it’s a good time to audit your spending, declutter your paperwork, and plan for the future. The same applies to wellbeing. Spring is the perfect time to audit our diet and exercise, examine daily routines, and plan for a healthier future. How can we do this? Well, let’s look at three ingredients of a healthy body: daylight; exercise; diet. Daylight Circadian rhythm is an endogenous (internal) process that responds to the environment. Governed by the rotation of the Earth, the circadian clock affects almost all life forms, including animals, plants, and bacteria. In animals, a circadian rhythm is important for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. The primary environmental cues are: light, in particular, blue light, which has a short wavelength; and the absence of light. Key hormones are regulated by the circadian system. Melatonin, stimulated by darkness, induces sleepiness. Ghrelin increases the desire to eat, and leptin inhibits hunger. Constant exposure to electric light disrupts our circadian rhythm. Artificial lighting doesn’t provide an adequate time cue for the suppression of melatonin, and because few of us sleep in total darkness, melatonin production is often unhealthily low. The problem’s made worse by night-time exposure to the blue light that’s emitted from digital displays, such as televisions, computer screens, and phones.   Absence of night-time darkness and lack of natural daylight cause circadian disruption, which can lead to ill health.  Increased exposure to sunlight helps reduce the physiological and cognitive consequences of circadian disruption. With warmer weather and longer days, we’re more inclined to spend time outside. As the sunlight resets our circadian clocks, we feel more awake and energetic. Sunlight – in particular, ultraviolet light, which has a very short wavelength – promotes the synthesis of vitamin D, which is responsible for intestinal absorption of certain minerals, including calcium. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to the softening of bone tissue, especially in children and the elderly. Exercise Aerobic exercise promotes the production of endorphins, a group of hormones that suppress pain receptors and induce production and release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Strenuous exercise causes us to sweat, which is one of the ways we excrete toxins from our systems. Just going for a walk will improve heart rhythms, reduce stress-induced anxiety, allow deep breathing, and improve circulation. Even good posture can have a positive impact on respiration. A slumped position can reduce oxygen intake by up to 30%, leading to a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. Standing upright opens up your chest and abdomen, making breathing easier and more effective. Stress is the enemy of wellbeing. It can bring on overeating, anxiety, and depression, and it plays a significant role in circulation and digestive disorders. Exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress, so why not make a springtime resolution to keep moving! Diet Adequate hydration is at the root of all bodily functions, and everyone is aware of the importance of water in our diets. Many workplaces provide filtered drinking water on tap, actively encouraging employees to refill cups and bottles throughout the working day. But if you’re keeping well hydrated and eating a diet of whole, unprocessed foods, it’s important to keep in mind that you also need salt. The nervous system functions through nerve impulses, triggered by the movement of electrically charged atoms or molecules (ions), called electrolytes. One of the most important electrolytes is sodium (Na+), which is acquired through salt (NaCl). When there’s too much sodium in the blood, the kidneys filter it out, lowering the concentration of sodium in the system. However, the kidneys can’t do anything about sodium deficiency (hyponatremia), which triggers the release of adrenaline. Signs of reduced sodium in the blood include muscle cramps, fatigue, confusion., and light-headedness. Start spring cleaning your health today! So, to sum up: Spend time outside and reset your circadian rhythm by exposing your body to daylight. Stand, walk, run, and play sports. Use stairs instead of lifts, walk or cycle to work, or even work at a standing desk. However you do it, get moving! Eat well and drink plenty of pure water. At Aqua Libra Co, we love water (Aqua) and we believe in balance (Libra). So there couldn’t be a better time to restore the natural balance of our bodies than the spring equinox, when day and night are in perfect balance.  

When your office has boiling, chilled, and sparkling water on tap, some wonderful breakfast and lunch opportunities present themselves. Breakfast What to have for breakfast at work … Instant porridge At Aqua Libra Co, we believe there’s no better way to kick off the day than with a pot of instant porridge oats, topped with fruit and nuts. Leave the oats in the pot – no need to create unnecessary washing up – and just add boiling water. After a few minutes, give the porridge a stir and it will be ready to eat. Now to liven up your porridge with some nutritious nuts and fruit … You could pop in some blueberries and shelled walnuts. Walnuts are rich in iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Blueberries are full of vitamins K and C, and also manganese – a mineral that’s good for bone health and the regulation of blood sugar. Alternatively, add a chopped banana or granola, a sachet of sugar, chopped hazelnuts, or dates. However you enjoy your oats (ooh-er missus!), a pot of instant porridge with walnuts and blueberries, banana, dates, granola, hazelnuts, or sugar – or just on its own – will keep you full up and on top form until lunch time! Fizzy jelly (This little treat is not for a Monday.) In preparation for the next morning, dissolve your jelly cubes in a minimal amount of boiling water. Now add chilled sparkling water to bring the mixture to full volume. Put lots of sliced banana and strawberries into a bowl or Tupperware box, pour your fizzy jelly over the fruit, and get it into the fridge as quickly as possible; you need to lock in the fizz! Made with gelatine, which is full of amino acids, jelly is tremendously good for your immune system. This sweet, fizzy, refreshing breakfast might seem like sheer indulgence; but, loaded with fruit and water, and rich in amino acids, it’s actually incredibly healthy. Lunch “Destiny may ride with us today, but there is no reason for it to interfere with lunch.” Peter the Great (1672-1725) Russian Emperor Instant noodles Now, a pot of instant noodles may not be the most nutritious or healthy snack; it’s not even very filling. But instant noodles make a fantastic base for something a little more substantial. Add boiling water to your noodles, according to the instructions, and when they’re done, add some cooked chicken or sausage. Instant soup A mug of instant soup is a great lunchtime favourite. Add boiling water to the dehydrated powder mix, and your hot, nourishing soup is ready to be enjoyed on its own or with a bread roll. A single serving of instant soup is usually around 100 calories. Drinks Fancy something a little different to drink with your meal? Bovril How about a cup of Bovril at breakfast time? Just add boiling water to a teaspoonful of Bovril paste. Bovril was invented by a Scottish butcher called John Lawson Johnston (1839-1900). Having emigrated to Canada in 1871, Johnston was contracted to supply the French army with preserved beef products during the Franco-Prussian War. For his services to France, Johnston was awarded the Order of the French Red Cross. Bovril was supplied to the British Armed Forces in WWI and WWII, and the drink is traditionally enjoyed by football fans as they try to keep warm during winter matches. Herbal teas Do you enjoy the clean, fresh taste of peppermint? How about the sweet, spicy bite of ginger? Peppermint and ginger are extremely beneficial for the digestion, so if these flavours are your cup of tea (thank you), why not make yourself a hot ginger or peppermint infusion with pure boiling water, and enjoy it as part of your lunch at work.  

The energy market is a turbulent one, and a combination of recent events has triggered sharp increases in wholesale prices. At Aqua Libra Co, sustainability is our top priority. We never lose sight of the global goal to achieve net zero by 2050. This goal is our mission. In this article, though, as we look at ways to reduce the amount of electricity used in the office environment, we’re focusing on the financial implications of energy consumption. This article is about saving money.   The electricity we use in the UK is generated by: Burning fossil fuel – coal, crude oil, and natural gas (approx. 40%) Renewable energy sources – wind power, solar power, water power, burning of biomass, anaerobic digestion (approx. 40%) Nuclear fission (approx. 20%) The UK fuel supply is part of a global network of supply and demand, affected to some extent by almost any political or natural event. Energy prices are beyond our control. But how we use electricity is down to each of us.   Insulation Insulation is about stopping the gaps. Cavity wall insulation Unless your workplace was built more than 100 years ago, it will most likely have cavity walls. However, it was only in the 1990s that insulating cavity walls in a newbuild became mandatory, although it’s been standard practice since the 1970s. If your workplace was constructed between 1920 and 1990, it’s possible that you have uninsulated cavity walls, which can be responsible for the loss of up to 35% of a building’s heat. Insulating cavity walls is one of the most cost-effective ways to save heat energy. Materials with low thermal conductivity – for example, polyurethane foam, polystyrene beads, and glass wool – are blown into the cavity via small bore holes. The cavity is filled with these low-density materials and trapped pockets of air, preventing heat transfer by convection. Installation of cavity wall insulation is defined by the Building Regulations as notifiable building work. If you’re planning on insulating your cavity walls, bear in mind that you’ll need to submit a building notice to your local building control body. Interior insulation Another option is silica aerogel insulation boards, which are fixed to the surface of an interior wall. Aerogel is a strong, lightweight material, with very low thermal conductivity, derived from a gel in which the liquid component has been replaced with a gas. Silica aerogel panels are effective at a thickness of less than 15 mm, so the reduction in space is minimal.   Draught excluders Gaps around doors and windows can also be responsible for heat loss. As warm air escapes the building, cold air takes its place, causing a draught as it creeps under doors and around window frames. A traditional draught excluder – a stuffed fabric sausage – can sometimes be enough to stem the flow of cold air into a building. But a more efficient solution is an adhesive strip of foam, silicone, or rubber that attaches to the surrounds of a door or window, reducing the gap and blocking the draught. They’re fairly straightforward to install, and, if done carefully, will last for at least five years. Infrared heating panels Is there anything more delicious than the glorious warmth of the sun? The Earth is warmed and lit by a spectrum of electromagnetic energy from the sun. Approximately half of this radiation arrives on Earth as infrared, with a wavelength of between 750 nm and 1,000,000 nm (1 mm). Infrared radiation is invisible to humans, but we’re familiar with its warmth and medicinal properties. Mounted on walls or ceiling, heating panels radiate infrared, which instantly warms solid objects without heating the air between. Walls are warmed up and kept dry, preventing the growth of mould, which is especially beneficial in kitchens and bathrooms. Infrared heating is up to 60% more energy efficient than convection heating, which warms the air close to source and triggers a circular flow of warm and cold air throughout a space. Infrared radiation goes straight to solid objects – like walls, furniture, and people. Infrared heating panels consume less energy than most traditional heating systems. They require very little maintenance and are 100% recyclable at the end of life.   Lighting First of all, make the most of natural daylight. Rather than blocking out bright sunlight and switching on electric lights, why not use light-coloured solar shades, which will simply tone down the glare.   LED lightbulbs During the winter months, it’s not just heating bills that rocket. Days are short, and we often begin and end the working day in darkness. For much of the season, we need artificial lighting all day, which can be expensive. Whereas a traditional incandescent lightbulb emits 85-90% heat and only 10-15% visible light, a light-emitting diode (LED) lightbulb emits 20-50% heat and 50-80% light. This means that in order to produce an equal amount of light (measured in lumens), an incandescent bulb consumes up to eight times more energy than an LED bulb. The price of an LED lightbulb is, on average, five times greater than the price of an incandescent bulb, but it lasts about 30 times as long. Every part of an LED lightbulb can be recycled. But don’t put it in the regular recycling bin. It needs to be deposited at a local electrical recycling centre, which might be a council-operated site or a business such as Tesco, Homebase, or Argos. Turn off the lights If you have problems getting employees and visitors to turn off lights when they’re not needed, you might consider automatic lighting that operates by motion sensors. Lights will come on when people are in the room, and they’ll switch off when the room is empty. This set-up is particularly useful for kitchens, bathrooms, storerooms, and hallways. Machines Let’s take a close look at how we use electrical appliances in the office. Computers A desktop computer consumes around 0.1 kWh of energy per hour. In the course of an eight-hour working day, that’s 0.8 kWh. When a computer is in sleep mode, its energy consumption falls to around one third (0.033 kWh). So, if a PC is left in sleep mode overnight, it will consume approximately 0.53 kWh of electricity during those 16 hours. At the current rate of £0.28 per kWh, you’re paying £0.14 for each desktop computer to be in sleep mode overnight. That’s £0.56 per week (assuming PCs are shut down at weekends) and £29.12 per year (52 weeks).   Multiply this figure by the number of desktop computers in your workplace to find out how much sleeping computers are costing you each year. Turning off all computers at the end of each working day saves a lot of energy and a lot of money.   Office kitchen If you have a dishwasher in your office kitchen, make sure it’s completely full for each cycle. And use the eco setting, which is a longer cycle, using cooler water. This may seem counterintuitive, but most of the energy used by the dishwasher goes into heating the water, and comparatively very little is used for powering the sprayers. The same principle applies to washing machines. If your workplace has a washing machine, the eco setting is the most economical. Heating the water takes a lot more energy than turning the drum. When fridge and freezer seals get old, they become worn, providing inadequate insulation. A fridge or freezer with a worn seal will consume up to three times the energy it’s designed to use. If your equipment has broken seals, it’s advisable to replace them.   Hydration When it comes to water dispensers, Aqua Libra Co products are all designed to conserve energy. Ultra-efficient refrigeration, smart-reporting technology, and a patented twin boiler all contribute to low energy consumption. The Aqua Pure filtration system eliminates all limescale for full functionality and longevity.   Contact us To talk to us about energy-efficient water-dispense systems, give us a call on 0800 080 6696 or email [email protected]. We look forward to talking to you.

Caffeine Caffeine (C8H10N4O2) is the world’s most popular and most widely used psychoactive drug, occurring naturally in some plants, including the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao), Cola trees (notably Cola nitida and Cola acuminata), the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), and some species of coffee tree, (especially Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora). This stimulant compound is an effective pesticide, and it seems that the higher the caffeine content in a plant’s fruits and seeds, the better protected it is from predator insects. Coffea Of the 120 species in the Coffea genus – a plant indigenous to Africa and parts of Asia – only three are commercially cultivated crops. Coffea liberica, the main source of coffee in the Philippines and Malaysia, has the lowest caffeine content of the three. Producing large seeds but low yields, C liberica accounts for just 1% of the world’s coffee. Coffea canephora is a remarkably robust species that produces a bitter, high-caffeine coffee. The two varieties of C canephora are C c robusta and C c nganda. The canephore species is more commonly known as robusta. A hybrid of C canephore and C eugenioides, Coffea arabica is an autogamous plant, which means it’s able to fertilise itself. Arabica is more susceptible to disease than robusta, and in the past has been at serious risk of extinction. Arabica coffee beans contain more sugar and less caffeine than robusta. Coffee: filter, espresso, instant The fruits (cherries) of coffee trees usually contain two seeds (coffee beans), with flattened sides pressed against one another. Around 5% of cherries contain only one seed – a peaberry. On account of having incubated alone, these single coffee beans are more rounded than twin beans and are sometimes sorted from the bulk of the crop for separate roasting. Roasted coffee beans are ground before being infused in very hot water. Drip-brew coffee is brewed by gentle infusion, and some of its oily solids are lost to the filter. Espresso, on the other hand, is made by forcing a small amount of near-boiling water, at high pressure, through finely ground, tightly pressed coffee. The resulting drink is more full-bodied and flavoursome. But does it contain more caffeine? There are several factors involved: 1. temperature; 2. grind; 3. time. Caffeine is extracted more quickly if the water is at least 95°C. A finer grind will brew more efficiently because of the larger surface area. All available caffeine is extracted within the first minute of brewing. Both drip-brews and espressos could be under par due to a coarse grind or low water temperature. But where time’s concerned, the vulnerability is with the espresso, which takes only 30 seconds to brew. If the temperature and grind are not spot on, the espresso runs out of time. However, if all conditions are right, there’s no significant difference in caffeine content between espresso and drip-brewed coffee. Freeze-dried (instant) coffee is another way altogether of enjoying coffee. A highly concentrated coffee brew is spread out thinly, quickly frozen to a temperature of -40°C, and then broken up into small pieces. These granules are dried through the process of sublimation – i.e. the frozen water in the coffee solution is forced into a gaseous state without passing through the liquid state. When mixed with hot water, the coffee granules will dissolve again – instantly. As for caffeine content, a spoonful of instant coffee contains, on average, the same amount of caffeine as a shot of espresso or a mug of normal-strength filter coffee. Decaffeinated coffee Decaffeinated coffee – or rather, reduced caffeine coffee – can contain up to 10% of its original caffeine. Coffee beans are soaked in water, a process that removes many of the coffee’s properties – not just the caffeine. Then the water is passed through activated charcoal (more porous than regular charcoal), which absorbs the caffeine. The water, still containing extracts from the beans, but without the caffeine, is put back with the coffee beans and then evaporated. The coffee has its full flavour, but most of the caffeine has been extracted. The harvested caffeine is sold on as an ingredient in other products. Pure, hot water on tap Caffeine content in a cup of coffee – whether espresso, drip-brew, or instant – ranges from around 60mg to 150mg. A cup of arabica coffee won’t contain as much caffeine as a cup of robusta of equal strength. But a filtered arabica will contain roughly the same amount of caffeine as an arabica espresso portion. That is, if the grind and temperature are spot on in both cases. Instant coffee retains all the caffeine it started out with. So, to sum up, basic brewing methods make no difference to the caffeine content in coffee. There’s one more factor, however, in a really good cup of coffee. It’s always that bit nicer when it’s made with pure water.  

Back to Work, Post COVID-19 In the first half of 2020, our lives were turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Literally overnight (25/26 March), the identity of the workplace changed for so many people. Working from home, amidst domesticity, we did what human beings have always done in challenging times: we adapted. Working from home had its advantages. It presented us with opportunities to embrace new technology, take control of our time, and reduce the time and money spent on travel to and from the workplace. For some, the home environment provided a welcome sense of peace and tranquillity. And there were drawbacks. Some workers felt detached and disengaged, and others were disoriented by the collapse of work/home boundaries. Many people found no peace at home and became frustrated and stressed, unable to escape the noise and demands of their families. The workplace will probably never return to how it was pre-COVID. There’s an opportunity, now, to restyle the workplace – to return to the office with fresh ideas, new expectations, and a desire to improve what we had. Again, we’ll adapt.  Social capital Through government support, good management, dedicated workers, and advanced technology, thousands of UK businesses survived the lockdown. However, one element of a healthy organisation was hard to hold onto. Social capital – an intangible asset that comprises the combined value of people’s relationships, interactions, and camaraderie – relies on human contact. Aqua Libra Co is a preferred supplier of water dispensers for Morgan Sindall Group – a company that shares our commitment to creating long-term, sustainable value in the built environment. In a OnePulse (online survey platform) poll, Morgan Lovell – part of the Morgan Sindall Group – found that 90% of respondents missed the social interaction of the office, and 47% missed the ability to collaborate easily. Engagement In 1990, American psychologist William Kahn presented his theory of employee engagement, which he defined as “the harnessing of organisation members’ selves to their work roles.” Kahn suggested that people need to feel safe bringing their full self to work, and they need to consider their work meaningful enough to warrant engaging their full self. Employee engagement is nurtured by company culture, and company culture is most fertile in a physical environment. Humans thrive on social interaction, which does, of course, include seeing and hearing one another on a video call or the telephone, and it includes communication via script; but this is only part of it. Social interaction also includes eye contact, touch, space sharing, body language, and spontaneous conversation. When we’re working in isolation, we don’t borrow a pencil, eat lunch together, or run into a colleague as we make our morning coffee or grab a glass of water. Space and time During 2020 and 2021, a large proportion of the workforce has, for the first time, experienced the convenience of flexible working hours and the freedom of home working. When we get a taste of something sweet, we want more of it. But we also want the good bits of life before 2020! Maybe the working environment will become an office/home hybrid, combining the positive aspects of both. We’ve tasted the tranquillity of working outdoors, and the freedom to wander. We’ve experienced the luxury of organising start times, finish times, and breaks. We don’t want to say goodbye to chain-drinking hot tea or chilled water, or the opportunity to work in solitude. So, to sum up: we’re looking for the camaraderie, collaboration, and security of the office; and we want this shared space to offer the comforts and conveniences of the home environment. Sounds fair … Layout With the office/home hybrid workplace, not everyone will be in the office at once. The office could well evolve into a hub, where meetings and collaboration take place – where people come to touch base and keep in touch. There might be fewer desks and more informal seating. With the sustainable trend of electronic data storage, there’ll be fewer filing cabinets.  In Morgan Lovell’s survey, 54% of respondents wanted to see more office furniture that could be easily moved or reconfigured, allowing them to create their own workspace. In the event of a future pandemic, this flexible arrangement would enable businesses to adapt their space more economically. A combination of people’s desire for flexibility and a yearning for social interaction, paired with the bottom-line benefits of an engaged team, all points to the advantage of breaking down divisional barriers. However, an open-plan space still needs delineation, with a separation of areas, whilst allowing free flow between them. But it can’t all be about communal activity. In the survey, 63% of respondents said that what they missed most about the office was having a quiet space where they could concentrate. Individual workstations offer solitude when it’s required, but, unlike the “old” system, where each member of staff owned a designated desk, a “new” system is developing, whereby desk space is transitory – a temporary, shared facility. Biophilia The literal meaning of biophilia is “love of life”. The concept refers to the human draw to other living organisms. But our deep-rooted attraction to the natural world goes beyond the organic (the bio). It extends to a desire for fresh air and natural light, for views of the outdoors and a natural soundscape. A biophilic office is one that lets in natural light and fresh air. There are plants, which, besides providing the feel-good factor, contribute to oxygen-rich air. Attractive, accessible hydration stations are an important feature of a biophilic office. Technology Over the past 18 months, certain elements of developing technology experienced a growth spurt. Video conferencing replaced in-person meetings, and smart technology reduced contact with shared surfaces. UV sterilisation, an established method for sterilising drinking water, has been applied to the sanitation of air. All these forms of technology have facilitated business continuity, and they will no doubt become a regular part of the modern office Sustainability is high on the agenda for many companies, who’ll be fitting out their offices with low-energy technology and renewable materials. Some of the UK’s most progressive companies have installed an energy-efficient Aqua Libra Co water dispenser. Because all our hot water is purified before boiling, Aqua Libra Co water dispensers are totally free from limescale, a feature that increases their environmental benefits. And by providing the means to refill, a business is contributing to the elimination of single-use plastic. Contact us To talk to us about Aqua Libra Co water dispensers, call 0800 080 6696 or email [email protected]. For a quote, please complete the online quote form.  

Quick Quiz: What is the world’s most advanced centralised dispense solution (CDS)? What CDS has a dynamic SMART reporting system? What CDS is eco-friendly, uses ultra-efficient cooling technology … and has a dual-pump system, guaranteeing zero downtime? Answers: Aqua Link Aqua Link Aqua Link A class of its own Aqua Link is the world’s most advanced single-sourced drinking-water system for multiple dispense locations. The Aqua Link Control Unit (ALCU) is installed in a plant-room environment, such as a basement or attic, and from that source, ambient, chilled, and sparkling water is filtered and distributed to any number of drinking-water outlets on any number of floors. At each outlet, a dispense-tap solution of your choice, such as Aqua illi or Aqua Alto, can be connected to the Aqua Link system. The CDS saves a lot of space at dispense points and is up to 55% more energy efficient than individual dispense units. Pure genius Because the water is double-filtered in the ALCU, all pipes in the Aqua Link system carry only 100% purified water, which means that limescale is never an issue. The CTO filtering process, which removes calcium, taste, and odour, leaves the water beautifully clear, fresh, and delicious. The water is disinfected by means of LED (light-emitting diode) UV (ultra-violet) light, which is significantly more effective than the UV lamps used in other centralised dispenser systems, disabling 99.99% of all microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and microbial cysts. Ultra-violet light waves damage the nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) of microorganisms so that they’re unable to replicate, leaving your drinking water pure and safe. Full marks for economy Aqua Link is a bit of a swot. Gets top marks in everything. Loved by customers … Not a favourite among its competitors. Aqua Link’s specialist subject is Economy. When interviewed, Aqua Link told us that its favourite word is Saving. (Actually, that’s not true. I made it up. Its favourite word is Hydration … No. Made that up too.) Nevertheless, whilst hydrating a whole workforce, Aqua Link does make a lot of savings – in quite spectacular style. Saving space Because all drinking water is delivered to multiple hydration stations from the control unit, where it’s filtered and chilled, a lot of space is saved at the dispense points. If all drinking-water taps operated independently, dedicated cupboard space would be needed to house each unit. With Aqua Link, however, all that’s needed is the tap on a worksurface. Saving the environment At each outlet, up to 600 cups of pure drinking water can be dispensed. Every hour. The equivalent amount of bottled water would produce a huge amount of plastic waste to be carted away in a recycling vehicle that swallows a gallon of fuel every four miles. Aqua Link uses R-290 cooling technology. In the context of refrigeration, R-290 is propane (C3H8) – a safe and effective coolant. What’s great about R-290 is its very low impact on global warming. Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of a gas’s contribution to the Earth’s greenhouse effect. The amount of heat absorbed by a gas in the atmosphere is expressed as a multiple of the amount of heat an equal mass of carbon dioxide (CO2) would absorb over a particular period of time – typically 100 years. The GWP scale takes into account two factors: the amount of heat potentially absorbed; and the length of time the gas retains the heat. Some gases will break down and release heat within a few years; others, like carbon dioxide, which is the base unit for GWP, retain heat for thousands of years. Propane has an exceptionally low GWP of 3 (three times more warming potential than CO2) and its ozone depletion potential (ODP) is 0, meaning that this gas is not a threat to the environment. Saving money There’s no doubt that water-dispense units are an economical solution for the provision of healthy hydration in the workplace. And it’s also widely acknowledged that a centralised dispense system provides additional savings. The energy needed to power the whole Aqua Link system is significantly less than the energy needed to power an equivalent number of discrete units. As additional dispense outlets are added to the system, the proportional cost of running each tap becomes lower. What better way to accommodate the increasing demands of a growing company! Saving time The Aqua Alto or Aqua illi tap can dispense up to six hundred cups of chilled (still or sparkling) and boiling water an hour. The Aqua Bottling Systems will give you up to 180 litres of chilled, ambient, or sparkling water every hour. There are no queues and extended periods of downtime – and these dispense points can all be modules of the Aqua Link centralised dispense system. Aqua Link, as usual, goes one better than its peers in that it runs on a dual-pump system. Most CDSs operate on just one pump. If that pump needs servicing, the system is out of action. Not so with Aqua Link. In the event that there’s a problem with Aqua Link’s operational pump, the second pump kicks in automatically, maintaining smooth and efficient continuity of service. No downtime. Business – and hydration – as usual. Aqua Link philosophy Aqua Link is all about the clean simplicity of water and the vital role it plays in maintaining a healthy balance in the bodies of all living things. The beating heart of Aqua Link may be out of sight in the basement of your workplace, but it’s fully conversant with Aqua Libra Co team via Internet connection. Connected to its own network, the Aqua Link Control Unit (ALCU) operates independently of the customer’s local area network (LAN) system, providing dynamic reporting on all aspects of the system. We receive automatic notifications concerning: volume of water used incoming mains-water pressure water temperature flow rate detected leaks CO2 replacement management Aqua Link’s philosophy? Information. Communication. Connectivity.