Using Water Sustainably

Using Water Sustainably in Your Blackfriars Accommodation

At Blackfriars Hall, we are working together to build a more sustainable community, where small everyday actions make a big difference. Water is one of our most important shared resources, and the way we use it in our accommodation plays a key role in reducing our environmental footprint.

Whether you live at 33 St Giles or in the historic houses at 16 and 17 St John Street, you can help reduce energy use and support the Hall’s sustainability goals through mindful water habits.

Why Water Use Matters

Every litre of water we use has an environmental cost, not just in supply and treatment, but also in heating. Shorter showers, turning off taps, and using appliances efficiently all help us cut both water waste and energy consumption.

Sustainable water use will:

• Reduce pressure on local water systems
• Lower the Hall’s carbon footprint
• Help protect historic buildings from damp and moisture
• Keep accommodation charges stable by reducing utility costs

Top Tips for Saving Water in Your Accommodation

1. Take shorter showers

Aim for 4 to 5 minutes. Hot water takes a lot of energy to produce, so shorter showers help both water and carbon savings.

2. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth

A running tap can waste several litres a minute. A simple habit change makes a big difference.

3. Report leaks immediately

Dripping taps, running toilets, or faulty showers waste huge amounts of water over time. Let the Bursary know as soon as you spot an issue.

4. Use cold water when you can

For quick hand rinsing or washing fruit/veg, cold water works perfectly and saves energy.

5. Fill sinks or bowls instead of running the tap

When washing dishes, clean up uses far less water when done in a filled basin rather than under a running tap.

6. Avoid overfilling the kettle

Only boil what you need.  This saves both water and energy.

7. Use eco settings on appliances

If your accommodation area includes laundry or kitchen appliances with eco cycles, please choose them. They are designed to use less water and energy.

8. Close windows in wet weather to prevent condensation

This helps avoid moisture problems that increase the need for dehumidifying, ventilation, and repair work.

How Blackfriars Is Supporting Sustainable Water Use

The Hall is committed to making sustainable living easy and accessible. Across our accommodation, we are gradually installing:

• Low flow shower heads
• Aerated taps
• Water efficient appliances
• Improved insulation and pipework
• Leak detection and rapid?response procedures

These improvements help ensure that our buildings run efficiently while preserving comfort and wellbeing for all residents.

Our Water Management Strategy

You can read the Hall’s approach to managing water sustainably here.

Together We Make a Difference

Sustainability is a shared effort. Your daily choices help us protect the environment, preserve historic spaces, and contribute to a more responsible future for Blackfriars Hall.

Thank you for doing your part!

If you have ideas for improving water sustainability in accommodation, we’d love to hear from you.  Please contact the Bursary or speak to your Junior Dean.