“Owners are actively seeking out products that meet LEED design criteria with
lower maintenance costs and easy installation,” according to Sean Martin, vice
president of sales and marketing at Zurn. He said that sensor products enhance
building presentation and provide benefits to the owner and users, especially
with hands-free products that reduce bacteria transfer. Sloan Valve Co. is
working on programmable plumbing system technologies that enable professionals
to remotely turn faucets on and off or control how long they operate. According
to Susan Kennedy, director of marketing, “Control systems are not only
appropriate for high-use/high-abuse environments, but forward-thinking managers
can use these systems to reduce labor costs and help maintain their
facilities,” she adds.
Design is also becoming a trend these days, especially in healthcare
applications where a desire to emulate a residential setting with functionality
is growing. According to Sherry Petrin, director of commercial business
development at Delta Faucet Co., “The idea that commercial products need to be
institutional looking to be functional is no longer accepted in the commercial
marketplace.”