Joint Research Centre (JRC)

Sanitary Tapware
Green Public Procurement criteria
 Definition and Scope
For the purpose of these criteria, sanitary tapware is defined as covering
the following groups of products:
1) taps,
2) showerheads,
3) showers.

Included in the product group is sanitary tapware used typically in public

utility buildings like schools, office buildings, hospitals, swimming pools,
sport centres, and other, for both kind of functionalities:
- non-domestic,
- domestic-like ones.
 Definition and Scope
The scope covers: taps, showerheads and showers

Product definition:

Tap – a small diameter, directly or indirectly, manually mechanically and/or

automatically operated valve from which water is drawn.

Showerhead - either a fixed overhead or side shower outlet (or body jet or
similar device), which may be adjustable, and which directs water from a
supply system onto the user or a moveable hand held shower outlet which is
connected to the tap via a shower hose and can be hung directly on the tap or
on the wall with the aid of an appropriate support (also known as a shower
handset).

Shower - a combination of showerhead and other interrelated control valves

and/or devices packaged and sold as a kit.
 Definition and Scope
The GPP criteria do not cover the following product kinds:

- Bathtub taps,

- External taps,

- Special purpose taps and showerheads/showers which

require unrestricted water flow to fulfil the
intended function (e.g. laboratory safety taps
and showers, professional kitchen taps),

- Taps covered under the GPP criteria set for gardening

products and services.
 Key Environmental Impacts

Key Environmental GPP Approach

Impacts
 Water consumption,
particularly in the use
phase

 Energy consumption, in  Equip new and

particular for water refurbished buildings with
heating water and energy efficient
sanitary tapware
 Emissions to air and
water, mainly due to
energy generation and
production processes
 GPP criteria

Two sets of GPP criteria are proposed:

a) Criteria for purchasing of water efficient sanitary tapware,

b) Criteria for installation works in new or renovated premises,

which could be used in addition to the criteria for purchasing of
water efficient sanitary tapware.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1. Water consumption and related 1. Water consumption and related
energy saving energy saving
1A. Maximum available water flow 1A. Maximum available water flow
rate rate

The maximum available water flow The maximum available water flow
rates to the basin/sink shall, rates to the basin/sink shall,
independent of the water pressure, independent of the water pressure,
not exceed values presented in not exceed values presented in
Table 1. Table 1.

Table 1 Maximum available water flow Table 1 Maximum available water flow
rates for sanitary tapware rates for sanitary tapware
Product sub-group Water flow rate Water
[l/min] Product sub-group flow rate
[l/min]
Kitchen taps 8.0 without flow limiting device 6.0
Kitchen taps
Basin taps with flow limiting device 8.0
7.0
without flow limiting device 6.0
Showerheads or showers 9.0 Basin taps
with flow limiting device 8.0
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1B. Lowest available maximum water flow rate
Lowest available maximum water flow rate of the sanitary tapware,
independent on the water pressure, shall not be lower that the values given
in Table 3:

Table 3 Lowest available maximum water flow rates for sanitary tapware

Product sub-group Water flow rate

[l/min]

Kitchen taps 2.0

Basin taps 2.0
Showerheads or showers
[1] 4.5

For electric showers the lowest available maximum water flow rate,
independent of the water pressure, shall not be lower than 3 l/min.
 Verification for core
and comprehensive

1A. Maximum available water flow rate

1B. Minimum available maximum water flow rate
Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements
will be deemed to comply.
Otherwise, results of sanitary tapware testing according to the test procedure
contained in the relevant EN standard (see the list in Table 2 below) or an
equivalent standard shall be submitted together with the tender to the
contracting authority. The testing shall be conducted at pressure of 1.5, 3.0
and 4.5 bar (± 0.2 bar) for products declared by the manufacturer as being
suitable for high pressure installations (typically 1.0 to 5.0 bar) or at
pressure of 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 bar (± 0.2 bar) for products declared by the
manufacture as being suitable for low pressure installations (typically 0.1 to
0.5 bar). The mean value of the three measurements shall not exceed the
maximum water flow rate value indicated in Table 1. The testing shall be
performed by laboratories that meet the general requirements of EN ISO
17025 or equivalent.
A technical dossier from the manufacturer or other appropriate means of proof
demonstrating that these requirements have been met will also be accepted.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1C. Temperature management
(criterion not applicable for showerheads and for sanitary tapware that shall
be fitted to a water supply that is already temperature controlled)

Sanitary tapware shall be equipped with an advanced device or technical

solution which allows for management of temperature.

According to their preferences, public authorities can choose one of the

following options:

a) Sanitary tapware shall be equipped with a hot water barrier.

b) Sanitary tapware shall allow for thermostatic adjustment.

c) Sanitary tapware shall be designed with a cold water supply in middle

position.

Double lever (handle) showers do not fulfil the criterion.

 Verification for core
and comprehensive

1C. Temperature management

Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements

will be deemed to comply. Other appropriate means of proof will also be
accepted, e.g. manufacturer/supplier statement specifying the type of
solution used and its technical parameters as appropriate shall be submitted.

Where a water supply is already temperature controlled the applicant shall

explain the specific technical property that makes the sanitary tapware
specifically designed to be fitted to this form of system.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1D. Time control for sanitary tapware for multiple users and high frequency
use

Sanitary tapware installed in non-domestic premises for multiple users and

for frequent use (i.e. sanitary tapware used in public toilets or washrooms in
schools, offices, in hospitals, swimming-pools and similar premises) shall
allow for limiting time of a single water use (i.e. water volume consumed).

This can be done by equipping the products with devices

which stop water flow after certain time if they are not used (for example,
sensors which stop water flow when a user leaves the sensor range)

and/or after a set time period of use (for example, time limiters, which stop
the water flow when the maximum flow time is reached).
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1D. Time control for sanitary tapware for multiple users and high frequency
use

a) If the public authority is wishing to have a time-controlled system:

For sanitary tapware equipped with time limiters the pre-set maximum flow
time for time regulated products should not exceed 15 seconds for taps and
35 seconds for showers. Nevertheless, the product shall be designed to allow
the installer to adjust the flow time to the intended product’s application.

b) If the public authority is wishing to have a sensor-controlled system:

For sanitary tapware equipped with the sensor, the shut off delay time after
usage shall not exceed 2 second for taps and 3 seconds for showers.

Furthermore, the sanitary tapware equipped with a sensor shall be equipped

with an inbuilt ‘security technical feature’ with a pre-set shut-off time of
maximum 2 minutes in order to prevent accidents or the continuous water
flow from taps/showers when not in use.
 Verification for core
and comprehensive

1D. Time control for sanitary tapware for multiple

users and high frequency use
Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements
will be deemed to comply.

Other appropriate means of proof will also be accepted, e.g.

manufacturer/supplier statement specifying the type of solution used and its
technical parameters as appropriate (a pre-set water flow time for time
limiters, the shut off delay time after usage for sensors) shall be submitted.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2. Chemical and hygienic behaviour of materials
Substances and materials used in products in contact
with drinking water shall comply with the requirements
given in the Article 10 of the Drinking Water Directive .
These substances or materials, or impurities associated
with them, shall not release to water intended for
human consumption compounds in concentrations
higher than necessary for the purpose of their use and
shall not, either directly or indirectly, reduce the
protection of human health. They shall not cause any
deterioration in water intended for human consumption
with regard to food quality, appearance, odour or taste.
Within the recommended limits for correct operation
(i.e. conditions of use as given in respective EN
standards indicated in Table 2) the materials shall not
undergo any change which would impair the
performance of the product. Materials without adequate
resistance to corrosion shall be adequately protected so
that they do not present a health risk.
 Verification for
comprehensive criterion

2. Chemical and hygienic behaviour of materials

Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements

will be deemed to comply.

Other appropriate means of proof will be also accepted such as written

evidence from the manufacturer that the above clause is met with a copy of a
certificate confirming meeting hygienic requirements of materials/product in
contact with drinking water in compliance with the national regulations of the
Member State where the product is put on the market.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria

SUBJECT MATTER

Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2. Product quality and lifetime 3. Product quality and lifetime

extension extension
2.1 Quality of coating 3.1 Quality of coating

Sanitary products which have a metallic Ni-Cr coating (regardless of the nature of
the substrate material) shall comply with the standard EN 248:2003 "Sanitary
tapware or an equivalent standard. General specification for electrodeposited
coatings of Ni-Cr".

Verification:
Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements (if
included) will be deemed to comply.
Otherwise, results of sanitary tapware testing according to the test procedure
contained in the EN 248 standard or equivalent shall be submitted together with
the tender to the contracting authority for verification. The testing shall be
performed by laboratories that meet the general requirements of EN ISO 17025
or equivalent.
A technical dossier from the manufacturer or other appropriate means of proof
demonstrating that these requirements have been met will also be accepted.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria
SUBJECT MATTER
Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2. Product quality and lifetime 3. Product quality and lifetime
extension extension
2.2 Reparability and availability of 3.2 Reparability and availability of
spare parts spare parts

Sanitary tapware shall be designed so Sanitary tapware shall be designed so

that their exchangeable components that their exchangeable components
can be replaced easily by the end- can be replaced easily by the end-user
user or a professional service or a professional service engineer, as
engineer, as appropriate. appropriate.
Spare parts must be available for at Spare parts must be available for at
least five years from the date of least seven years from the date of
purchase. purchase.
Verification:
Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements
will be deemed to comply. Other appropriate means of proof will also be
accepted such as written evidence from the manufacturer that the above
clause will be met.
The tenderer shall provide a description of how to replace components and
provide a guarantee for the availability of spare parts.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria

SUBJECT MATTER

Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2. Product quality and lifetime 3. Product quality and lifetime

extension extension
2.3 Warranty 3.3 Warranty

Guarantee of repair or replacement for a minimum period of four years shall

be given.

Verification:
Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements
will be deemed to comply. Other appropriate means of proof will also be
accepted such as written evidence from the manufacturer that the above
clause will be met.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria

SUBJECT MATTER

Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
3. User information 4. User information
The product shall be supplied with the following information in printed (on
the packaging and/or on documentation accompanying the product)
and/or electronic format:
(a) Information on proper use of the product to minimise water consumption
and related energy consumption for water heating,

(b) Information on maximum flow rate in l/min (tested as indicated in the

verification of Criterion 1).

(c) Recommendations on proper use and maintenance (including cleaning and

decalcification) of the product and information regarding repair and/or
replacement of its components.
This information shall highlight all relevant instructions, particularly:
- information about which spare parts can be replaced and how, including
instructions concerning the replacement of washers if taps drip water;
- advice on cleaning sanitary tapware with appropriate materials in order to
prevent damage to their internal and external surfaces.
 EU GPP criteria for sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria

SUBJECT MATTER

Purchase of water-efficient sanitary tapware for new or refurbished buildings

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3. User information 4. User information

(d) Installation instructions including information on the specific operating
pressures that the product is suitable for.

(e) Explanation which exchangeable components of sanitary tapware can be

replaced by the end-user/professional service engineer, as appropriate,
and how to conduct it.

Verification:
Products holding a relevant Type 1 Eco-label fulfilling the listed requirements
will be deemed to comply. Other appropriate means of proof will also be
accepted such as written evidence from the manufacturer that the above
clause will be met.
 EU GPP criteria for installation of sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria

SUBJECT MATTER

Installation of new water efficient sanitary tapware products or their replacement

SELECTION CRITERION

1. Where sanitary tapware is being installed, the contractor shall

demonstrate that suitably qualified and experienced personnel will
undertake the installation or replacement of the sanitary tapware.

The contractor shall also supply a list of sanitary tapware installation

works the contractor has carried out over the last five years, accompanied
by certificates of satisfactory execution for the most important works.

Verification:
The contractor shall supply a list of the persons responsible for the
project, indicating educational and professional qualifications and relevant
experience. This should include persons employed by subcontractors
where the work is to be sub-contracted and a list of earlier projects
carried out over the last five years.
 EU GPP criteria for installation of sanitary tapware
Core criteria Comprehensive criteria

SUBJECT MATTER
Installation of new water efficient sanitary tapware products or their replacement

CONTRACT CLAUSE

2. The contractor shall ensure that, where the tapware includes sensors or
time limiters

• For sensors, sensitivity and time delay shall be set, in agreement with the
contracting authority, to appropriate levels to meet occupant needs
without excessive water and energy consumption

• Sensors shall be checked to ensure that they are working properly and are
sensitive enough to detect typical occupant movements

• Time limiters shall be set, in agreement with the contracting authority, to

appropriate times to meet occupant needs without excessive increase in
water and related energy consumption

Verification:
Statement by the contractor or any other evidence that the relevant
adjustments and calibrations will be carried out.
•Thank you!