The Triangle Building, Cambridge – Urinal Flushing

Introduction

Cambridge Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge and a global leader in educational assessment, recently consolidated staff from 11 offices into a new international headquarters known as The Triangle. Designed to accommodate up to 3,000 employees by 2025, the new facility incorporates smart water management solutions, including cutting-edge infrared technology from Cistermiser.

The Challenge

With over 1,600 employees and an eventual capacity for 3,000, The Triangle needed a washroom solution that could support high usage levels while aligning with strict hygiene and sustainability standards. The goal was to reduce water consumption significantly without compromising on hygiene or functionality across 20 busy washrooms.

The Solution

To meet these needs, M&E sub-contractor Allied Mechanical Services, working with the main contractor Bouygues, installed 96 Cistermiser Direct Flush ‘Discreet’ infrared urinal flush control valves. These valves eliminate the need for a traditional auto-flush cistern and instead flush each urinal individually after every use, using as little as 0.5 litres of water per flush.

The system is activated via PIR sensors mounted above each urinal, which detect when a user is present and trigger a flush shortly after they leave. The flush controls are configurable, allowing adjustments to flush duration, sensing range, and flush inhibition. A periodic hygiene flush and a cleaner’s mode further support maintenance and water-saving efforts.

The Result

The installation has proven to be cost-effective, easy to fit, and readily available, meeting the high standards set by Cambridge Assessment for sustainability and performance. Washroom hygiene has also improved due to the system’s ability to prevent odour and uric acid build-up during low-use periods.

David Meacock, Technical Director for Cistermiser, said: “Direct Flush removes the need for an auto-flush cistern and associated plumbing used in traditional urinal installations, which flush all urinals intermittently even if they have not all been used. Cistermiser has calculated that savings of 134,000 litres of water per year can be achieved where a Direct Flush has been installed.”

The flushing control device is fully configurable for flush time and duration, sensing distance and flush arrest, and can be programmed manually or with an ICU remote control.

The unit also has a programmable periodic hygiene flush function for periods of low use and a cleaner’s function to conserve water during routine cleaning and maintenance. The hygiene flush function helps to prevent odours and any build-up of uric acid in the pipework.

Tony Buckley, Project Manager for Allied Mechanical Services, said: “From an installation point of view, the Cistermiser DFDs and associated multi-product power supply units are quick and easy to fit. They come at the right price with ready availability and meet the high specification with regards to water management as required by the client.”

Conclusion

By integrating Cistermiser’s Direct Flush infrared valves, Cambridge Assessment has reinforced its commitment to sustainability while ensuring high standards of hygiene and operational efficiency in its new headquarters. This smart investment in water management is set to deliver ongoing environmental and cost-saving benefits as the organisation continues to grow.