Product or Innovation - Wellbeing
Sponsored by: 
Eco-Duo is the world’s first and only pipe-within-a-pipe recirculation system that is guaranteed to keep hot water hot and cold water cold, which is essential for controlling the spread of water-borne pathogens and biofilm.
Winner: Eco-Duo – Water Kinetics
Unlike traditional systems, Eco-Duo brings the circulating water right up to the point of use, eliminating dead legs in the system and resolving one of the main causes of water-borne pathogens.
The Eco-Duo potable water system impressed the award judges, who commended Water Kinetics for including a robust whole-life carbon-saving calculation for the product, detailed results of in-use performance testing, and clear guidance on its operation and maintenance. They said it was ‘A novel, innovative product that addresses a real-life challenge robustly.’
Eco-Duo reduces energy costs by around 50% and halves the amount of pipework and fittings needed, as well as the time and cost of installation.
Installation is very simple, and virtually the same as existing copper-press systems. The only difference is the pushing together of the inner pipes before the outer fitting is pressed in the normal way.
An innovative new confluence tee enables connection to any pump, heater or cooler, while a commissioning fitting is also available that allows the system to be balanced. A unique continuous isolation valve keeps system recirculation going even when the valve is in the off position.
A single Eco-Duo fitting can save 2.27 tonnes of carbon over the lifetime of a building (30 years), which equates to more than 6,800 tonnes per building on average and 2.4 million tonnes in the UK alone.
The system is also environmentally friendly: 60% of materials used in the product are recyclable, with 90% recyclable at end of life, while all packaging is made from 100% recycled materials and can be 100% recycled upon disposal – a first for the industry.
All Eco-Duo fittings can be thermally and chemically disinfected and are guaranteed for 25 years.