Top Commercial Restroom Design Trends Now Evolving

Modern restroom design has evolved beyond basic functionality to become a crucial element in tenant attraction and retention. These branded restroom spaces serve as powerful tools that can influence leasing decisions.

The Evolution of Commercial Restroom Design

Commercial restrooms are no longer afterthoughts in building design. Today's tenants expect premium restroom experiences that reflect the quality and values of their workplace. This shift has driven innovative approaches to restroom design that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality.

Creating Calming Restroom Environments

The most significant trend in commercial restroom design is the transformation of these spaces into wellness-focused environments. This approach recognizes that restrooms can serve as brief retreats from the demands of the modern workplace.

Key elements of wellness-centered restroom design include:

• Soft, calming colors that promote relaxation

• Abundant natural light supplemented by warm LED lighting

• Strategic use of mirrors to enhance brightness and space perception

Biophilic Design Elements

• Living plants and green walls that improve air quality

• Natural materials including wood, stone, and bamboo

• Earth-tone color schemes that connect users with nature

Enhanced Comfort Features

• Comfortable seating areas for brief respites

• Premium fixtures and finishes

• Thoughtfully designed layouts that maximize privacy and comfort

The Psychology of Restroom Wellness Design

Modern restroom wellness design acknowledges that these spaces offer opportunities for mental reset and rejuvenation. By incorporating calming elements and natural materials, building owners create environments that support occupant well-being throughout the workday.

The Rise of Robotic Restroom Maintenance

Robotic restroom cleaning technology represents a breakthrough in commercial building maintenance. While robotic systems have successfully handled carpet cleaning and floor maintenance for years, 2025 marks the emergence of comprehensive automated restroom cleaning solutions.

How AI-Powered Restroom Cleaning Works

The advancement of smart restroom cleaning systems has been enabled by:

• Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity for real-time monitoring

• Artificial intelligence algorithms for optimal cleaning routes

• Advanced sensor technology for thorough surface detection

• Cloud-based management platforms for remote oversight

Benefits of Automated Restroom Cleaning

Improved Health and Safety

• Reduced staff exposure to contaminated surfaces

• Minimized contact with harsh cleaning solutions

• Consistent sanitization protocols

Operational Efficiency

• 24/7 cleaning capability without human intervention

• Freed-up staff time for specialized cleaning tasks

• Predictable maintenance schedules

Cost-Effective Solutions

• Rapid return on investment (ROI) for large facilities (especially if waterless urinals have been installed)

• Reduced labor costs for routine cleaning

• Decreased cleaning supply waste through precise dispensing

Investment Considerations for Building Owners

Commercial restroom upgrades offer measurable returns through:

• Higher tenant satisfaction scores

• Increased lease renewal rates

• Premium rental rates for well-appointed facilities

• Reduced maintenance costs through quality fixtures

The Future: Restroom Design Innovation

The convergence of wellness-focused design and automated maintenance technology represents the future of commercial restroom spaces. Buildings that invest in these innovations position themselves as forward-thinking properties that prioritize occupant experience and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways for Property Managers

• Branded restroom design directly impacts tenant attraction and retention

• Wellness-centered restroom spaces support occupant mental health and productivity

• Automated cleaning technology offers significant operational advantages

• Early adoption of these trends provides competitive advantages in the commercial real estate market

• Greater water savings and efficiency, especially if waterless urinals have been installed.

The transformation of commercial restrooms from purely functional spaces to wellness-focused, technology-enabled environments reflects broader changes in workplace expectations. Building owners who embrace these restroom design trends create spaces that not only meet practical needs but also contribute to the overall quality of the tenant’s experience.

-Klaus

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses efficiency issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

America's Crumbling Water Infrastructure: A Looming Crisis

Disclaimer: Waterless Co., Inc. remains apolitical, dedicating its efforts solely towards the protection and efficient utilization of water, our most essential resource.

In 1972, Congress passed the Clean Water Act with unprecedented optimism—a landmark commitment to rebuilding America's water infrastructure from the ground up. The promise was clear: we must make comprehensive investments in the systems that deliver, treat, store, and recycle our most essential resource.

That promise lasted barely five years.

By the late 1970s, cracks were already showing. America's water infrastructure wasn't just falling behind, it was collapsing into what has become a perpetual crisis. The culprit then, as now, was a water funding shortfall that continues to impede our water utility systems today.

The Great Crumbling Infrastructure Retreat

When the Federal government began their steady retreat from water infrastructure investment in the 1980s, they didn't just reduce funding, they shifted the burden to cash-strapped local governments while the repair bills grew exponentially.

Today, the American Society of Civil Engineers puts a stark number on our negligence: over $1 trillion needed in the next 25 years just to maintain and expand our crumbling water infrastructure.

Instead of confronting this reality, it appears America chose to place it on the backburner, so to speak. We deferred maintenance, ignored warning signs, and kicked the crisis down the road - where it has grown into a waiting game, never knowing if or when water infrastructure will fail.

Playing Water Infrastructure Roulette

So, why are we playing infrastructure roulette? The answer lies in two fundamental areas:

1. Water is simply undervalued in America. Despite being essential for life itself, water suffers from what the Boston Consulting Group calls the "abundance illusion"—the misguided belief that water is free, limitless, and requires no investment to maintain.

2. Our pricing system is fundamentally broken. Water utilities routinely fail to charge for the true costs of water, including treatment and storage expenses, energy costs for transportation, administrative overhead, legal and engineering fees, overtime compensation, and environmental penalties. The result? Water bills that don't reflect the true costs of water or allow for infrastructure improvements.

The Politics of Water

Perhaps most damaging of all, water pricing has become a political issue in some quarters of the country. Local officials fear that charging realistic rates for water will be seen as a "hidden tax," while other utilities keep prices artificially low to maintain political favor. As BCG bluntly states: "The public perception of water as a free and abundant resource causes resistance to price increases and contributes to its undervaluation."

But failure to address this situation will only make the challenge even more cumbersome.

The Path Forward

At Waterless Co., Inc., we believe the solution requires both immediate action and long-term commitment: aggressive water efficiency measures combined with a comprehensive public education campaign about water's true value. Americans must understand that water infrastructure isn't a luxury—it's the foundation of our economy and the prerequisite for life itself.

The bottom line is unforgiving: Water must be priced to reflect its actual cost, or we will continue to watch our infrastructure crumble while our communities pay the ultimate price. Working together, we can prevent this from happening.

-Klaus

AI's Growing Water Demand: The Need for Efficiency

PRESS RELEASE: Cooling just one AI data center requires approximately 170 million gallons of water daily. 

Vista, Ca – July 9, 2025 - The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) comes with a hidden environmental cost: enormous water consumption.

 According to Investopedia, global AI demand is projected to consume between 1.1 and 1.7 trillion gallons of freshwater annually by 2027, equivalent to thirty-four billion gallons of water per week.

Where AI Uses Water 

Training AI Systems A University of California study found that training an AI system for one language requires up to 185,000 gallons of water. To put this in perspective, that's enough water to manufacture 370 cars or fill three swimming pools. 

Data Center Cooling Phoenix, Arizona hosts numerous data centers that harness solar energy for electricity. However, cooling just one AI data center there requires approximately 170 million gallons of water daily, straining the city's already limited water supply. 

Microchip Production Manufacturing a single AI microchip consumes up to 2,200 gallons of water. Since large AI systems operate on clusters of servers containing thousands of microchips, the cumulative water demand is substantial.

Energy Generation AI data centers are expected to increase electricity demand by 16% by 2030. This surge amplifies water needs because generating this electricity requires significant amounts of water for cooling thermal power plants and nuclear facilities.  

Environmental Impact

AI's water demand worsens global water scarcity and pressures local ecosystems. As AI technology becomes more prevalent, addressing this water consumption becomes increasingly critical.

Fortunately, several innovative water-saving technologies are emerging to tackle this challenge:  

• Air-based cooling systems that reduce reliance on water for data center temperature control

• Closed-loop water recycling, which enables the reuse of cooling water

• Native landscaping around AI facilities requires minimal irrigation

• Water-efficient fixtures such as waterless urinals are commonplace in AI data centers

These solutions are often recommended by AI systems themselves to help reduce the industry's water footprint.  

The Path Forward

"AI is here to stay," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. "But we need responsible AI development that aligns technological progress with responsible, sustainable water use. That's imperative."  

Reichardt adds that “balancing AI's benefits with environmental responsibility, ensures that advancement of this technology doesn't come at the expense of our planet's most precious resource.”

 ###

Available for Interviews  

Available for Interviews on Water Efficiency Issues: Klaus Reichardt, klaus@waterless.com  

 About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc., Introduced waterless urinals to North America in 1991.  Based in Vista, Ca, the company has become a leader in water efficiency. The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning solutions, and other cost-saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com 

 Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

Phone: 312-880-8176

E-Mail: robert.kravitz@outlook.com

Ten Things to Consider Before Selecting Waterless Urinals

When evaluating and considering the installation of waterless urinals, most facility managers and building owners focus on just one thing: water savings. While this is a significant benefit, several key factors should be considered before selecting waterless urinals for your facility.

1. Do You Understand How the Technology Works?

 Waterless urinals operate on a simple principle-they don't use water to drain urine from the bowl. Instead, they rely on gravity to direct the urine into a cartridge filled with a liquid sealant. This cartridge not only guides the urine into the sewer line but also prevents odors from escaping into the restroom.

2. Is Your Facility a Good Fit?

 Waterless urinals, with their adaptability and efficiency, are most found in high-traffic public and commercial buildings, such as schools, stadiums, airports, and mid- to -large office complexes. They're typically best suited for facilities with a large number of building users.

3. Do You Have the Right Information?

 Before making a purchasing decision, it's essential to research how these urinals work, how they're installed, maintained, and whether they're compatible with your building's plumbing. Installing them in decades old, corroded plumbing, might be an issue.  In newer facilities, it is not an issue. Online resources can provide valuable insights.

4. Are You Aware of the Benefits?

 Beyond conserving water, waterless urinals can reduce utility bills, lower maintenance costs, reduce vandalism, and are quicker and easier to clean, reducing custodial expenses. They may also cost less to install than traditional urinals.

5. Do You Know About Concerns?

 Oder issues were once a concern usually due to improper cleaning and maintenance.

6. Do You Know How to Clean Them?

 Cleaning waterless urinals is simpler than cleaning conventional urinals, but it must be done correctly to ensure optimal performance. Some models should not be cleaned with any water whatsoever, as this can damage the cartridge. Instead, use a general-purpose cleaner or sanitizer, along with a cleaning cloth, to wipe down the urinal.

7. Are You Familiar with Product Options?

 While most waterless urinals function similarly, the lifespan of cartridges varies by brand. Some last for months, while others require frequent replacement, which can impact maintenance costs.

8. Is LEED Certification a Goal?

 LEED v5 awards points for installing water-saving fixtures such as waterless urinals, which can significantly contribute to certification.

9. Is your building or company sustainability-focused?

One reason LEED v5 provides credits toward certification for installing waterless urinals is that it believes water scarcity will become a more pressing reality in regions around the world, including the U.S. Installing waterless urinals aligns perfectly with sustainability-focused organizations.

10. Are you aware of the lifespan of a waterless urinal?

Waterless urinals last as long, if not longer, than conventional users because there are no flush handles. But one more thing: to ensure their longevity, select a waterless urinal with a traditional look. Unusual urinal designs are available, but typically, these go out of style in a very short time.  

Key Takeaway

Focusing on all these issues allows managers and building owners to determine if selecting waterless urinals are right for them. In a growing number of cases, the right choice is waterless.

Contact us for more information: www.waterless.com

Water Risk Assessments: Learn How to Protect Your Business from Water Scarcity

Water Risk Assessments play a crucial role in identifying and managing risks related to water scarcity, pollution, and flooding throughout business operations and supply chains. 

🚰Conducting a water risk assessment offers specific benefits: 

🚰Pinpoints areas where your business is vulnerable to water-related disruptions

🚰 Enhances business resilience and enables proactive strategies to mitigate risks  

🚰Provides insights into future water availability and quality, aiding in informed decisions about facility location

🚰 Reduces losses from disrupted production, higher operating costs, and damage to reputation  

🚰Demonstrates a commitment to sustainable water management, essential for investors and stakeholders.  

A water risk assessment is vital for businesses looking to secure their operations and uphold sustainable practices.

 Ask Waterless Co., Inc to help you conduct a water risk assessment.

Happy July 4th and Let's All Remember What this Country Stands For

Read All About It: Los Angeles Uses 43% Less Water Today than in 1990

Read All About It: Los Angeles Uses 43% Less WaterToday than in 1990

You’ve probably come across more stories about water woes in California than you can recall.

Over the last half century or so, millions more people have moved to greater Los Angeles, requiring more faucets, toilets and shower heads.

😲But Get This:  Angelenos are consuming 43% less water today than in 1990.

https://lnkd.in/gYgb5XKe

Recommended Outdoor Heat Safety Strategies

Heat waves are now more frequent and intense, lasting an average of 72 days—up from 22 in the 1960s. To protect employees, businesses should adopt a comprehensive safety plan that includes multiple strategies.

🥵Designate a responsible individual to continuously monitor temperature levels for outdoor staff

🥵Implement a gradual acclimatization process, allowing new workers to adapt to hot temperatures

🥵Recognize the signs of heat stress including muscle cramps, excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, and confusion

🥵Shift outdoor work to cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings 

🥵Ensure availability of essential resources like shade, cold water and designated cooling stations

🥵Consider providing cooling vests in addition to standard PPE

🥵Be proactive, not reactive.

 Contact Waterless Co., Inc. for more suggestions on keeping your outdoor staff healthy. www.waterless.com

Make sure your building’s urinals are doing this:

☝️Reducing your facility’s water consumption

☝️Lessening your facility's energy consumption

☝️Cutting greenhouse gas emissions

☝️Making your restroom cleaner and more hygienic

☝️Decreasing the workload of cleaning workers

☝️Eliminating flush control repair bills

☝️Providing you with tax breaks and rebates

☝️Showing building users that you care about protecting natural resources

Let’s put your restroom fixtures to work for you. Contact www.waterless.com

The Role Facility Managers Play in Promoting Water Sustainability

As global awareness of water sustainability grows, it’s essential that facilities managers recognize their important role in this effort.

Water sustainability involves managing water resources efficiently and fairly to ensure long-term availability for current and future generations. It’s not just about conserving water—it’s about preserving the quality and supply of freshwater across all sectors, including commercial buildings.

This movement gained momentum in 2010 when the United Nations declared access to clean water a basic human right, underscoring its significance to health, dignity, and economic stability.

The resolution was driven by projections that population growth, urbanization, and economic expansion would sharply increase global water demand. According to UN studies, two-thirds of the world’s population could face water shortages—and North America is not immune.

Why Facilities Managers Must Act

Changes in our climate have intensified the urgency. Shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures are affecting global water supplies.

Some rainy regions are drying up, while typically arid areas are experiencing heavy rainfall. More frequent natural disasters like floods and droughts are damaging infrastructure and disrupting water distribution and treatment systems—further straining water availability.

Commercial buildings contribute significantly to this issue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly 10% of all water use in the country occurs in commercial facilities. Office buildings are a major part of that, with each tenant using about 20 gallons per day. The main uses? Restrooms, HVAC systems, and landscaping.

This gives facilities managers a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead water sustainability efforts.

Solutions for Water Sustainability

Here are some proven and emerging strategies that facilities managers can implement:

Desalination

Desalination turns seawater into drinkable water by removing salt and minerals. While traditionally expensive, recent advancements have reduced costs by 45%, making it a more viable option in many regions.

Rainwater Harvesting

This involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use. Once a basic survival method, it’s now supported by modern infrastructure and government programs. Harvested water can be used for irrigation, cooling, and flushing toilets.

Water-Efficient Fixtures

Installing low-flow toilets, faucets, waterless urinals, and smart irrigation systems can significantly reduce water use. These technologies also raise awareness—users often become more conscious of their consumption when such systems are in place.

Water Reuse

Advanced treatment facilities can now filter and purify wastewater for reuse. Many buildings also use onsite non-potable water reuse systems (ONWS), which recycle greywater for non-drinking purposes like flushing and landscaping.

Facilities Managers as Water Stewards

Facilities managers are on the front lines of the sustainability movement. By adopting these technologies and practices, they can greatly reduce their buildings’ water footprint and help address the global water crisis.

Their efforts not only conserve a precious resource but also promote a culture of sustainability within the workplace. With the right tools and strategies, facility managers can play a critical role in ensuring water availability for future generations.

Klaus Reichardt is the founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc., a provider of waterless urinals and restroom products. He can be reached at www.waterless.com.