From hidden leaks to big wins:
Greystar’s 68% water savings success
Learn how a simple yet powerful solution is transforming water management for one of the world’s largest rental housing operators.
£111,000+
£111,000+
in annual savings identified through reduced water consumption, energy bills, insurance and maintenance costs.
68%
68%
reduction in water usage identified, equating to more than 2 million litres saved monthly.
26 tonnes
26 tonnes
of annual CO2e reductions identified, enhancing Greystar’s sustainability leadership.
Project overview
In partnership with Watergate, Greystar, a global leader in the living sector, discovered major financial, operational, and environmental benefits by implementing Watergate’s innovative smart water system in its student accommodation portfolio in London.
Having piloted it first, Greystar decided to deploy Watergate at scale across three buildings in Islington. This initial project uncovered hidden inefficiencies, prevented water damage, and is delivering measurable results.
From hidden leaks to big savings
The Watergate system revealed enormous opportunities for Greystar’s water management. Following an initial pilot, the technology was rolled out across three student accommodation buildings at Chapter Islington, covering 684 apartments and communal spaces in mid 2024.
Insights gathered during the project enabled Greystar to address issues promptly, avoiding significant water waste and operational risks and now empowers them to tackle any new risks proactively.
Widespread inefficiencies
22% of units (a mixture of rooms and studio apartments) were consuming significantly more water than expected, often due to hidden issues like leaky taps or toilets.
Pressure imbalances
Incorrectly configured pressure-reducing valves were identified, with some set too high (above 4 bar), causing unnecessary wear on appliances, while others were set too low, leading to dissatisfaction from residents.
Extreme cases
One apartment was using up to 11,600 litres of water daily, 232 times more than the expected amount (the expected cold water consumption of a single occupancy studio is 50L per day1), due to a stuck toilet flush.
Temperature issues
Hot water systems were running excessively high, wasting energy, while cold water systems were at risk of Legionella due to improper pipe proximity.
Transforming sustainability goals into measurable impact
By integrating Watergate’s Sonic smart water system, Greystar achieved a range of impressive results that highlight the system’s effectiveness and value.
Financial savings
Identified direct annual savings of £111,523:
£87,977 from water bills*.
With a high insurance excess, Greystar has reduced their financial exposure by an estimated £23,546 per annum, with an additional potential premium reduction going forward*.
Additional energy savings from using less hot water are likely but, as yet, unquantified.
Carbon footprint reduction
Cutting water consumption by 2 million litres per month will avoid 26 tonnes of CO2e annually*.
Water efficiency savings
Identified 2,042,173 litres per month of potential water reduction savings*. Within just one month of identifying inefficiencies, Greystar implemented targeted repairs that have already saved nearly 1 million litres of water per month.
Operational efficiency
Proactive maintenance reduced disruptions and enhanced resident satisfaction.
* Relevant calculations can be found in a full case study document.
How smart water management future-proofs Greystar’s portfolio
Greystar’s adoption of smart water management technology is more than an immediate cost-saving measure—it’s a long-term investment in resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.
By prioritising smart water management, Greystar cements its position as a forward-thinking real estate leader. Watergate is now a key component of its smart building strategy, equipping it to navigate challenges like water scarcity and rising operational costs.
With successful implementations across its first three buildings, Greystar is now well positioned to unlock multi-million-pound savings across its wider portfolio.
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Enhanced property value
Lower operational costs boost profitability, directly increasing asset valuation. With Watergate’s technology, annual savings multiply an asset’s ROI at the time of sale.
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Asset protection
Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance reduce the risk of costly leaks and operational disruptions, safeguarding both buildings and bottom lines.
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Optimised facility management
As the industry shifts toward centralised facility management, Watergate enables Greystar to cut costs by reducing reliance on on-site teams while maintaining high operational efficiency.
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Strengthened sustainability credentials
Proven reductions in water use and CO₂e emissions enhance Greystar’s sustainability performance, supporting higher BREEAM ratings and reinforcing its environmental leadership. Research shows that BREEAM-certified buildings can achieve over 20% higher sale prices and rents than non-certified properties.*
*
A study published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reported that BREEAM-certified buildings in London achieved a 21% premium on transaction prices and an 18% premium on rents compared to non-certified buildings. Source: RICS research
We’ve been incredibly impressed with Watergate Sonic’s performance and reliability, and it has already identified and prevented several leaks. It is revolutionising the way I manage and protect our assets and has given me peace of mind. The precision of the leak detection is exceptional, capable of identifying even the smallest leaks that would typically go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.
Its automatic shut-off valve sets it apart from other similar products on the market—the moment a leak is detected, the valve immediately shuts off the water supply, minimising the risk of damage. It also supports our wider ESG commitment to reducing on-site water usage and increasing water efficiency across our operations.
– Mandisa Khabo
Technical Director, International Development and Operations
at Greystar
Take the next step!
If Greystar’s experience inspires you, imagine what Watergate could achieve for your properties. Download full case study and get in touch with us today!