What the Project Is
Joulia’s shower drain with heat recovery represents a clever solution to an everyday problem – the loss of valuable energy in shower water. This innovation, originally developed at the innovation house Creaholic and later commercialized by Joulia SA (founded in 2010), recovers the heat from used warm water before it flows down the drain. The result? A pleasurable, energy-efficient shower that not only enhances comfort but also soothes the guilty conscience of wasting warmth. This sustainable module is integrated invisibly into a slim shower channel, working silently without any moving parts… and without the need for electricity or complex controls.
Main Benefits
- Efficiency: Up to over 60% heat recovery efficiency.
- Amortization: Short payback period due to lower energy costs and reduced heating system requirements.
- Simplicity: Quick installation with a user-friendly design that makes cleaning thorough and hassle-free.
- Compactness: Maintains the same height as shower channels without heat recovery.
- Durability: Reliable performance without moving parts.
- Elegance: A slim design with an integrated heat exchanger that remains discreet.
- Safety: Ensures a double separation between fresh and wastewater.
- Drainage Performance: High drainage capacity of 0.8 l/s – ideal for modern rain showers.
- Energy Independence: No need for electricity, thereby reducing installation complexity.
Innovation in Energy Recovery
Due to increasingly stringent regulations regarding building envelopes and thicker insulation, space heating energy consumption has dropped considerably over the past decades. Yet, the energy demand for hot water, especially for showering, remains constant – or may even be on the rise in response to increased hygiene requirements and larger, modern shower heads. It really makes no sense to produce valuable energy for hot water, only to dispose of it after a mere two seconds of use. Joulia’s ingenious approach plugs this significant gap in energy conservation… turning a standard shower into an energy-recovering marvel.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Joulia’s innovative solution has attracted reputable industry partners, and impressive collaborations have been established with well-known sanitary manufacturers like KALDEWEI, DURAVIT, and ACO. These collaborations mean that the heat exchanger module will very soon be available integrated into various products ranging from shower trays and custom-made row shower drain channels to installations in hotels, spas, and gyms. The integration reflects a clear vision where comfort, practicality, and sustainability converge in modern wet areas – ensuring that energy is harnessed effectively without compromising sleek design.
Awards and Accolades
The concept behind Joulia’s shower drain with heat recovery has not only captured the interest of industry experts but also garnered numerous prestigious awards over the years. Recognitions include the Tech for Good Award – Coup de Coeur 2023, the 1st place at the Swissbau Startup Challenge 2021/2022, and notable mentions such as the Sylvester Cat Award for sustainable innovations. Numerous accolades, including the Watt d’Or awarded by the Federal Office of Energy Switzerland, and the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Labels for both Joulia-Twinline and Joulia-Inline, further underscore the effectiveness and high-quality implementation of this solution. These awards showcase the product’s practical appeal as well as its significant contribution to modern energy efficiency.
Project Impact and SDGs
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Enhances energy efficiency in everyday applications.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Demonstrates innovative technology integration in building utilities.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Contributes to greener, more energy-conscious urban living.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promotes efficient resource management and sustainable products.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Helps reduce unnecessary energy consumption, thereby lowering carbon footprints.
Future of Sustainable Showering
Looking forward, the concept of recovering heat from used shower water paves the way for a new era in sustainable showering. As conventional energy needs for hot water continue to rival overall space heating in many households, the role of innovations like Joulia becomes increasingly critical. The integration of such energy-efficient modules in bathrooms not only provides enhanced comfort but also plays a significant role in reducing wasted energy… making a clear statement that sustainability and luxury can indeed coexist. With ongoing improvements and partnerships with industry leaders, the future of sustainable showering appears robust, thereby setting new benchmarks for energy conservation in everyday life.
