The WELL Building Standard in the Jo Cox more in Common Centre

Drinking water

The Jo Cox More in Common Centre has a drinking water dispenser installed in the social space and shared kitchen area which is accessible to all users. 

To manage the quality of drinking water in the building the University ensures that all drinking water outlets are regularly tested in line with the WELL certification, our on-going maintenance requirements, and to prevent legionella.  

The quality of the water supplied to the University and Huddersfield town centre is tested annually by Yorkshire Water, it can be viewed in the Yorkshire Water Quality Report 2023. 

 

Legionella Testing

Legionella is a water born disease caused by a bacterium which can be found in purpose-built water systems. It is a potentially fatal type of pneumonia, in which everyone is prone to infection. The University takes the management of Legionella very seriously has put steps in place to minimise the likelihood of it occuring.

Legionella is more likely to occur in systems with less regular use, as the Jo Cox More in Common Centre has a proportionally higher water use this means the University does not have to undertake additional 'flushing' of water systems including taps and water dispensers. However if there was a time that the building would be closed or less regularly occupied then a flushing regime is instrumented and carried out by the cleaning services team on a weekly basis.

To control the risk of legionella in the building, monthly temperature tests and regular water samples are carried out on the taps and shower heads (in the Wudu areas) and the results recorded on a internal database.

The tests include:

• Testing the cold water outlets temperature
• Testing the hot water outlets temperature
• Testing the thermostatic mixing valve (hot, cold, blended temperature)
• Testing the hot water generating equipment and pipework to ensure temperatures reach a sufficient point to kill off the bactierum

In the unlikely event of Legionella being detected, the affected area, or even the whole pipework in the building will be subject to measures to remove bactieria before the space is returned to use. 

Water Conservation  

The Jo Cox More in Common Centre has been designed to minimise its impact on the water cycle by minimising its use of potable water from the water mains. 

In general, water distribution is managed without any manual involvement. The various outlets and appliances are designed for efficient, controlled use:  

• Toilet bowls are fitted with full and half flush mechanisms; this allows you to reduce the amount of water being flushed, as appropriate.  
• Wash hand basins are fitted with flow regulators. 
• Disabled toilets are fitted with lever action taps for ease of use. 
• Hot water outlets serving washing/ hand washing facilities are fitted with thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) to reduce the water temperature and prevent scalding. 
• Solenoid valve fitted to shower water supply, if left on, the water will shut off when the lights automatically turn off. 

Please help to reduce water use by: 

• Reporting any leaks, damage, or problems with sanitary ware and water outlets to the Estates Helpdesk as soon as possible. 
• Encourage a controlled usage of water - do not run taps for too long. 
• Toilets have dual flush systems; this helps control water waste.  Ensure systems are used correctly to avoid blockages. 

Air quality 

The building is monitored in four key locations to measure the air quality using Airthings^TM devices. These devices monitor CO2, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), particulate matter, humidity, temperature, and air pressure.  

These sensors are in the Congregation Hall, the Female Prayer Room, the Christian and Multi-Faith Room, and the main reception.