Fergus Tough’s journey at Billi is marked by engineering excellence and environmental stewardship. He is driven by a deep passion and unwavering purpose to bring about meaningful change. In this discussion, Fergus explores Billi’s proactive sustainability approach and discusses how data-driven insights, early adoption of green technologies, and a company-wide commitment to change are shaping a brighter future.

How long have you worked at Billi, and what drew you to the company?

I’ve been with Billi for six years now. When I first joined as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, I was attracted by the opportunity to make a positive impact. Billi’s commitment to innovation and its forward-thinking culture was a perfect fit for me. On a personal level, I have always tried to do what I can to minimise my impact on the environment. Billi is the first company I have worked at that has incorporated sustainability as part of the company ethos.

And what does your current role at Billi entail?

As Director of Manufacturing Operations, I oversee a wide range of departments, including Production, Quality, and Supply Chain. About 18 months ago, I also took on the role of Billi’s ESG program manager, responsible for initiating our ESG reporting.

Setting up a robust ESG program from scratch must have been a challenge. How did you approach it, especially considering Billi’s acquisition by Strix in late 2022?

The support from our parent company, Strix, was crucial. While Billi had a history of environmental initiatives, Strix provided the structure and expertise to enhance our efforts. I closely collaborated with Matt Thomas, the Engineering and Divisional Operations Director at Strix, and his guidance was essential in helping me navigate the complexities of ESG reporting.

Sustainability has always been a personal passion, and this role allowed me to formalize my knowledge. It was interesting to see how my work and personal life aligned – learning about solar panels and green energy at work while implementing them at home! This hands-on experience, along with Matt’s insights, helped me understand the complexities and translate them into actionable steps for Billi. The open communication and collaborative spirit fostered by Strix and Matt have been crucial to our progress, including our shift towards data-led decision-making.

And how did this shift inform Billi’s sustainability agenda?

In 2023, Billi established the framework for its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and embraced a data-driven sustainability approach. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Billi’s approach concentrates on seven key goals within “the 3Ps”: People, Product, and Place. Collaborations with esteemed organizations such as the International Well Building Institute and GreenTag, coupled with a strong emphasis on WELL certifications, recycling capabilities, and product waste energy capture, serve as a direct manifestation of our commitment to the SDGs.

At the heart of these partnerships, initiatives, and sustainability endeavors lies a data-driven decision-making process. For example, Billi’s collaboration with Custom Fleet facilitates the gathering of crucial data on fuel consumption and vehicle usage, illustrating how this data-centric approach empowers us to establish ambitious targets, monitor progress, and identify areas for enhancement.

Data clearly plays a crucial role in Billi’s sustainability strategy.

Of course! It’s crucial to have a data management system in place to avoid bias. We’ve realised the importance of data for making informed decisions and measuring progress. We’ve been consistently collecting data on different aspects of the business, like waste management and energy consumption. This enables us to set ambitious targets and track our sustainability performance more effectively.

What are Billi’s main areas of focus in 2024?

This year, we’ve achieved a significant milestone at our Thomastown manufacturing facility by transitioning to 100% renewable electricity. We accomplished this by utilizing a combination of solar energy and GreenPower-accredited Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Additionally, we’re offsetting the carbon emissions from our company vehicles through the use of carbon credits, ensuring that our Scopes 1 and 2 emissions are also 100% renewable. This puts us ahead of the recommendations outlined in the Paris agreement.

Looking ahead, our primary focus is on reducing Scope 3 emissions and working towards carbon neutrality. We are actively integrating sustainability into all aspects of our operations, including product development, supply chain logistics, manufacturing, partnering with local suppliers, and transitioning to recycled and biodegradable packaging solutions. It’s important to note that 94% of our Scope 3 emissions are ‘in-use’ emissions, influenced by the decarbonisation rate of electrical grids. This emphasizes the significance of our ambitious internal targets and our commitment to achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 45001 OH&S Management accreditations by 2024, followed by ISO 50001 Energy Management in 2025. These accreditations will drive our sustainability efforts and minimize our environmental impact as we address the complexities of Scope 3 emissions.

Our products consume water and electricity, and we are actively seeking opportunities to create value while reducing our carbon footprint. Our focus is on efficiently capturing relevant data and leveraging expertise to achieve this goal. Our technical specialists are continuously innovating to reduce our impact, such as through the early adoption of ‘green’ refrigerant gases and converting waste heat into a source of heating energy to decrease electricity consumption.

What prompted Billi to adopt these green refrigerants?

Globally, there’s a shift away from using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerant gases due to their high Global Warming Potentials (GWPs). For example, R134a, which is a common hydrofluorocarbon, has a GWP of 1,430, meaning its greenhouse effect is 1,430 times more than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. In contrast, hydrocarbons (HCs) like R290 have GWP below 5.

While there is no current legislation or requirement for us to stop using HFCs in our domestic markets, we chose to adopt HCs early on because it’s best practice and to be able provide service to some of our export markets, such as the UK and EU, where such requirements are already in force. Being proactive aligns with our environmental responsibility, and we’ve invested significantly in infrastructure and training to ensure a safe and seamless transition.

It’s clear that commitment to early adoption underpins all facets of Billi’s business.

To me, sustainability means considering the impact of our actions early on, whether it be in product design, logistics and supply, ethical sourcing or even investment. And so, it’s essential for Billi to keep sustainability front of mind during key decision-making processes. It can no longer be an afterthought, and people in senior leadership positions – like myself – have an obligation to ensure we only accept the highest level of sustainable practices.

Early adoption of HC refrigerants is one example. The refrigerant cooling cycle is a complex process with many factors to take into account early on, including the design of the product and the amount of gas used. But when the gas, design, and pressures are balanced correctly, we can achieve superior cooling performance and reduce energy consumption – and that’s what our engineers are always working on optimising.

And how does this attitude affect new product development?

We consider sustainability factors in our new product development research. We ensure that all our units undergo field testing to proactively investigate real-world conditions for any unexpected behaviors across all our product lines. This process of pre-emptive problem-solving allows us to address any potential unforeseen issues before the product reaches the customer.

Of all Billi’s sustainability initiatives, which one are you particularly excited about?

With an engineering background and keen eye for data, I’m most excited about being able to further optimise our products’ energy consumption. Billi’s under-the-bench products rely on electricity and while we already have sophisticated energy-efficient systems in place, we continue to explore new ways to optimise and improve our products.

How does fostering a culture of awareness within the company fits into Billi’s sustainability agenda?

Having that strong culture is absolutely crucial, and it all starts with strong leadership and consistent messaging, followed by the integration of sustainability into employee objectives and business goals. We also want to encourage everyone at Billi to make small but meaningful changes in their daily routines. It’s about creating habits – turning off equipment when not in use, making conscious waste disposal choices. These actions may seem insignificant but when everyone gets on board, they contribute significantly to our overall sustainability goals.

Finally, what significant sustainability shifts do you foresee in the industry in the coming years?

The momentum around sustainability is undeniable. Companies worldwide are realising they must embrace sustainability to thrive. While the industry has made great strides in the environmental space, including the use of renewable materials, there is still a long way to go.

We can expect a surge in the rise of electric vehicles and the market for them to continue growing. Improved battery technology will bring about cheaper and more reliable long-range options, leading to a significant reduction in emissions related to business travel. At Billi, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this movement, setting a high bar for environmental responsibility and inspiring others to follow suit.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

Fergus Tough’s leadership at Billi has been essential in driving the company’s sustainability approach and initiatives.

Thank you Fergus! 

Trends in the Design and Manufacturing of Drinking Water Systems

A growing body of research on environmental health has demonstrated that chemicals known or suspected to be harmful to human health are frequently found in commercially available products, including building materials. These chemicals can leak out of such products, making their way into the air or drinking water and eventually into our bodies.

In response, whether they have been forced to do so due to legislation or in an effort to be more proactive in response to emerging health trends, manufacturers are exploring changes in the materials they use to create their products. Product transparency is becoming more common as manufacturers seek to gain trust by disclosing product ingredients and health impacts.

There are a number of chemical avoidance lists that have been created that list chemicals that should be avoided in building products. In relation to drinking water systems, the health effects
of chromium, and bisphenol A (BPA) are now better understood, resulting in industry- and government-led initiatives to eliminate their use. Some substances, such as hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs), which have been used as refrigerants, are also being phased out due to their global warming potential.

This paper examines these material trends and how they impact the design of drinking water systems. Designers are becoming more informed, demanding healthier building products, and taking the initiative to educate themselves about product certifications, including WELL, Red List and Watermark. As a result of collaboration across the industry, including with manufacturers, there are more and more products on the market that do not contain harmful chemicals.

Revisiting the “forever chemicals

A recent study revealed widespread contamination of surface and groundwater with “forever chemicals” (PFAS) globally, including Australia. These harmful chemicals are found in various products, such as firefighting foams, food packaging, carpets, and clothing. PFAS are persistent pollutants that do not break down in the environment and have been linked to serious health risks.

To address this growing concern, the Australian government is taking steps to restrict PFAS use and implement stricter regulations, with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) being among the most widely studied. This whitepaper highlights the importance of understanding the dangers of PFAS and the need for proactive measures to protect our water sources and safeguard public health.

How Billi is shaping material health outcomes

For almost three decades, Billi has led the global market with innovative tapware and instant boiling and chilled water filtration systems. Proudly Australian-made and designed, Billi products are
celebrated for their combination of functionality, performance and contemporary aesthetics.

Driven by a strong research and development team and a commitment to improving user health and quality of life, Billi supplies a range of instant boiling and chilled water dispensers that meet strict material health requirements that are continuously developing at a national and international level.

Whether it is chromium finishing, lead-free and BPA-free product design, or the use of sustainable refrigerants, Billi is always supporting current trends for sustainability and wellness, addressing the hydration needs of their users in a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

In today’s market, transparency in sustainability is a necessity for businesses across industries. Billi addresses this with independently verified and registered Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) under EN 15804.

In addition, Billi products have achieved Global Greentag certification and LCARate Gold Program recognition, providing assurance of the sustainability and fitness of their products throughout their lifecycle. Billi’s repair vs. replace ethos plus the introduction of R290 Green Gas allow Billi to be assessed under the newest version of the standard.

All Billi products are fully compliant with Watermark as well as the relevant Australian Standards and deliver extended ease of use, efficiency and a sleek contemporary aesthetic regardless of their
installation context.

Download the Architecture & Design whitepaper for the full article.

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If you’ve ever struggled to button the pants you got on easily just a couple of days ago, you’re not alone. Bloating is a frequent annoyance for many that water seems to catch the blame for, characterised by a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen, it’s often uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

Thankfully, understanding the causes and remedies for bloating can help you manage this discomfort effectively, which is why the experts in water and hydration at Billi are here to help answer all your questions about drinking water and bloating.

Can Drinking Water Cause Bloating?

Many people believe that drinking water makes you bloated, but this is actually a misconception according to HealthDirect. In fact, proper hydration can help prevent bloating as staying well-hydrated aids digestion and helps prevent constipation, (one of the causes of bloating). Drinking water also helps maintain the balance of bodily fluids, reducing the likelihood of water retention and bloating.

So what is making you bloated? This happens when the organs in your digestive system are stretched due to the buildup of gas, liquids, or solids in the gut, meaning that drinking water, in itself, does not cause bloating unless done to excess or in conjunction with something else causing stretching.

Why Does Drinking Water Make Me Feel Bloated?

While water does help in preventing and managing this discomfort, drinking too much at once can temporarily stretch your stomach, leading to a feeling of bloating. Similarly, drinking water while eating can sometimes lead to swallowing air, which might contribute to bloating. However, these instances are usually temporary and can be managed with mindful drinking habits.

How Much Water Should an Adult Drink Per Day to Avoid Bloating?

HealthDirect’s guidelines recommend that adult men drink about 2.6 litres (10 cups) of water per day while adult women should apparently drink roughly 2.1 litres, with an extra cup during pregnancy or breastfeeding to support both mother and child.

It’s important to note that the exact amount can vary from person to person based on factors like size, age, activity level, and climate. Staying properly hydrated is essential for overall health and well-being, so it’s best to consult a healthcare professional if you’re feeling bloated despite drinking a normal amount of water to ensure you’re adequately hydrated.

Water Retention Causes and Remedies

Water retention can be caused by a variety of factors. Consuming too much salt can lead to water retention, as can a sedentary lifestyle where fluid tends to pool in the lower limbs. Certain medications or hormonal changes, such as those during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also cause water retention so bloating may be a normal occurrence for you and it’s important that you don’t reduce your water consumption without consulting a healthcare professional.

Depending on the cause of your bloating, you might also struggle with symptoms like cramps, burping, diarrhoea, constipation, swelling, and gas (flatulence). Understanding these related symptoms can help you and your doctor identify the root cause of your bloating and address it more effectively.

Thankfully, there are often steps you can take to reduce water retention:

• Minimise your salt intake by cutting down on salty foods.
• Stay active with regular physical activity to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup.
• Drink enough water to flush out excess sodium and prevent water retention.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.
• Reduce unhealthy levels of carbohydrates in your diet, as these may cause the body to retain water.
• Avoid tight clothing which can restrict circulation and contribute to fluid retention.
• Elevate your legs periodically to help fluid return to the upper body and reduce swelling in the lower limbs.

Reduce Bloating and Stay Hydrated with Billi

Since drinking more water is the best way to reduce most kinds of bloating, having access to good-quality water is the best thing you can do to stay hydrated and prevent bloating before it starts. Our instant filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water systems make it easy to maintain optimal hydration levels without overconsumption.

As well as filtered water systems that support healthy hydration more broadly, Billi’s instant boiling dispensers give you immediate access to boiled water right from the tap, which many claim can help with the discomfort and other symptoms of bloating. Explore our range of water systems and find the perfect solution for your hydration needs.

Water is often called the essence of life, and for good reason. Along with sleep and diet, we’re constantly told that staying hydrated is one of the most important things for maintaining bodily functions, boosting mental performance, and overall vitality. But why exactly is drinking water so important, and how can you make sure you’re getting enough each day? Let’s dive into the details.

Importance of Drinking Water

Water plays an integral role in almost every bodily function. According to HealthDirect, water:

• Regulates body temperature, keeping you cool when it’s hot and retaining heat when it’s cold.
• Helps to deliver essential nutrients to your cells and remove waste products.
• Aids digestion by assisting in the breakdown and absorption of food.
• Supports metabolism and helps maintain energy levels.
• Prevents dehydration, which can significantly impair physical performance and cognitive function.

Benefits of Staying Hydrated

We all know we should stay hydrated, but what does that actually do for your body?

• Boosts your focus and energy levels: Proper hydration can enhance your concentration, alertness, and short-term memory?
• Keeps your muscles strong: Staying hydrated helps keep your muscles energised and reduces fatigue?
• Maintains healthy skin: Hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles?
• Flushes out toxins: Drinking water aids in detoxification, reducing the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections?
• Helps with weight management: Drinking water before meals can help control appetite and reduce calorie intake?

Common Questions About Hydration

How much water should I drink daily?

While the exact amount can vary based on factors like size, age, activity level, and climate, the Australian guidelines recommend:

• Men: About 2.6 litres (10 cups).
• Women: About 2.1 litres (8 cups), with an extra cup during pregnancy or breastfeeding to support both mother and child.
• Children and teenagers: Varying amounts based on age, typically ranging from 4 cups for younger children to 8 cups for teenagers.

What are the signs of dehydration?

If you’re not drinking enough water, you might notice:

• Dark urine: A deeper colour can indicate that you need more water.
• Feeling thirsty: This is a late sign of dehydration, so it’s better to drink water regularly rather than wait until you’re thirsty.
• Dry mouth and skin: These can be early indicators that your body needs more fluids.
• Headaches, Fatigue and dizziness: While there are other causes for these symptoms, dehydration is a common one, and drinking water can sometimes help alleviate them.

Effective Hydration Tips

1. Remind Yourself to Stay Hydrated- When you’re busy, it can be easy to forget to drink water. Having a water bottle on your desk or within view serves as a constant reminder to hydrate. If you struggle to get your sips in, setting reminders on your phone or smartwatch can also help.
2. Set Hydration Goals- Create daily hydration goals and set times to meet them. This can make staying hydrated feel like a more manageable task.
3. Eat Water-Rich Foods- For those who aren’t always thirsty, eating water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber can be a great way to boost hydration. These foods can help you stay hydrated without feeling like you have to drink constantly.
4. Make Water Interesting- If you find plain water boring, try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or mint to enhance the taste. You can also make hot drinks easily with Billi’s instant boiling water dispensers or use Billi’s sparkling water systems to add some fizz to your hydration routine.

Billi’s Solutions for Staying Hydrated

Billi offers a range of water systems that provide easy access to superior instant filtered water. Our systems include:

• Billi Home FT: Enjoy instant filtered water from a slimline dispenser ideal for food prep.
• Billi Home C: Forget about waiting for the ice machine with instant chilled filtered water, ideal for a refreshing drink anytime.
• Billi Home CS: Whether you’re mixing cocktails or just want to spice up your water, instant sparkling water from your tap will never stop feeling like a luxury.
• Billi Home BA: For those who enjoy hot drinks more, this instant boiling and ambient filtered water system removes the need to wait for the kettle to boil so you can stay reliably hydrated.
• Billi Home BC: Why settle for boiling or chilled water when you can have both? Ready access to instant chilled and boiling water from the same dispenser gives you more options for hydrating without any extra mental load.
• Billi Home BCS: Our flagship home models offer boiling, chilled, and sparkling water, perfect for satisfying any picker drinker at the touch of a button.

Healthy Hydration with Billi

The best way to drink more is by removing your barriers to accessing clean, delicious water. Billi’s advanced water systems make it easier than ever to ensure you’re drinking enough water, whether you prefer it chilled, sparkling, or boiling. Discover the full range of Billi’s water systems and find the perfect solution for your home to kickstart your hydration habit.

Reducing plastic waste at home helps the planet and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Join the growing number of Australians embracing plastic-free living with these easy swaps and changes from the team at Billi.

We are passionate about sustainability and offer innovative water solutions to help you reduce your plastic dependency at home or work. Let’s dive into some practical ways to cut down on plastic and see how Billi can be part of your journey.

Key Plastic-Free Products

Transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing and can start with simple swaps. Here are some essential product categories to consider changing out on your next trip to the shops:

Reusable, Plastic-Free Storage

Ditch plastic water bottles and food containers for stylish, reusable stainless steel or glass alternatives that last longer and look better while keeping your food and drinks safer in transit and free from those nasty microplastics.

Natural Alternatives for Disposable Items

Some of the biggest offenders for adding to landfills are things that you only use a handful of times. Swap out single-use cling film for beeswax wraps and canvas or jute bags to replace plastic grocery bags. Don’t forget about your toiletries—biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes are an excellent replacement for plastic ones and there are plenty of other plastic-free products for the bathroom now so keep an eye out for alternatives with less or no plastic.

Benefits of Using Plastic-Free Products

Switching to plastic-free products reduces pollution and conserves marine life by decreasing plastic waste in our environment. Plus, it’s probably healthier. According to the Western Australia Department of Health, most of our consumption of micro-plastics is probably from what we drink and while we aren’t yet 100% sure what exposure to these microplastics is doing, chemicals that can leach out of the micro-plastics can interfere with human immune and hormonal systems.

Investing in reusable products also saves money over time compared to continually buying single-use items so by making these changes, you’re contributing to a healthier planet without hurting the wallet.

Practical Tips for Reducing Plastic at Home

Here are some practical steps to help reduce plastic use in different areas at home:

• Shopping: Buy in bulk, choose products with minimal packaging, and bring your own bags and containers.
• Kitchen: Store food in glass jars and use stainless steel or wooden kitchenware.
• Bathroom: Switch to plastic-free personal care products like bamboo toothbrushes and bar soaps.

Does Everything Need to be Plastic-Free?

Not all plastic is bad, and sometimes it’s unavoidable. The key is to use plastic responsibly and choose products that meet high sustainability standards. For example, Billi’s instant boiling, chilled, and sparkling water systems offer a smart and eco-friendly solution that can reduce the need for plastic kettles, separate plastic filters, carbonation machines, and more. These systems provide instant access to delicious, filtered water right from your tap, making it easy to stay hydrated and make your favourite beverages without the plastic waste.

Embrace Plastic-Free Living with Billi

Reducing plastic waste at home is a step we can all take towards a more sustainable future. By making simple swaps and using innovative solutions like Billi’s instant filtered water systems, you’re having a positive impact on the environment and your health. Shop Billi’s range of sustainable products online or learn more about our commitment to an environmentally responsible lifestyle.

As millennials and younger generations become a larger part of the workforce, their strong preference for sustainable business practices is changing what organisations must prioritise to attract and retain top-tier talent. Reducing waste in the workplace helps you meet these modern employee expectations and can even lead to substantial cost savings and increased operational efficiency.

This guide by the experts in sustainable water systems at Billi will help you understand how to minimise waste in the workplace, providing practical steps and insights into the benefits of a sustainable office environment.

Why Minimise Waste in the Workplace?

Cutting back on the amount of waste your company produces is a great way to decrease pollution and reduce your business’s environmental footprint. Promoting sustainability initiatives will attract and boost satisfaction for eco-conscious talent. Less waste also means lower disposal costs and more efficient resource use for your business, having a direct positive impact on the bottom line.

The benefits are obvious, but actually making plans to improve your organisation’s sustainability can be difficult, here are some of our favourite ways to start reducing waste that even the most penny-pinching stakeholders will sign off on.

Initiatives for a Plastic-Free Workplace

Plastic Free July is a fun way to get your team involved in the journey towards reducing plastic waste. Some easy but impactful Plastic Free July ideas include incentivising and facilitating changes for eating and drinking in the office by encouraging employees to use reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags.

Tip: Consider providing these reusable options for staff with your branding as an easy corporate gift that helps the planet.

Another idea is looking at the excellent small businesses offering recycled or plastic-free products in Australia like office supplies made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. Installing water filtration systems like Billi’s boiling, chilled, and sparkling water units provides a convenient alternative to bottled water, further helping your team to cut down on plastic waste.

Practical Steps to Reduce Waste:

1. Conduct a Waste Audit

Identify sources of waste within your organisation, measure the different types and how much waste is being produced, and develop a plan to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.

2. Implement Recycling Programs

Set up clearly marked bins, educate employees on proper recycling practices, and partner with local services for efficient waste management.

3. Reduce Single-Use Plastics and Papers

To reduce paper usage, transition towards digital documentation, encourage double-sided printing for essential documents and ensure all paper waste is recycled.

Banning single-use plastic items such as bottles, cutlery, and straws from the office can also have a big impact. Introduce reusable alternatives like stainless steel cutlery, ceramic mugs, and readily available, high-quality water to encourage staff to ditch the store-bought bottled stuff.

Learn More About Billi’s Sustainable Solutions

Billi offers superior filtered water systems that provide chilled, sparkling, and boiling water, significantly reducing the need to leave the office for a hot or fizzy drink or rely on single-use plastic bottles. Our systems are space-saving, energy-efficient, and designed to deliver fresh, great-tasting water with minimal environmental impact.

Start making these changes today to help your workplace reduce waste and promote a more sustainable future. To start benefitting the environment and enhancing your company’s culture and reputation with a Billi unit, visit our full commercial range or contact our team for more information on what a Billi System can do for your office space.

One of the simplest healthiest habits for a healthy house is to ensure you and your family drink enough water. Below is how our water filtration systems help to keep your family’s water intake up so you can enjoy a hydrated and healthy home along with other key tips on creating a healthy home.

Billi’s water filtration systems are celebrated for their combination of functionality, performance and contemporary aesthetics. For over 30 years we have been at the forefront of the instant filtered boiling and chilled water systems industry, incorporating cutting-edge eco-technology into our systems. Our products are proudly Australian designed & made to strict quality standards in our state-of-the-art facilities in Melbourne and all come with an assurance of quality, innovation and sustainability. If you want a healthy house for you and your family here are our top tips on creating a home/kitchen for better health habits.

Our Tips For Creating A Healthy Home

The key to a healthy home is a healthy kitchen. Our water filtration systems are the perfect addition to any kitchen to create a healthy home. With instant chilled, still and sparkling water easily accessible on tap you’ll all be enticed to drink more water and because we use high-quality cartridges filtering out all the nasties the water you’re drinking is the best you can get.

Ergonomically designed dispensers make our taps easy to use, ideal for families and is an under bench system tucked away neatly in your cupboard you don’t need to worry about your benchtop being cluttered.

Other tips we recommend for a healthy home include:

• Declutter! Too many things in your home can make you feel weighed down and also makes it harder to keep things organised & tidy. Many people who opt for a minimalist style home say that cleaning is much easier – and a clean home is a healthy home. A more tidy & organised home is great for managing stress too as your home feels more like a sanctuary and helps you to relax.
• Allocate a health & well-being space. Whether it’s for exercise equipment, an area to meditate, an in-home sauna… or all of the above! Making these conveniently accessible in your own home is sure to increase healthy habits and better wellbeing
• Hug your loved ones. Research has shown that hugging can have many positive benefits. Hugs make you feel more connected, they have also been shown to boost your heart health, reduce stress and ultimately make you happier.

Add A Water Filtration System For A Healthy Home

Visit your local Billi stockist or get in touch with us to find out how you can get a healthier kitchen with one of our water filtration systems. Alternatively, you can order Billi water filtration systems online now.

Or see what a Billi would look like in your kitchen by using the 3D-Build. Choose a water combination, dispenser, finish colour and accessories, and then shop for your selection online!

Why is it Important to Filter Water and How is it Done?

Filtering tap water using Billi’s range enables you to deploy BWT’s unique Fibron X® technology. Fibron X® technology has a graded density profile ensuring maximum performance and capacity. It can enable minerals to flow through the appliance while reducing:

• Particles
• Chemicals like chlorine and other organic chemicals
• Parasitic cysts giardia and cryptosporidium

Billi filters carry the Australian Standards WaterMark for product safety and consumer confidence. They’re tested in accordance to the strictest health and safety standards.

Learn more about our products so that you can find a Billi that suits you.

With our changing climate, rising pollution levels and Australia’s rapidly growing population, the demand for clean drinking water has never been higher. And, despite the best efforts of the government to provide Australians with safe drinking water, our water quality at the point of consumption may not always be beneficial to our short or long-term health goals. With access to clean, fresh water being fundamental to living a healthy life, this is why many people are choosing to have home water treatment systems installed in their homes.

With there being many different types of home water treatment systems on the market it can be hard to know which one is right for you and your home. Below we’ve put together info on the differences between whole house water treatment systems and under bench systems to help you make an informed choice when deciding on a home water treatment system.

For over 30 years Billi has been at the forefront of the instant filtered boiling and chilled water systems industry. Our products are celebrated for their combination of functionality, performance and contemporary aesthetics and are proudly Australian-made and designed. Our water filtration systems incorporate cutting-edge eco-technology so they’re kind to the planet, modern designs and industry-leading features such as water-cooled technology, space saving under bench footprints, and speciality dispensers.

Here are the differences between whole house water treatment systems & under bench systems and what to consider when it comes to home water treatment systems.

Whole House Water Treatment Systems And Under Bench Systems

There are a few different things to consider when choosing a Home water treatment system. Here is a breakdown of some of the key factors when it comes to whole house water treatment systems and under bench systems.

Level Of Water Filtration

Tap water can contain many impurities, both natural and artificial. Home water treatment systems are designed to remove these impurities from your water, however, what is removed will be determined by how effective the filter is and the type of home water treatment system you choose may determine what filtration level is available for your home.

Whilst whole house water treatment systems filter all the water used in plumbing and appliances, from showers to dishwashers and washing machines they generally only have a 30 to 50-micron filter as they need to be able to still allow normal flow of water through the filter. Under bench systems are specialised filtration systems with the specific purpose of filtering drinking water only. Under bench systems don’t protect your entire home’s plumbing and appliances, however, you can have up to a 0.2-micron filter which provides the highest level of filtration for drinking water.

With our units, you can choose the filtration level that best suits your needs. Our 0.2 Micron filter removes the following from your water:

• Particles
• Chlorine and organic chemicals
• Limescale
• Parasitic cysts including cryptosporidium & giardia

Our 5-micron filter provides a more standard option to improve drinking water and removes the following:

• Particles
• Chlorine and organic chemicals
• Limescale

Installation

Whole house water treatment systems sit in line between the mains water supply and the home or property which enables them to deliver filtered water to the entire property. Because they are installed upstream of the water heater, they filter both hot and cold water. With the installation of whole house water treatment systems sometimes your plumbing system may need to be reconfigured to accommodate the complex parts of the system.

Under bench systems are installed in your kitchen cabinet. With our under bench systems, we have an extensive range of models that do not require cupboard ventilation cutouts or grilles so they are quick, easy and cost-effective to install. They also have one of the smallest footprints on the market so don’t take up a lot of space.

Ongoing Maintenance, Costs And Support

Most home water treatment systems will require ongoing filter replacement to maintain the quality of the filtered water and to ensure the system operates effectively over time. Whole house water treatment systems have the biggest cartridges because they need to treat a larger volume of water daily without reducing the flow rate. They may also require a professional to replace them and you’ll need to ensure filters are easily available if/when they do need to be replaced.

Under bench systems have a smaller filter so upfront or ongoing costs may be more affordable, however, they may need to be replaced more frequently (we recommend replacing our filters every 12 months). Under bench filters can usually be installed by yourself – with our systems, we have videos that show you how to replace filters and also have the option to have a technician change filters for you if preferred. Genuine replacement Billi filters are readily available on our website and from your local approved supplier.

We also offer extensive customer support and service plans to suit customers’ requirements.

To make maintenance even more manageable, all our filters also contain a digital protection device to ensure single use, hygiene and an ability to monitor water volume throughout.

Our systems also feature the most advanced water filtration technology such as our unique Heat Exchange Technology which enables our systems to achieve substantial energy savings. Our units also feature a standby mode which conserves energy by powering down after 2 hours of non-use.

Lifestyle Considerations

With our under bench systems we offer a range of water combinations that can include instant boiling, chilled, still and sparkling water on tap which is something whole house water treatment systems don’t offer. Our customers love the convenience of having instant boiling water for hot drinks, cooking and sterilisation. If you like to entertain, a system with instant chilled, still or sparkling water is a great choice. Our systems are also great for freeing up space in your kitchen – no need for a kettle, sparkling water machine or bottles of water taking up space in the fridge anymore!

Speak with Water Filtration Experts Today

Call 1800 812 321 to speak with a member of our customer service team if you’d like to find out more about the different types of home water treatment systems. You can also visit your local Billi stockist to speak with your local water filtration experts and view our systems. Use our Store Finder to find your nearest stockist.