The vitality of staying hydrated in the modern workplace

Water is the elixir of life, and it plays a pivotal role in our daily functioning. In a work environment, where mental and physical demands can be taxing, staying adequately hydrated is essential for several reasons:

1. Cognitive Performance
   Dehydration can impair cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and decision-making. Staying hydrated helps keep your mind sharp, enabling you to tackle tasks efficiently and make sound judgments.
2. Productivity
   A well-hydrated workforce is a more productive one. When employees are properly hydrated, they're more likely to stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
3. Energy Levels
   Fatigue is a common side effect of dehydration. By drinking enough water, you can combat mid-afternoon slumps and maintain consistent energy levels throughout your workday.
4. Physical Well-being
   Adequate hydration is crucial for physical health, as it helps regulate body temperature, supports joint function, and aids in digestion. It can also prevent common workplace issues like headaches and muscle cramps.

While plain water is the go-to choice for hydration, the rise of vitamin and flavoured water options adds a delightful twist to the traditional concept of staying hydrated.

1. Infused Waters
   These are naturally flavoured waters infused with fruits, herbs, and botanicals. These waters are a refreshing alternative to plain water and come in a variety of enticing flavours.
2. Vitamin-Enhanced Water
   The demand for vitamin-infused water has surged in recent years. These beverages are designed to provide an extra nutritional boost, often featuring vitamins, electrolytes, and antioxidants. They cater to those looking to replenish essential nutrients while quenching their thirst.
3. Zero-Calorie Options
   Health-conscious individuals can now enjoy flavoured water without the added sugar and calories.

Water is essential for life, and access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right. In many parts of the world, this necessity is readily available through the tap, while in others, bottled water has become a popular choice. However, when we compare the sustainable impact of normal tap water to bottled water, it becomes evident that one choice is clearly more environmentally friendly.

1. Carbon Footprint
   One of the most significant sustainability differences between tap water and bottled water lies in their respective carbon footprints. The production, transportation, and disposal of bottled water result in a substantial release of greenhouse gases. Plastic bottles, often made from petroleum-based materials, require vast amounts of energy to manufacture, contributing to carbon emissions. Tap water has a significantly lower carbon footprint. It requires minimal energy for treatment and distribution through established infrastructure.
2. Plastic Pollution
   The environmental impact of plastic pollution is a growing global concern. Plastic bottles from bottled water are a significant contributor to this problem. Many of these bottles end up in landfills, rivers, and oceans, where they take hundreds of years to decompose, harming ecosystems and marine life. Tap water doesn't involve single-use plastic bottles.
3. Energy Consumption
   The bottled water industry consumes vast amounts of energy in production, transportation, and refrigeration. The extraction and bottling of water from remote sources can lead to extensive energy consumption, contributing to the depletion of natural resources. Tap water, distributed through local water treatment plants, requires considerably less energy for purification and distribution.
4. Water Conservation
   Bottled water companies often source their water from natural springs or underground aquifers. This extraction can lead to the depletion of these vital water sources, negatively impacting ecosystems and local communities. Tap water typically comes from sustainable sources like reservoirs and rivers, managed to ensure long-term availability.
5. Cost Considerations
   In addition to its environmental benefits, tap water is cost-effective. It costs significantly less than bottled water, which often includes expenses for the production, packaging, and transportation of single-use bottles. Choosing tap water can lead to substantial savings.

In conclusion, staying hydrated in the working environment is not just a recommendation but a necessity for optimal performance and well-being. When considering the sustainable impact of normal tap water versus bottled water, the choice becomes clear. Tap water is not only more environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.

Selecta sees it as its responsibility to support this change. For this reason, Selecta has entered into a partnership with Aquablu offering the Aquablu REFIL+. The Aquablu REFILL++ is a water dispenser that provides your business with healthy drinks, without unnecessary packaging. Purified tap water, enriched with flavours, vitamins, and electrolytes. Just like bottled drinks, but better!

Your preferred choice
From just one outlet you can create and serve 39 different drinks. All drinks are zero sugar and because the Aquablu REFILL+ is modular, you always have the option of enriching the functional water with vitamins and electrolytes.

A carefree experience
Through intelligent tracking algorithms, the Aquablu REFILL+ notifies you of upcoming replacements and with the 4G connection, we can monitor all products so we can remind you of maintenance. You don't have to worry about these things at all!

Aquablu uses the existing water source and removes up to 99% of all impurities that can be found in typical tap water. Impurities such as chlorine, pesticides and hormones are removed from the water. And the special Nano filtration ensures that all harmful substances such as microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, heavy metals, bacteria and viruses are purified. The antibacterial nozzle protects the system from penetrating bacteriological contaminants and returns to the dispenser during cleaning.

Every year, CBRE challenges its supplier partners to come up with innovative ideas, new ways of working and world-class client solutions. For the 2023 Belgium Supplier Innovation Challenge, Selecta was selected as one of the five finalists with the Aquablu solution. On 12 September, we presented our solution and approach to the CBRE jury and the public. And… we won! For the jury, we were the clear winner of the Innovation Award 2023. And with more than 70% of the votes, we also won the audience award. A double victory that makes us incredibly proud!

The evaluation criteria

• Does your innovation have a clear value proposition with tangible results that customers will appreciate?
• What are the tangible and intangible differentiators?
• What problem(s) or opportunity(s) will you solve?
• Can CBRE easily integrate the innovation into our client solutions?
• Is there a cost or investment required, and if so, what is the ROI?
• What are the quantitative and qualitative outcomes for our clients or CBRE employees?
• Is the solution available in multiple countries?
• Have you provided references and case studies?