Research Findings Worth Keeping

How a world-class manufacturing research centre discovered that better hydration changes behaviour and kept the data to prove it.

Project Overview

The AMRC North West is an advanced manufacturing research centre within the University of Sheffield’s AMRC network, home to around 60 engineers, researchers and technical staff. Before H2Origin, the facility had no mains-fed water station. Staff brought drinks from home, relied on a tap, or went without. There was no infrastructure to support a refillable bottle culture.

The Solution

AMRC North West partnered with H2Origin through Innovate UK funding to research the true environmental cost of mains-fed refill versus single-use bottled water. The findings were clear: each 500ml dispense generates just 10–20g of CO2e, compared to 100g CO2e for a single-use bottle.

Over eight months, all 60 staff began bringing a refillable bottle to work, which for many was a first. When the research unit was removed, staff went straight to the Facilities team and asked for it back.

H2Origin installed a permanent, fully managed station in January 2025, delivering chilled, filtered still and sparkling water on demand, with real-time usage and impact data feeding directly into AMRC’s reporting systems.

The Result

Used 60–70 times daily, the station has dispensed 6,400 litres of water, avoided an estimated 12,800 single-use bottles and 744 kg of CO2e, all quantifiable in real time, supporting AMRC’s internal targets and wider ESG commitments.

“As a fast-moving research centre, we needed a hydration solution that could meet not only the demands of a team of engineers, but also visitors to our site. The H2Origin Refills unit hasn’t missed a beat, providing sparkling, room temperature and chilled, clean, premium water whenever it is needed. The added benefit of seeing our consumption and emissions data in real-time is fantastic, allowing us to really understand our impact, which is critical as we work with manufacturers to understand theirs.”

James Valentine, Senior Technical Engagement Manager, AMRC North West

Book your free Hydration Review

Not sure where to start? A hydration review gives you a clear picture of your current water provision: What’s underperforming, what’s costing more than it should, and where a smarter solution could make a measurable difference. One conversation, no obligation, and a straightforward set of recommendations tailored to your estate.

“As a fast-moving research centre, we needed a hydration solution that could meet not only the demands of a team of engineers, but also visitors to our site. The H2Origin Refills unit hasn’t missed a beat, providing sparkling, room temperature and chilled, clean, premium water whenever it is needed.”

James Valentine, AMRC North West
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