Executive Summary
Fortress’s Weskus retail centre in the Western Cape needed a long-term solution to reduce water consumption and stabilise operational costs. Traditional 9-litre toilets were driving unnecessary water usage in a region already under pressure from recurring droughts. In 2025, the centre installed 21 Propelair units using just 1.35 litres per flush. The installation now delivers an impressive 85% water saving, conserving 5.2 million litres annually and generating R1.3 million in yearly financial savings.
Client Profile
Weskus is a commercial retail property located in the Western Cape, an area known for its heightened water scarcity risk. As a public-facing shopping centre, maintaining efficient, hygienic washrooms is essential for tenant satisfaction and visitor comfort. With rising water tariffs and increased ESG expectations, the centre required a sustainable washroom solution that could reduce dependency on strained local water supplies while cutting operational costs.
Challenges / Pain Points
Before upgrading to Propelair OneThreeFive, the Weskus centre relied on standard 9-litre flush toilets, resulting in high water usage and escalating utility bills. The inefficiency of the old system meant excessive water consumption in a region experiencing ongoing drought conditions. Commercial washroom issues—including hygiene concerns, higher maintenance requirements, odours, and the potential for frequent blockages—added operational strain. ESG commitments also demanded measurable improvements in resource efficiency and environmental impact. The centre needed a modern, efficient, and reliable system that could meet both performance and sustainability targets.
The Propelair Solution
To address these challenges, Fortress implemented 21 Propelair OneThreeFive ultra-low flush toilets across the property in 2025. Each unit uses just 1.35 litres per flush, replacing the previous 9-litre models and immediately slashing water consumption. Propelair’s advanced air-flush technology delivers powerful performance while significantly reducing aerosolisation, or the sneeze effect as more commonly referred to, and improving hygiene. The retrofit-friendly design ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption to daily retail activity, making Propelair an efficient and future-proof upgrade for the centre.
Want to reduce water consumption and lower operating costs? Contact Propelair for a customised assessment for your commercial, retail, or residential property.
