Greystar Implements Smart Water Management System in its PBSA Portfolio

Greystar, a global leader in rental housing, has unlocked major financial, operational, and environmental benefits by implementing Watergate’s innovative smart water management system in its student accommodation portfolio. Following a successful pilot, Greystar rolled out Watergate’s technology across three buildings in London’s Chapter Islington, uncovering inefficiencies, preventing water damage, and delivering measurable cost savings.

Major savings and sustainability wins

The implementation of Watergate’s smart water system has driven outstanding results for Greystar:

• £111,000+ in annual savings from reduced water consumption, lower energy bills, and minimised insurance and maintenance costs.
• 68% reduction in water usage, equating to over 2 million litres saved monthly.
• 26 tonnes of CO₂e reductions annually, reinforcing Greystar’s sustainability leadership.

These results highlight the potential for smart water management to transform the rental housing sector by improving efficiency, protecting assets, and driving ESG performance.

Uncovering hidden inefficiencies

With real-time water monitoring, leak detection, and data-driven insights, Greystar was able to identify and address a range of inefficiencies across its properties, including:

• High water consumption anomalies – 22% of units were using significantly more water than expected, with one apartment consuming 11,600 litres per day due to a stuck toilet flush.
• Pressure issues – Incorrectly configured valves led to excessive wear on appliances in some cases, while in others, low pressure resulted in resident dissatisfaction.
• Temperature inefficiencies – Hot water systems were running unnecessarily high, wasting energy, while cold water systems were at risk of Legionella due to improper pipe configurations.

By leveraging Watergate’s Sonic smart valve, real-time monitoring dashboard, and mobile app, Greystar’s team could swiftly detect and resolve these inefficiencies—ensuring proactive maintenance, cost savings, and enhanced resident satisfaction.

Future-proofing Greystar’s portfolio with smart water technology

For Greystar, adopting Watergate’s smart water management system is not just about cost savings—it’s a strategic investment in resilience, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

• Enhanced asset protection – Real-time leak detection and automatic shut-off minimise the risk of water damage.
• Lower operational costs – Predictive maintenance reduces unnecessary repairs, while lower utility costs boost asset profitability.
• Stronger sustainability credentials – Water reductions support ESG commitments and higher BREEAM ratings, helping Greystar stay ahead of regulatory and investor expectations.

“Revolutionising the way we manage water”

We’ve been incredibly impressed with Watergate Sonic’s performance and reliability. It has already identified and prevented several leaks, giving us peace of mind and significant savings. The automatic shut-off valve sets it apart, immediately stopping leaks before they cause damage. This technology is revolutionising the way we manage and protect our assets.

– Mandisa Khabo, Technical Director, International Development and Operations at Greystar

With these early successes, Greystar is now well positioned to scale the solution across its wider portfolio, unlocking multi-million-pound savings while further strengthening its sustainability credentials.

Learn more about Greystar’s tech adoption process and results: To explore the full impact of Watergate’s smart water management at Greystar, read the detailed case study here.