Meet our new A2i member, ecoBeta’s Founder Lisbeth Sylvestre in this interview.
While water scarcity intensifies around the world, one small Danish company is quietly making a big difference—starting with something as everyday as a toilet. We sat down with Lisbeth Sylvestre, director, founder and owner of ecoBeta, to talk about the flaws of the standard dual-flush toilet, her company’s simple yet effective technology, and how their solutions are already helping communities across Africa.
Let’s start with the basics. Why should we care about how a toilet flushes?
“It might seem trivial,” Lisbeth Sylvestre says, “but a leaking toilet is one of the most wasteful things in a building. People often don’t realize it’s happening, but if a toilet runs continuously, it can waste 400 to 500 liters of clean drinking water in just 24 hours.”
According to Lisbeth Sylvestre, the problem lies with the dual-button flush systems that have become standard in much of the world. “They rely on complicated flush valves with many small plastic parts. These parts easily collect dirt and limescale, which can cause the system to malfunction. Also, people often press both buttons at once—or press them too hard—causing the mechanism to jam and the water to run non-stop.”
So what does ecoBeta do differently?
ecoBETA’s solution is elegantly simple. “We make retrofit kits to convert single flush toilets into a dual flush toilet in five minutes by fixing our retrofit to the existing flushing valve,” Lisbeth Sylvestre explains.
“Our kits are mechanical, not pneumatic or electronic. That makes them much more reliable over time. And they fit on most existing cisterns, so you don’t have to throw out the whole toilet or tank. That’s a big cost and resource saving.”
Small flush:pull and let go as usual.
For big flush: pull and hold for 3-4seconds.
Change the existing two button flushing valve in your toilet into ecoBETA dual flush with ONLY one button. The result will save 15 to 40% or more water – all without any sacrifice in hygiene or comfort for the user.
The core innovation is a patented single-button flush system that offers two volumes depending on how long you hold the button. As Lisbeth says:
“A quick tap uses the small flush; a longer press gives the full volume. It’s intuitive, it doesn’t break easily, and best of all, it’s hard to misuse.”
Where did it all begin?
ecoBeta was founded in 1999 by Lisbeth Sylvestre and her then-business partner Nils Karstensen. With a background in international development and first-hand experience of water scarcity in the Middle East, Lisbeth Sylvestre was motivated to focus on practical sustainability.
“Toilets are one of the biggest water consumers in any building—and also one of the most overlooked,” she says.
The company started with simple conversion systems and had since developed a robust product line including the patented ecoBETA Europa valve and the ecoSMART cistern. The guiding principle has remained the same: function before design.
And you’re active in Africa, too?
Lisbeth Sylvestre nods: “Yes, and it’s an important part of what we do. We’re already operating in Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt and South Africa—and we’re expanding. Our technology is particularly well suited for schools, hospitals, and public institutions in regions where water is scarce, and infrastructure is under pressure.”
ecoBeta works with NGOs, local governments and public sector institutions to install their systems and train local technicians.
“Our goal isn’t just to save water—it’s also to create jobs and build local capacity,” Lisbeth Sylvestre says. “We’re opening eco-responsible shops, launching awareness campaigns in schools, and helping institutions reduce both their water usage and maintenance costs.”
ecoBeta has outlined a clear three-year development plan for further African engagement. The focus is on high-need countries such as Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, Benin and Burkina Faso, where urban growth and climate pressure are straining water infrastructure.
“We’re seeing strong interest from governments and NGOs, especially because our products are low-maintenance and durable,” Lisbeth Sylvestre explains.
What’s next for ecoBeta?
“We want to continue scaling, but we’ll do it smartly,” Lisbeth Sylvestre says. “We believe in long-term partnerships, and we want to grow sustainably. The more toilets we convert, the more water we save—and the more impact we create.”
As the world faces increasing climate pressure, ecoBeta’s humble, high-impact technology could help turn the tide—one flush at a time.
