Page 070 - STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING INDOOR WATER USE
Source section: Section 4 - Green Building Core Concepts and Application Strategies PDF page: 70 Guide page: 63 OCR quality: high (379 words)
OCR Text
| STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING INDOOR WATER USE:
- INSTALL EFFICIENT PLUMBING FIXTURES. Install new high-efficiency fixtures, including high-efficiency lavatories, kitchen sinks and showers, dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, and composting toilets. High-efficiency fixtures use less water than specified by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992. Select EPA WaterSense and ENERGY STAR products. In existing buildings, if porcelain replacement proves cost-prohibitive, install new flush valves or flow restrictors (e.g., aerators) to achieve water savings.
- USE NONPOTABLE WATER. If permitted by the jurisdiction, use captured rainwater, graywater, or municipally-provided reclaimed water for flush fixtures. Design and install plumbing systems that can use captured rainwater or graywater in flush fixtures. Graywater use is not an option in all municipalities, so it is important check regulations before planning to use this strategy.
- INSTALL SUBMETERS. Meter indoor water systems and monitor the data to track consumption trends, determine fixture performance, and pinpoint leaks. eens Landscape irrigation, a significant component of many commercial buildings’ water use, presents an important opportunity to conserve water. Reductions in irrigation can be achieved by specifying water-wise landscaping and water-efficient irrigation technology, using nonpotable water, and installing submeters to track and log irrigation trends. Native and adapted species support water efficiency goals because these plants typically don’t need to be irrigated. Xeriscaping is the use of drought-tolerant native or adapted plants along with rocks, bark mulch, and other landscape elements. High-performance irrigation systems, such as drip systems and bubbler distribution systems, channel water directly to root systems; weather-based irrigation controllers respond to weather conditions. Potable water use for irrigation can be further reduced by using nonpotable water for outdoor applications. Finally, as with indoor water use, submetering helps teams understand how much water is being used for irrigation. ——_————— eee] STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING OUTDOOR WATER USE:
- CHOOSE LOCALLY ADAPTED PLANTS. Landscape with native and adapted plants that require less water. These plantings have the added benefit of providing habitat for native wildlife. ¢ USE XERISCAPING. These drought-tolerant plantings have extremely low water needs. Especially in arid regions, employ xeriscape principles when designing the site landscape.
- SELECT EFFICIENT IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGIES. Drip and bubbler systems and weather-based controllers can save water.
- USE NONPOTABLE WATER. Captured rainwater, graywater, or municipal reclaimed v water is suitable for irrigation. ¢« INSTALL SUBMETERS. Meter the irrigation system to track water consumption and 8 identify leaks. n ee 63