10 Ways to Reduce Water Consumption in Commercial Buildings was prepared for client Waterless Co., Inc.
The summer months are when water usage and water consumption often surges in North America.
And this summer, after years of drought in many parts of the U.S., commercial facilities like office buildings are going to be asked to take more steps to reduce water consumption.
According to Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co. Inc., manufacturer of no-water urinals, the following are 10 ways commercial buildings can reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently this summer and year-round:
Create a water savings plan: This starts with knowing where, how much, and why water is being used in the building. From here, managers can create a benchmark and prioritize where water consumption can be reduced.
Pressure reduction: Most high-rise buildings have “water boosters” to pump water throughout the facility. However, these boosters are often set higher than necessary. Reducing the pressure can help protect pipes from bursting and if less water is being pumped throughout the facility, less energy is needed.
Cooling towers: All cooling towers, even the most efficient, continually lose water through evaporation. The best way to address this situation is to recycle cooling tower water or mix potable water with “grey” water.
Educate users: Let building users know the importance of using water more efficiently and spread awareness that the facility is taking steps to reduce water consumption. After educating building users, they often “step up to the plate” and think of innovative ways to reduce water usage.
Follow California’s lead: California now requires all new toilets to use less than 1.28 gallons of water per flush (gpf) and urinals, less than .05 gpf. Some toilets use even less water than this and waterless urinals eliminate the need for water entirely.
Think twice about sensor-controlled fixtures: Some studies now indicate that sensor-controlled fixtures, including faucets, toilets, and urinals, actually use more water than manually controlled fixtures. This is often the result of phantom flushes and mechanical malfunctions.
Install dishwashers: All office kitchens should have a dishwasher. Handwashing dishes can use up to 27 gallons of water compared to three gallons with an Energy-Star-rated dishwasher.
“And don’t be shy about installing rain barrels around the building,” says Reichardt. “The water collected can be used for cooling towers, vegetation, or even washing outdoor plazas.”
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About Waterless
Waterless Co. Inc. has established a well-respected reputation as being an innovative manufacturer of no-water urinal systems. Based in Vista, Ca, the 25 year-old company is the oldest manufacturer of waterless urinals in North America. The company’ manufacturers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com
