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Going Green- Commercially
An overview of what it entails for a company to go “green”
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency-
Water is one of our most precious natural resources
Commercial buildings consume 88% of the potable water in the US
There are two areas owners can focus on reducing water consumption:
Within the building
The grounds surrounding the buildings
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- In the Building
Plumbing fixtures account for approximately 47% of commercial building water use
Cooling systems use about 34%
Kitchens use up about 14%
The best opportunities for increasing efficiency are with restroom fixtures since they account for the majority of water consumption
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- In the Building
Common Plumbing Fixtures
• Water Closets & Toilets• Urinals• Sinks and Lavatories
Compiled by Author form Sources: buildings.com
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- In the Building
Ways to Reduce Water
Consumption
Replace older, high-flow water closets and flush valves with models newer low-flow ones
Utilize dual-flush valves on water closets and toilets
Install existing aerators with more restrictive aerators
Use alternative water sources to flush
Compiled by Author form Sources: buildings.com
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Water Closets/Toilets
Older Model Toilets
• 3.5 gal/flush
• 7,500 flushes=
26,250
gals/yr
Ultra Low Flush Toilets
• 1.6 gal/flush
• 7,500 flushes=
12,000
gals/yr
High-Efficiency
Toilets• 1.28 gal/flush
• 7,500 flushes=
9,600
gals/yr
10 Employees x 250 work days x 3 flushes/day = 7,500 flushes/year
Compiled by Author form Sources: allianceforwaterefficiency.org Image Source: Google Images
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Water Closets/Toilets
Older Model Urinals
• 2.5 gal/flush
• 2,500 flushes=
6,250
gals/yr
Ultra Low
Flush Urinals
• 1 gal/flush
• 2,500 flushes=
2,500
gals/yr
High-Efficiency Urinals• 0.5 gal/flush
• 2,500 flushes=
1,250
gals/yr
Non- Water Urinals
• 0 gal/flush
• 2,500= 0 gal/yr
5 Males x 250 work days x 2 flushes/day = 2,500 flushes/year
Compiled by Author form Sources: allianceforwaterefficiency.org & sswm.info Image Source: Google Images
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Restrooms
Depending on the ratio of male and female workers, replacing female toilets will probable be a better return on investment
In male restrooms, replacing urinals will likely garner a greater savings than replacing toilets
In general, men prefer to use urinals when available rather than toilets
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Aerators
Standard Aerators
2.2 gal/min
Water Saving Aerators1.5 gal/min
Saves up to 30% more water than a standard flow
Maximum Water Saving Aerators1.0 gal/min
Saves up to 55% more water than a standard flow
Compiled by Author form Sources: plumbingsupply.com
Aerators are small but necessary parts of any faucet set up- They add air to make water flow in a more
steady stream
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Graywater Systems
Greywater is gently used water that has not come into contact with feces
Toilet water and some washing machine water must be treated first before it becomes gray water
Systems typically collect greywater in a large tank, filter and disinfect it, and then pump it back to flush toilets or to a drip irrigation system
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Graywater Systems
It is often easier and more cost effective to treat all the waste water in one system – greywater and blackwater – on the commercial scale
Most constructed buildings already have systems where the waste water is combined
Most commercial buildings treat the water onsite with one of two methods:
With a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system
Or with a living machine
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- MBR Systems
Waste water can be reused for toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling systems
Treated effluent is of very high clarity and significantly reduced pathogen concentration
Can reduce the fresh water taken from water supplies by over 75% and decreases energy costs
The MBR treatment processes uses a perm-selective membrane (microfiltration or ultrafiltration) that is integrated with a biological process
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- MBR Systems
Image Source: hitachi-aqt.com
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- MBR Systems
These systems tend to have smaller footprints
Are especially effective at the biological removal of ammonia- nitrification
MBR technology is not always the best treatment solution – it can be more expensive than other solutions
Treatment of choice where high quality treated water is required and/or where space is limited
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Living Machines
These systems mimic the processes of tidal wetlands to naturally treat wastewater
They are designed to be easy-to-operate and are a self-contained system
Most are small enough to be located entirely on site as the exterior landscaping and do not produce biosolids
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Living Machines
Compiled by Author form Sources: architectmagazine.com Image Source: architectmagazine.com
Sequential wetland cells are filled and drained with wastewater about 12 times a
day- mimicking tidal ebbs and flows
These systems use a primary settlement tank and planted wetland cells
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Living Machines
Since wastewater entering into the system many have different concentrations, the system’s pump cycles can be adjusted
Pump cycles can be adjusted daily if necessary
Since there is no surfacing wastewater the potential for contact with human waste is eliminated
Fans are also used to vent out odors
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Exterior Building
There are three areas that building owners can focus on to conserve water:
The Irrigation System
The Landscaping
A Rainwater Retention System
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- IrrigationTwo Most Popular Types of Irrigation
Sprinkler Systems
Drip Irrigation
There is no one-size-fits-all water management solution
Both methods serve different purposes depending on the unique needs of the property
Compiled by Author form Sources: highgrove.net Image Source: Google Images
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Sprinkler
Systems These systems are meant to emulate the effect of natural rainfall
Water is distributed by a system of pressure-regulated spray heads and rotors
Advanced head nozzles are used to break water up into small water drops that are dispersed through an efficient spray pattern
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Sprinkler
SystemsAdvantages
Covers larger areas
Supplements minimal rainfall
Uniform water distribution
Easily automated
Receptive to smart upgradesSpray patterns are
adjustableCan be used for frost control
DisadvantagesRequires routine maintenance
If equipment is damaged the system can make things inefficient or
inoperableUneven application from wind and
extreme temperatures
Water loss from evaporation
Increasing the risk of disease and fungi growth
Can damage building fixtures and cause slippery surfaces
Compiled by Author form Sources: highgrove.net
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Drip Irrigation
Surface Drip Irrigation• Irrigation network is above the soil surface
• It delivers or “drips” water slowly, steadily and directly to the intended target
• The soil surface, root zone or at the base of the plant
Subsurface Drip Irrigation• The system is burred under the soil• This technique can be even more efficient • This remove the potential for surface evaporation
• Reduces the formation of weeds
Compiled by Author form Sources: highgrove.net Image Source: Google Images
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Drip Irrigation
Also known as micro irrigation
It is a localized, low-volume form of irrigation
Through a network of valves, tubing and emitters, this precise method has proven to reduce water and fertilizer usage
There are two types of drip irrigation:
Surface and subsurface
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Drip Irrigation
AdvantagesCan be more than 90% efficient
Incorporates into both new and existing landscapes
Reduces soil erosion due to watering
Uniform water distribution
Fertilizer targeting is improved and run-off risk is removed
Accommodates irregularly shaped or sloped landscapes
Reduces plant disease risks
Disadvantages
Harsh sun can
damage tubing
Tubing can clog
Cannot be used for frost control
Real-time
watering can be difficult
to observe
Compiled by Author form Sources: highgrove.net
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Landscaping
Not only during sub-optimal water conditions, but as a continual conservation effort
Landscape water conservation integrates:Plant selection Plant adaptation Irrigation Management
practices
Compiled by Author form Sources: caes2.caes.uga.edu
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Landscaping
The conservation of water through
creative landscaping
Originally developed for
drought-afflicted areas
There is no one single look for
Xeriscapes- almost any style can be applied
Compiled by Author form Sources: eartheasy.com Image Source: Google Images
Xeriscaping
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Landscaping
Compiled by Author form Sources: eartheasy.com
Xeriscaping Benefits
Saves WaterLess Maintenance
No Fertilizers or PesticidesImproves Property Value
Pollution FreeProvides Wildlife Habitat
•Can reduce water use by 50 - 75%
•Maintenance is minimal since watering requirements are low and can be maintained with an occasional pruning and weeding
•Using native plants will eliminate the need for chemical supplements
•A good Xeriscape can raise property values- This can more than offset the cost of installation
•Fossil fuel consumption from gas mowers is minimized or eliminated
•The use of native vegetation offers familiar and varied habitats for local wildlife
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Landscaping
Compiled by Author form Sources: eartheasy.com
7 Principles of XeriscapingDesigns look for ways to reduce the amount of applied water to maximize the use of natural precipitationWater and Energy
Conservation•Make use of the sun’s orientation by using north, south, east and west to your advantage and areas of sun and shade•Adjust the landscaping to the exiting geography rather that adjusting the geography •Use the position and location of plants to provide natural heating and cooling opportunities
Ideal soil drains quickly and stores water at the same timeSoil Improvement •This can be achieved by increasing the amount of organic material in the soil and keeping the soil aerated
Reduce the areas as much as possible while keeping some for open space, functionality and visual appealCreate Limited Turf
Areas•Ask at the garden center for water-saving species adapted to the area
Mulch helps retain soil moisture and temperature, prevent erosion and block out competing weedsMulch
Ways to be Sustainable:Water Efficiency- Landscaping
Compiled by Author form Sources: eartheasy.com
7 Principles of Xeriscaping
• Select plants that are native to the region and are drought-resistant plants. In general, these plants have leaves which are small, thick, glossy, silver-grey or fuzzy - all characteristics which help them save water
• Select plants for their ultimate size to help reduces pruning maintenance• Have some trees help to reduce evaporation by blocking wind and shading the soil.
Use Appropriate Plants
• Drip irrigation systems offer the most efficient watering for xeriscapes because they deliver water directly to the base of the plant
• It's best to water deeply and less frequently
Irrigate
Maintain your landscape
Contact Us for the Full Presentation:
Mediacontact USA Inc.13575 58TH Street North #160
Clearwater, Fl. 33760
T: 727 538 4112E: [email protected]
www.mediacontactusa.com
Works Cited
Berle, David C., et al. "Best Management Practices for Landscape Water Conservation." CAES, Cooperative Extension, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Sept. 2007, caes2.caes.uga.edu/commodities/turfgrass/georgiaturf/Water/Articles/B1329.pdf. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
"Commercial Scale Greywater Systems -." Graywater Action, greywateraction.org/commercial-scale-greywater-systems/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
"Commerical Restroom Audit Information." Alliance for Water Efficiency, Alliance for Water Efficiency, NFP, www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/commercial_restroom_audit.aspx. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
Gilmer, Laurie, and Gregory Hughel. "Improving Water Efficiency in Your Building." BUILDINGS, Stamats Communications, Inc., 1 Sept. 2008, www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/6461/title/improving-water-efficiency-in-your-building. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
Martin, Jacqueline, and James Heaney. "WATER USE BY URINALS." Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management Toolbox, Conserve Florida Water Clearinghouse, 26 Mar. 2008, www.sswm.info/sites/default/files/reference_attachments/MARTIN%20and%20HEANEY%202008%20Water%20Use%20by%20Urinals.pdf. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
Works Cited
1. "Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) : Hitachi Aqua-Tech Engineering Pte Ltd." Hitachi Aqua-Tech Engineering Pte Ltd, Hitachi, Ltd., www.hitachi-aqt.com/products/standard_products/wastewater/membrane/index.html. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
2. O'CONNELL, KIM A. "Ecologically Inspired." Architect, Hanley Wood Media, Inc., 25 May 2011, www.architectmagazine.com/technology/ecologically-inspired_o. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
3. Thompson, Gary. "Commercial Landscape Irrigation — Drip Vs. Sprinkler Irrigation." HighGrove Commercial Landscaping, HighGrove Partners, 16 Jan. 2015, www.highgrove.net/blog/commercial-landscape-irrigation-drip-vs.-sprinkler-irrigation. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
4. "Water Conserving Faucet Aerator Selection Information." PlumbingSupply.com, www.plumbingsupply.com/about-faucet-aerators.html. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
5. "What Are Membrane Bioreactors?" The MBR Site, Judd and Judd Limited, www.thembrsite.com/about-mbrs/what-are-mbrs/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.
6. "Xeriscape." Eartheasy.com, Eartheasy.com, eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm. Accessed 20 Dec. 2016.