T H E B A S I C S I N G R E E N D E S I G N A N D

G R E E N C O N S T R U C T I O N

P A R T 3

W A T E R E F F I C I E N C Y

Green Building 101

Introduction

In this series we are going to discuss what green building is and explore some of the general strategies used in this type of construction.

This is meant as an introductory course, so there won’t be a lot of detail presented.

Resources are listed at the end of each episode for those who want more information.

Thanks for viewing!

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Water Efficiency

As the name suggests, here we will be looking at ways to make water use more efficient. This includes domestic water use (drinking, cooking, washing, flushing) and irrigation.

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Water Efficiency

Water is a precious resource that needs to be conserved and reused so we don’t run out. Strategies for doing this include:

Proper selection of landscape plant materials and irrigation systems

Use of high efficiency plumbing fixtures

Water reuse and treatment systems

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Landscaping

The use of native, adapted, or drought-tolerant plants is the first step to reducing the amount of water used in landscaping.

Native and adapted plants are suited for the climate of the project location, and do not usually require additional irrigation.

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Landscaping

Drought-tolerant plants are acclimated to long periods of time without water.

Generally speaking, grass lawns are not conducive to lowering the amount of irrigation water needed. They require regular watering and lots of maintenance.

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Irrigation

There are a few options for reducing irrigation water use.

One is to install a moisture sensor system, so the sprinklers only run when there is not enough moisture in the ground (this keeps them from running while it is raining or just after a rainstorm).

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Irrigation

Drip irrigation systems ensure that water is delivered directly to the plants (not spraying on the building or sidewalks), and deliver it very efficiently, with less waste.

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Irrigation

Temporary drip irrigation systems are often used when landscaping is first planted, allowing the plants to get established.

These systems are then removed as the native or adapted plants acclimate.

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Plumbing Fixtures

These days there are several water efficient fixtures on the market, some of which are now required by local codes.

High efficiency toilets (HETs) use a gallon or less per flush.

Dual-flush toilets use less water for liquid waste and more for solids.

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Plumbing Fixtures

There are low-flow and waterless urinals, low-flow shower heads, and sensored faucets that limit the amount of water per use.

You don’t have to invest in all new fixtures to reduce water use. A 50 cent aerator in the bathroom or kitchen faucet or a new efficient showerhead can work just as well.

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Appliances

High efficiency clothes washers and dishwashers greatly reduce the amount of water used per load. They also save energy, so are double winners!

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Water Reuse and Treatment

As was mentioned in the Site episode, water on-site can be treated and reused again.

With plumbing waste water there are two types of reuse systems, gray water and black water.

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Water Reuse and Treatment

Gray water is the water that comes out of bathroom sinks, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines.

It is considered to be less contaminated than black water (described below).

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Water Reuse and Treatment

With minimal filtration gray water can be used in irrigation or to flush toilets and urinals.

With additional filtration, gray water can also be used for drinking and cleaning.

Note that these systems require a separate piping system for the treated gray water.

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Water Reuse and Treatment

Black water comes from toilets and kitchen sinks.

Extensive treatment is required before it can be reused for any purpose.

These systems involve several filters and treatment with ultraviolet light.

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Water Reuse and Treatment

Black water treatment systems are available for both commercial and residential applications.

The most cost effective option is usually to connect several large buildings together with a central treatment plant. But, it can be done on a smaller scale too.

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Summary of Water Strategies

Landscaping – Use drought tolerant, native, or adapted species that are acclimated to needing less water. Limit use of grass lawns.

Irrigation – Drip systems and moisture sensors help to deliver water more efficiently to plants only when they need it.

Plumbing Fixtures – Use high-efficiency fixtures or retrofit current fixtures.

Water Reuse and Treatment – Recycle water on site for flushing or treat to potable standards.

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Knowledge Measurement19

Thanks for your interest in learning about Green Building. If you want to test what you’ve learned about this subject, try your hand at the five multiple choice questions in the next slides.

Resources for additional information are available on slide 30.

1. What is the first step in reducing the amount of water used for irrigation?

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A. Planning planting areas

B. Use of native and drought-resistant plants

C. Planting perennials

D. Not using grass

1. Answer21

B. Use of native and drought-resistant plants

(See slide 5)

2. Drip irrigation systems ensure that water is delivered directly to the plants.

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A. True

B. False

2. Answer23

B. False

(See slide 8)

3. High efficiency clothes and dish washers are double winners because they save:

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A. Time and energy

B. Money and time

C. Water and energy

D. Water and time

3. Answer25

C. Water and energy

(See slide 12)

4. What are the two types of waste water?26

A. Green and black

B. White and black

C. Clean and dirty

D. Gray and black

4. Answer27

D. Gray and black

(See slide 13)

5. What additional treatment is needed in black water treatment systems?

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A. Black light

B. High-density filter

C. Ultraviolet light

D. None of the above

5. Answer29

C. Ultraviolet light

(See slide 16)

What’s Coming Up?

In the next episode, we will continue to look at green building strategies, focusing on Energy Efficiency.

Resources:Xeriscaping (water efficient landscaping)

http://eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm

WaterSense program from the EPA http://www.epa.gov/watersense/

On-site waste water treatment http://ossf.tamu.edu/onsite-wastewater-treatment-systems-owts/

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