The role of infrastructure in water saving

It is widely acknowledged in the construction industry and among building regulatory authorities that we waste too much water because of the way we construct and then manage business premises buildings.

According to the World Green Building Council, by 2030 there is likely to be a gap of 40% between global water supply and demand. And the built environment uses around 15% of that freshwater demand – through the construction and operation of premises. So, if we as a country are to mitigate the risk of water shortages, thinking about how we design and build will be critical as we head into the future.

While it’s encouraging to see modern construction projects adopting a range of water saving methods and technologies there is still much to do to retrofit older buildings to do the same.

How building design, plumbing and retrofits affect water consumption

No matter how on the ball you are with your business water price comparison or how hard you work to keep your rates as low as possible, buildings and infrastructure are invariably still riddled with inefficiencies when it comes to water conservation.

So how do we shift the dial to improve performance?

For existing buildings the answer lies in retrofits. The installation of modern plumbing systems designed to optimise water consumption is a good option – whether it’s in the form of low flow fixtures, filters or heating systems.

And in industrial settings, the advent of smart appliances and manufacturing equipment, leak detection mechanisms, live water meter dashboards and onsite water treatment facilities can also support improved performance.

Recycling and reuse of water for other purposes is also a crucial factor. Greywater and rainwater collection systems can help reduce the amount of water required from the mains supply.

A prime example is the Watershed project in Seattle. With mechanical electrical plumbing engineering, this commercial office features a massive cistern which collects 200,000 gallons of rainwater per year for treatment and reuse in toilets and irrigation. Nearly 90% of rain water falling on the building is put to good use.

In agriculture, landscaping designed for water capture and storage, as well as high-tech irrigation systems can also save water.

Collaboration opportunities between facilities managers and retailers

It’s important that businesses and their facilities management teams work closely with water suppliers, if water demand from the built environment is to be reduced.

Education in more efficient water saving opportunities and technology is still a key part of making a cultural shift. So too is the need for greater knowledge sharing around innovative projects and meaningful progress.

There also needs to be a greater understanding of water related emissions across supply chains, and the greenhouse gases generated in treatment and transportation.

Examples of small changes leading to measurable impact

Overhauling plumbing systems or retrofitting new, large-scale water storage technologies isn’t always practicable for businesses, of course. But that doesn’t mean that improvements can’t be made. Smart metering and real time water use measurement is an important first step – which can be complemented by water audits and a gradual overhaul of appliances and fittings such as dishwashers, taps and cisterns.

For example, any equipment which uses large quantities of water should be maintained at optimum levels to reduce water waste – or replaced with more water efficient appliances.