Building Water Demand Reduction: Meeting the water use reduction targets in buildings
In recent years, the need for sustainable construction practices has become increasingly important, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of buildings. One key aspect of sustainable construction is water demand reduction, which is essential for conserving precious water resources and promoting responsible water management practices. In this article, we will explore the concept of building water demand reduction and how it aligns with Criterion 13 of the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) – a widely recognized green building rating system in India.
What is GRIHA Criterion 13?
GRIHA, which stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment, is a rating system developed by the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment Council (GRIHA Council) in India. It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and promotes sustainable construction practices. Criterion 13 of GRIHA focuses on water demand reduction in buildings and encourages measures to reduce water consumption and promote responsible water management.
Why is Building Water Demand Reduction Important?
Water is a precious natural resource, and its scarcity is a growing concern worldwide. The construction sector is a significant consumer of water, and reducing water demand in buildings can have a significant positive impact on water conservation efforts. By implementing effective water demand reduction measures, buildings can help conserve water resources, reduce the strain on local water supply, and contribute to sustainable water management practices.
Strategies for Building Water Demand Reduction
- Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances: One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce water demand in buildings is by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances. This includes low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets, as well as water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines. These fixtures and appliances are designed to use less water while still maintaining their functionality, helping to significantly reduce overall water consumption in a building.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for on-site use. This can be achieved through various methods such as rainwater harvesting pits, storage tanks, or recharge wells. The collected rainwater can be used for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing, irrigation, or cleaning, reducing the reliance on external water sources and promoting responsible water management.
- Greywater Recycling: Greywater, which is wastewater generated from sinks, showers, and laundry, can be treated and recycled for non-potable uses within the building. Greywater recycling systems involve filtering and treating the greywater to remove contaminants before it is reused for toilet flushing, irrigation, or other non-potable applications. This can significantly reduce the demand for fresh water in buildings, thereby conserving water resources.
- Leak Detection and Repair: Water leaks can be a significant source of water waste in buildings. Implementing leak detection systems and promptly repairing any leaks can help prevent unnecessary water loss and reduce overall water demand. This can be achieved through regular inspections, monitoring water usage, and promptly addressing any leaks or water wastage.
- Education and Awareness: Building occupants play a crucial role in water demand reduction. Educating and raising awareness among building users about the importance of water conservation, promoting responsible water use behaviors, and encouraging water-saving practices can help reduce water demand in buildings. This can include providing information on water-efficient practices, conducting training programs, and promoting responsible water management behaviors among occupants.
Strategies to Reduce Landscape Water Demand
| Strategies to Reduce Landscape Water Demand | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Selection | Choose native or drought-tolerant plants that require less water and are adapted to the local climate. Avoid planting high water-demanding plants in the landscape. |
| Irrigation System Design and Management | Install a well-designed irrigation system that includes efficient sprinklers, drip irrigation, or micro-irrigation to deliver water directly to the plant roots and minimize evaporation. Use smart controllers that adjust irrigation schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Regularly inspect and maintain the irrigation system to fix leaks and broken components. |
| Mulching | Apply mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around plants to reduce evaporation, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulch also helps to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. |
| Soil Management | Prepare the soil properly before planting by loosening it to improve water penetration and aeration. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to increase its water-holding capacity. Avoid over-watering, which can lead to water runoff and wastage. |
| Watering Practices | Water the landscape during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to reduce evaporation. Avoid watering on windy days to prevent water drift and wastage. Water plants deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and reduce water loss through evaporation. |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Install rainwater harvesting systems, such as rain barrels or cisterns, to collect rainwater from roofs for landscape irrigation. Rainwater is free of chlorine and other chemicals, making it an excellent source of water for plants. |
| Landscape Design and Layout | Opt for a water-efficient landscape design that minimizes the use of turf grass and includes drought-tolerant plants, permeable paving, and strategic placement of trees and shrubs to provide shade and reduce water demand. |
| Maintenance Practices | Regularly monitor and adjust irrigation schedules based on plant water needs and weather conditions. Remove weeds and control pests to prevent competition for water resources. Prune plants to maintain their health and reduce water demand. |
| Strategies to Reduce Indoor Water Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances | Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets that are designed to use less water without sacrificing performance. Consider using WaterSense certified fixtures and appliances that have been independently tested and verified for water efficiency. |
| Leak Detection and Repair | Regularly inspect and monitor plumbing systems for leaks and promptly repair any leaks found. Leaks can waste a significant amount of water over time, so timely detection and repair are crucial in reducing indoor water use. |
| Behavioral Changes | Promote water-saving behaviors among building occupants, such as turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, and only running the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. Educate building occupants on the importance of water conservation and provide reminders through signage and educational materials. |
| Greywater Recycling and Reuse | Implement greywater recycling systems that capture and treat non-potable water from showers, sinks, and washing machines for reuse in toilet flushing, irrigation, and other non-potable applications. Greywater recycling can significantly reduce the demand for fresh water in buildings. |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Install rainwater harvesting systems that collect rainwater from roofs and store it for indoor non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and laundry. Rainwater is free of chlorine and other chemicals, making it an excellent source of water for non-potable applications. |
| Timers and Sensors | Use timers and sensors to control water use in common areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Install motion-sensor faucets and toilets that automatically shut off when not in use, reducing water waste caused by forgetfulness or negligence. |
| Water Metering and Monitoring | Install water meters to measure and monitor water use in different areas of the building. Regularly review water consumption data to identify trends, detect anomalies, and implement corrective measures to optimize water use. |
| Education and Awareness | Educate building occupants, staff, and visitors about the importance of water conservation and provide information on water-saving practices and technologies through signage, training programs, and awareness campaigns. Foster a culture of water conservation within the building to promote sustainable water use habits. |