Going Green Commercially Part 4d

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


Common Plumbing Fixtures

• Water Closets & Toilets• Urinals• Sinks and Lavatories

Compiled by Author form Sources: buildings.com


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


Image Source: hitachi-aqt.com


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


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


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


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


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


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


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



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



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

mailto:[email protected]

http://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.

Going Green Commercially Part 4d

Business

Transcript of Going Green Commercially Part 4d