Resource Lists
WATER CONSERVATION IN SCHOOLS
NCEF's resource list of links, books, and journal articles on water efficiency, water recycling, and plumbing issues in school buildings and grounds. References to Books and Other Media
Northeast-CHPS Operations and Maintenance Guide.
 (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Lexington, MA , Apr 2010)
Advises on a wide range of topics from energy and water efficiency in a school, to incorporating renewable energy systems, as well as technologies for improved school indoor environmental quality. Additionally, there are detailed guidelines for implementing environmentally friendly policies and practices for existing buildings, such as anti-idling policies, recycling programs, using green cleaning agents, and developing training for building operators. 90p.
Water Conservation.
(King County (Seattle) Solid Waste Division, 2010)
Presents a brief list of water conservation methods for schools.
Water Resources.
(Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources , 2010)
Presents water conservation steps for schools wishing to qualify as a Green School under the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources system. Identifies current water use practices in schools, and ways to modify these practices to conserve water and maintain public health. Section for teachers contains water-related lessons and curriculum connections. In order to save water at school, students need to know where their water comes from and where it goes, how to save water, and to understand why they should save water.
Water Use in Buildings: Achieving Business Performance Benefits through Efficiency.
(McGraw Hill Construction., Jun 2009)
This report reviews the role of water efficiency in buildings, including the following topics: involvement and importance of water efficiency, business benefits of water-efficient practices and methods, drivers and obstacles to water efficiency, types of water-efficient products and methods and sources of information behind product selection and use. 40p.
TO ORDER:
http://construction.ecnext.com
Sidwell Friends School (Middle School renovation and addition)
(The Sustainable Sites Initiative, 2008)
Case study of the renovation and addition project at Sidwell Friends School (SFS) campus that transforms the Middle School's fifty-year-old facility into an exterior and interior teaching landscape. Designed to foster an ethic of social and environmental responsibility in each student, the facility demonstrates a responsible relationship between the natural and the built environment. Smart water management was the focus of the project design. A central courtyard with a rain garden, pond, and constructed wetland has been designed to utilize storm and wastewater for both ecological and educational purposes. More than 50 plant species, all native to the Chesapeake Bay region, were introduced in the landscape and there was extensive use of reclaimed stone for steps and walls and concrete containing recycled slag for walkways. Includes details of the site context, sustainable practices, monitoring information, maintenance, and lessons learned.
Water Conservation Tips and Information, Relating to the Construction and Maintenance of Public Schools in North Carolina.
(Public Schools of North Carolina, School Planning Section, Raleigh , Jan 2008)
Offers water conservation tips for school kitchens, athletic fields, and restrooms. 4p.
Wisconsin Green & Healthy Schools Program Assessment.
(Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison , 2008)
These assessment forms are designed to help schools identify what types of healthy, safe, and environmentally sound activities are already in place and where the school can improve its efforts. The Wisconsin program requires that the energy, waste, and recycling, and water sections be done along with any two of the remaining sections that cover chemicals, community involvement, facilities and grounds, indoor air quality, integrated pest management, mercury, and transportation.
Water Quality Funding Sources.
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC , Oct 2006)
Provides detail on 65 potential funding resources to help school and child care facilities implement drinking water quality programs. The guide includes information on the funding priorities, grant-making history, available funding, eligibility criteria, and geographic focus of each donor. 79p.
Report NO: EPA 816-B-06-005
The Real Dry Facts.
(SchoolFacilities.com, Orange, CA , Jan 2006)
Describes how waterless urinals work, what they cost to buy and operate, and documents their successful installation in several schools in Floyd County, Georgia. 2p.
Water Conservation Ideas for Schools and Colleges.
(Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 2006)
Present general water conservation ideas for schools, as well as suggestion for specific areas such as kitchens, pools, and grounds.
Water Systems on School Grounds
(EcoSchool Design , 2006)
This is a list of resources providing information about water systems on school grounds, including watershed projects, water recycling, constructed wetlands, storm drains, etc. There is also a list of case studies with examples of some of the water projects that are already working at schools around the world.
Energy and Water Conservation: Techniques to Reduce Waste and Improve the Budgetary Bottom Line.
Peterson, David (The Council of Educational Facility Planners International, Scottsdale, AZ , May 2004)
Presents simple ways to lower energy and water costs for existing school facilities that do not involve renovation or retrofitting. An inspection of bills and meters may reveal overcharges, duplicate billings, and inefficient payment processing. Adjustments to HVAC, light usage, and grounds watering can often be made without any negative impact on the facility or user comfort. Often, ignorance of systems settings create excess usage that is easily remedied by educating the staff. 4p.
Report NO: Issuetrak 17
Water Conservation at Work.
(City of Greeley, CO , 2004)
Presents a checklist to help facility managers evaluate the appropriateness of various water-saving adjustments. Specific suggestions for kitchens, pools, HVAC, cleaning, maintenance, and grounds are offered. 6p.
Water Efficiency and Management in Schools, Colleges, and Athletic Facilities.
(North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, Raleigh, 2003)
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Water Management program has
produced surveys and water efficiency plans for almost a dozen schools and athletic facilities, including high schools, vocational-technical schools, colleges, universities and YMCAs. The facilities studied had annual water usage ranging from 2 million gallons to over 17 million gallons. This lists some suggestions and examples of Water Efficiency Measures (WEMs) that have proven successful or have potential applications in typical facilities studied throughout the MWRA service area. Water and sewer rates, as well as cost/savings paybacks, are based on 1993 figures for all examples.
Water Conservation Checklist: Schools/Education Facilities. Every Drop Counts.
(North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, Raleigh , Aug 2002)
This describes numerous steps that schools can take to implement a successful water conservation program, including initiating a school-wide conservation campaign, identifying water usage and repair leaks, fixture and equipment retrofits, water recycling, etc. 3p.
National Best Practices Manual for Building High Performance Schools.
(U.S. Dept. of Energy, National Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, CO. , 2002)
This guide was developed specifically for architects and engineers who are responsible for designing or retrofitting schools, and for the project managers who work with the design teams. The design strategies presented here are organized into 10 chapters covering important design disciplines and goals: (1) site design; (2) daylighting and windows; (3) energy-efficient building shell; (4) lighting and electrical systems; (5) mechanical and ventilation systems; (6) renewable energy systems; (7) water conservation; (8) recycling systems and waste management; (9) transportation; and (10) resource-efficient building products. An additional chapter addresses commissioning and maintenance practices. Each chapter contains a list of related resources. 457p.
Report NO: DOE/GO-102002-1610
Water Conservation Tips for Schools.
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1. , 2002)
Schools use a tremendous amount of water everyday, and require water for their heating and cooling systems, restrooms, drinking water faucets, locker rooms, cafeteria, laboratories, and outdoor playing fields and lawns. To reduce water use in the school, EPA suggests replacing old equipment such as dishwashers with energy-saving devices, repairing water leaks and leaky toilets, installing water aerators and automatic shut-off devices on faucets, using low-flow shower heads and timer shut-off devices to reduce water use during showers, and installing toilet dams on older models. This also describes WAVE (Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency), an EPA program designed to focus attention on the value of water and the need for efficient use of this important natural resource.
Water Saving Tips for Schools and Colleges.
(Maryland Department of the Environment, 1999)
Includes a list of general suggestions as well as specific tips on building maintenance, kitchen and laundry areas, pool, and exterior areas.
Green Investment, Green Return: How Practical Conservation Projects Save Millions on America's Campuses.
Eagan, David; Keniry, Julian (National Wildlife Federation, Reston, VA , 1998)
Highlights 23 cost-saving conservation initiatives at 15 public and private postsecondary institutions across the United States. Savings per project ranged from little more than $1,000 to $9 million, and the total savings across the 23 projects were $16.8 million, which represents an average of $728,500 per campus. The projects address issues of transportation, energy and water conservation, materials re-use and redistribution, composting, recycling, and management of hazardous chemicals. 77p.
Saving Water. Managing School Facilities Guide 1.
(Department for Education, Architects and Building Branch, London, England , 1993)
This guide, aimed at British teachers and school board members, looks at typical water costs for schools and points out financial and environmental benefits of using water economically. Describes ways of saving water, including leak detection and urinal flush controllers. A school water management checklist is included. 17p.
References to Journal Articles
Water Conservation Focus of Grounds Department's Efforts
Hounsell, Dan Maintenance Solutions; Oct 2011
Describes how the California Institute of Technology grounds department installed a weather station and a computerized irrigation system. The control system applies the least amount of water necessary for the current climactic conditions, including air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar.
Uncovering Hidden Water Efficiency. [Mechanical Systems: Targeting Water Efficiency.] Piper, James Maintenance Solutions; v19 n7 , p10,12 ; Jul 2011
Confronts continued water inefficiency by suggesting a number of steps to curtail water use by mechanical systems, i particular, boilers and water heaters, without disrupting operations. Author calls for tracking water use, controlling contaminants, and focusing on water heaters.
The Basics of a Water Audit. Reichardt, Klaus Facility Management Journal; v21 n4 , p36,37,39,40 ; Jul-Aug 2011
Discusses the steps of a water audit for a building, followed by advice on the prioritization of water-saving measures.
A Balancing Act for Water Conservation. Huff, Winston Maintenance Solutions; v19 n5 , p13-15 ; May 2011
Discusses toilet selection options, including the water use, maintenance requirements, and practicality of various models and valve configurations.
Slow the Flow. Kennedy, Mike American School and University; v83 n9 , p32,34,35 ; May 2011
Notes that facility restrooms typically account for 45 percent of water consumption, and outlines the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program, which puts its imprimatur on low water-use fixtures.
Strategies for Sustainable Landscapes. Moore, Bruce Maintenance Solutions; v19 n5 , p24,26 ; May 2011
Discusses current high-efficiency irrigation systems, low-maintenance and regionally hardy plants, and integrated pest management for more environmentally conscious and affordable landscapes.
A Fresh Focus on Water Issues. Reichardt, Klaus Facility Management Journal; v21 n3 , p68,70,71 ; May-Jun 2011
Confronts reality of U.S. water shortages and the challenges facing repair and maintenance of water-related infrastructure. School facilities managers can do the following: 1) Go beyond the current federal mandates for water-conserving features in restrooms and bathrooms, where most of the water is used in commercial facilities. 2) Install no-water fixtures such as waterless urinals. 3) Use sensor-operated restroom fixtures. 4) Transfer to xeriscape landscaping system.
Finding a Balance.
Przyborowski, Danielle College Planning and Management; v14 n3 , p47-50 ; Mar 2011
Addresses current trends in the invisible components of building systems: foam duct insulation, greener energy systems, and water resource conservation. The article highlights Pennsylvania State University steps to establish an Energy Innovation Hub to be located at Philadelphia Navy Yard Clean Energy campus.
Flush Rainwater, Not Money, Down Your Toilets.
Wroblaski, Kylie Buildings; v105 n2 , p36-38,40 ; Feb 2011
Examines the feasibility of rainwater harvesting, and offers expanded understanding of possible uses of rainwater besides toilet water and other non-potable applications. Effective retention and reuse can result in LEED points.
Respecting the Elements.
Henry, Carol American School and University; v83 n3 , p229-231 ; Nov 2010
Discusses sustainable school landscape design and maintenance. Promotion of low-maintenance plantings, green roofs, LED landscape lighting, synthetic athletic turf, reducing impermeable surfaces, and water conservation are addressed.
Plumbing Retrofits: Measure of Success.
Westerkamp, John Maintenance Solutions; v18 n11 , p10,11 ; Nov 2010
Describes various methods of auditing a facility's water use, quantifies the benefits of water savings, and describes a number of water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
LEED Makes the Case for Water Efficiency.
Zimmerman, Greg Building Operating Management; v57 n11 , p20,22,24 ; Nov 2010
Discusses the use of LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (LEED-EBOM) guidelines to implement water saving in buildings. LEED-EBOM requires a 20 percent reduction of water for certification, and extra points are available for exceeding that. Analyzing water use can be difficult with older fixtures, but many plumbing upgrades are easy and inexpensive. Submetering will reveal how much water various building functions use, and occupant participation is essential.
Water Efficiency Measures on School Campuses: A Case Study.
Dove, Daniel; Helgason, Loren Green Building Pro; Sep 21, 2010
Profiles George Washington University's Square 80, a sustainable outdoor plaza. Rainwater harvesting, native plants, pervious pavement, roof water collection, cisterns, and biofiltration planters are described.
Plumbing: Retrofits That Pay.
Hughel, Gregory Maintenance Solutions; v18 n8 , p12,13 ; Aug 2010
Provides a step-by-step strategy for making decisions on choice and effectiveness of retrofits to a school 's water-use systems.
Technological Advancements.
Kennedy, Mike American School and University; v82 n10 , p26-29 ; May 2010
Balances the need for restroom design and equipment providing good hygiene with the need for judicious use of skin care supplies and amount of water used in showers, sinks, and toilets.
The Top Ten Energy Wasters in K-12 Facilities (and What to Do about Them).
Leathers, Dave School Business Affairs; v76 n4 , p32-34 ; May 2010
Presents the top ten sources of wasted energy and water in schools, along with suggestion for how to mitigate them. These involve HVAC systems, lighting, and plumbing.
Green School Design.
Andary, John School Planning and Management; v49 n4 , p64,66,68 ; Apr 2010
Uses the Michael J. Homer Science and Live Center at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, Califonia, as an example of early and high attainment in the LEED certification scheme. The LEED Platinum-rated facility consumes 69 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than a typical school building of similar size. Intensive "green" strategies are described, including energy recovery from appliances, photovoltaics, and evaporative cooling.
Going Green by Saving Blue.
Kind, Joanna Buildings; v104 n4 , p46-49 ; Apr 2010
Advises on water conservation by submetering to determine specific use, thoughtful landscaping that does not need watering, careful installation and maintenance of efficient irrigation systems, and watering landscapes only when necessary.
Waste Not.
Kennedy, Mike American School and University; v82 n7 , p38-41 ; Mar 2010
Advises on water savings and hygiene in school bathrooms. Choices in toilet types and hand-drying equipment are addressed.
Want to Turn Off the Tap on Water Waste? These Programs Can Help.
Snyder, Loren Building Operating Management; v57 n3 , p12,13 ; Mar 2010
Advises on use of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense label to select products that save water. Case studies are included.
Drowning in the Desert.
Sorvig, Kim Landscape Architecture; v100 n1 , p26,28-30,32,34,36 ; Jan 2010
Profiles the University of Arizona's Underwood Garden, a lush plaza that uses collected rainwater and water reclaimed from HVAC systems. After the budget for the project was eliminated, non-profit and business donations underwrote its construction.
Best Practices for Sustainable Design of Vivariums.
Cordes, Edwin; Crow, Carl Laboratory Design; v14 n12 , p10,12 ; Dec 2009
Provides an overview of the reasons for and benefits of sustainable design of vivariums. Specific strategies for improving water efficiency and saving energy are discussed.
Water Conservation for Your Landscaping.
Santos, Eric Buildings; v103 n12 , p34-36 ; Dec 2009
Discusses incorporation of landscape management into building operation plans, illustrated by examples of conservation techniques using low-water plantings, turf area reduction, mulching in place, and drip irrigation.
Plumbing: Rewarding Retrofits.
Matt, Chris Maintenance Solutions; v17 n11 , p18,19 ; Nov 2009
Describes conversion to water-saving plumbing fixtures at the University of Georgia, as well as attention to water use in cooling towers and research buildings. A saving of 90 million gallons of annual water use per year was realized.
Turn Off the Tap: Saving H2O One Drop at a Time.
Zimmerman, Rob Facility Management Journal; v19 n6 , p52-53,55 ; Nov-Dec 2009
Discusses the cost of transporting and treating water, building functions that do not require potable water, and increasing regulation covering water consumption
Restrooms: Upgrade to Green.
Huff, Winston Maintenance Solutions; v17 n10 , p8,10 ; Oct 2009
Discusses water-saving restroom fixtures, including high-efficiency toilets, and sensor-activated flushing controls. Different faucet flow rates for different types of hand washing are also addressed, as are potential incentives from local water utilities for reducing water use.
A Lesson in Sustainability.
Environmental Design and Construction; v12 n9 , p18-22 ; Sep 2009
Profiles the recycling of an outdated campus building into the new home for Arizona State University's School of Sustainability and Global Institute of Sustainability. The energy and water conservation features are described, as is the extensive recycled material content. Five additional environmentally conscious higher educational facilities are also cited in the article.
Soaking up the Storm.
Hieber, Mark; King, Susan Environmental Design and Construction; v12 n9 ; Sep 2009
Describes how Lawrence Technological University responded to a mandate to control rainwater runoff with a green roof on its new student services building, graywater toilets, and bioswales. Project statistics, a list of design and construction participants, and list of materials used are included.
Medina School Celebrates Cycles of Nature, Learning.
McConachie, Lorne Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce; Aug 2009
Profiles the St. Thomas School in Medina, Washington. The LEED Gold private K-6 school features areas where boundaries between learning and play do not exist at the early grades. The school is daylit, naturally ventilated, has stormwater collection features, porous pavement, and visual aids that express the cycles of nature through the seasonal stages of the oak tree.
Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School.
Architectural Record; Jul 2009
Profiles this new New York private middle school. Features such as the third floor roof garden and rainwater-collecting cistern that collects water for local irrigation contributed to the schools' LEED Silver certification. Project information, plans, and photographs are included.
Earth, Wind, and Fire.
Gold, Donna; Ferlazzo, Mike College Planning and Management; v12 n7 , p22,-24,26-28 ; Jul 2009
Profiles three colleges’ respective use of wind power, composting, solar energy, geothermal systems, and intense water conservation.
Smart Landscaping for Your Facility.
Hanson, Dave Facility Management Journal; v19 n4 , p52-55 ; Jul-Aug 2009
Advises on replacing high-maintenance landscapes with those that use less water, heartier plants, sophisticated and properly zoned water delivery systems. Updating landscaping when buildings are renovated is recommended.
Performance Contract Saves Energy and Money.
Kollie, Ellen School Planning and Management; v48 n5 , p26,28,30,31 ; May 2009
Uses the Metro Nashville Public Schools' experience with an energy performance contract to illustrate savings realized in energy and water usage through updated fixtures and equipment. The energy auditing process, funding, and phasing of the improvements are discussed.
ASU Polytechnic Green.
Smith, Susan Architecture Week; , pB1.1-B1.3 ; Apr 22, 2009
Profiles the new academic complex at the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus. Horizontal shades allow daylighting while protecting the building from extreme desert sun. Shaded walkways and courtyards create outdoor circulation areas that do not require air conditioning, photovoltaic panels adorn the roof, bioswales capture rainwater, and native plantings are used.
Environmentally Conscious Changes on Campus.
Lany, Tom; Owens, Charles College Planning and Management; v12 n4 , p62,64,66,67 ; Apr 2009
Profiles environmental efforts at Gustavus Adolphus College, including plastic carry-out dinnerware that is to be returned, washed, and reused; higher efficiency lighting, low water- use toilets, and high-efficiency clothes washers.
Going Green Can Mean Savings for Schools, Districts.
Moore, Deb School Planning and Management; v48 n4 , p12 ; Apr 2009
Outlines typical building features that contribute to sustainability. These include cool roofs, daylighting, energy-efficient artificial lighting, displacement ventilation, low-VOC carpet and finishes, flooring from renewable sources, water-efficient and waterless fixtures, xeriscaping, and green cleaning.
Saving Water, Saving Dollars.
Reichardt, Klaus College Planning and Management; v12 n4 , p54,56,58,60 ; Apr 2009
Reviews worsening drought situations worldwide, increasing demands for water, typical municipal efforts to curb water use, and higher education efforts to reduce water use in restrooms and to capture rainwater.
Going Green by Thinking Blue.
Womack, Jack School Planning and Management; v48 n4 , p38,40-42,44 ; Apr 2009
Discusses the use of rainwater as a teaching tool, by creating rain gardens bioswales, permeable pavers, and green roofs at school facilities. Explanations of these four features and advice on how to create them are offered, along with advantages of retaining rainwater onsite and use of native plant species.
Putting Waterless to Work.
Yon, Douglas; Cosaboon, David Maintenance Solutions; v17 n1 , p8,10 ; Jan 2009
Describes three current designs for waterless urinals, how they are installed in existing restrooms, maintenance and cleaning of the units, and training of custodial staff to work with them.
The Greener Side of Restroom Design.
Alderson, Kris American School and Hospital Facility; v31 n6 , p18-20 ; Nov-Dec 2008
Discusses strategies for energy- and water-saving restrooms, including low-volume toilets, waterless urinals, furnishings made of recycled content, and touchless fixtures.
Necessary Upgrades.
Watson, John American School and University; v80 n13 , p175-178 ; Aug 2008
Discusses water-saving restroom upgrades for existing campus facilities. Water-saving toilets and urinals are recommended for first consideration, and advice on earning LEED points for these upgrades is included.
Sustainability Spotlight: Water Conservation.
Westerkamp, Thomas Maintenance Solutions; v16 n8 , p18,20 ; Aug 2008
Identifies typical sources of water waste in restrooms, HVAC systems, landscaping, and custodial procedures. Techniques for finding leaks and waste are described, as is an approach to quantifying savings from water-saving upgrades.
Rainwater: The Untapped Resource.
Nicklas, Michael High Performing Buildings; , p26-28,30-32,34-36 ; Summer 2008
Discusses the relationship of water use to energy consumption, and advocates for greater use of collected rainwater for irrigation and toilets. Advantages of rainwater use include reduction of stormwater runoff, municipal water use, and chlorine use. Advice on designing a collection, storage, and distribution system is accompanied by charts illustrating water savings from four North Carolina schools. Includes 11 references.
Why It's Worthwhile to Install Touchfree Plumbing.
Watson, John American School and Hospital Facility; v31 n4 , p6,8,9 ; Jul-Aug 2008
Contradicts three excuses generally given for not using touchfree bathroom fixtures, and lists a variety of water-saving and health considerations that support its installation. Results of research regarding the quantity of germs on traditional sink hardware are accompanied by a review of the varieties of options in touchfree systems.
Quality Counts.
Alderson, Kris American School and University; v80 n11 , p32-34 ; Jun 2008
Reviews nationwide efforts to reduce energy and water consumption at schools, and briefly profiles water-saving strategies for restrooms including efficient toilets, showers, and lavatories.
It's Not Easy Being Green.
Milshtein, Amy College Planning and Management; v11 n4 , p38,40,42 ; Apr 2008
Describes ways to "recommission" existing higher education buildings for energy and water savings.
Plumbing: The Repair-Replace Decision.
Van der Have, Pieter Maintenance Solutions; v16 n4 , p27,28,30 ; Apr 2008
Advises on identifying reasons for excessive wear on plumbing fixtures and funding replacement systems.
Frugal Flow.
Nortier, Richard American School and University; v80 n7 , p34-36 ; Mar 2008
Reviews water-saving school restroom devices, including high-use flushing devices and monitored plumbing control systems.
Conserving Water Gets the Spotlight.
Shoemaker, Dawn Campus Facility Maintenance; v4 n3 , p26,27 ; Fall 2007
Reviews water-saving dual flush toilets and waterless urinals, including the savings on plumbing and maintenance costs realized with waterless urinals.
Greener Pastures.
Kennedy, Mike American School and University; v80 n1 , p40,42,43 ; Sep 2007
Briefly reviews energy saving and generating strategies,including daylighting, water conservation and recycling strategies, geothermal HVAC sytesm, and wind and solar energy.
Water, Water Everywhere.
Milshtein, Amy School Planning and Management; v46 n7 , p34,36,37 ; Jul 2007
Discusses techniques for keeping water out of school buildings. Air spaces between exterior and interior walls, weep holes in the masonry, and waterproofing applications are described, as are new roof bonding agents and green roofs. New lining products and techniques for ductwork and plumbing are also described.
Water Ways.
Jahrling, Peter American School and University; v79 n11 , p32-37 ; Jun 2007
Discusses water saving fixtures for school restrooms. Government definitions of efficiency and potential savings are discussed, and tables assist in providing baseline comparisons of regular, ultra-consumption, and zero-consumption toilets and sinks.
Palm Beach Schools Committed to Saving Water and Labor with Waterfree Urinals
Consulting-Specifying Engineer; Apr 23, 2007
In 2004, the Palm Beach School District made the formal decision to install water free urinals in all new middle and high schools. The district is also systematically replacing any older model urinal that uses more than one gallon of water per flush. This discusses how the urinals work and their advantages.
Mountain Range High School.
Design Cost Data; v51 n2 , p30,32 ; Mar-Apr 2007
Profiles this Colorado low-energy use school that boasts an 80% reduction in potable water consumption by irrigating with reclaimed water provided by the city. Building statistics, a list of the project participants, cost details, floor plans, and photographs are included.
The Grass is Greener on This Side.
Pascopella, Angela District Administration; v42 n8 , p42-44,46,48,50 ; Aug 2006
Highlights practices within the five most popular ways to create a "green" school: lighting, indoor air quality, minimizing waste, HVAC systems, and water conservation.
Straight Flush.
Allen, Jim American School and University; v78 n12 , p44-47 ; Jul 2006
Reviews water-saving toilet options such as urinals that use very little water and dual-flush toilets. Increasingly, legislative mandates to reduce water use and rebate plans for installing super-efficient fixtures motivate schools to retrofit their restrooms.
New-generation Maintenance Issues
Huff, Winston Maintenance Solutions; v14 n6 ; Jun 2006
The plumbing industry is responding to changing priorities in facilities by producing fixtures that use less water and, as a result, produce less waste. But because these fixtures use technology advances not available with standard fixtures, managers should be aware they often demand new installation and maintenance routines. This discusses waterless urinals, dual-flush water closets, sensor-operated fixtures, low-flow water closets, and low-flow showers.
Maximize Your Water Use, Minimize Your Chemical Applications.
School Planning and Management; v45 n4 , pG14,G16,G18,G20 ; Apr 2006
Outlines components and scheduling for a turf irrigation system and program, emphasizing precision irrigation to safe water and reduce chemical use.
Defending the Bathroom.
Fickes, Michael School Planning and Management; v45 n3 , p38,40,41 ; Mar 2006
Describes vandal- and corrosion-resistant restroom fixtures and waterless urinals.
Hold the Water.
Kravitz, Robert; Reichardt, Klaus American School and University; v78 n6 , p31-33 ; Feb 2006
Describes the amount of water that urinals typically use, and then cites water savings that can be realized with waterless urinals in schools. Advice on choosing and maintaining waterless units is included.
Water Conservation Rules Spreading
Vickers, Amy Building Operating Management; Apr 2005
Federal, state and local requirements are helping to drive use of water-efficient technologies. This provides an overview of technologies and practices that can curb water consumption, including waterless urinals and low volume plumbing fixtures.
Coloring It "Green."
Alderson, Kris American School and University; v77 n6 , p23-25 ; Feb 2005
Describes attributes of high performance schools, the six areas which are scored to obtain LEED certification, and water saving ideas that can be implemented in landscape and restroom design and practices.
Making Waterless Work
Hounsell, Dan Maintenance Solutions; Feb 2005
The University of Southern Maine's investigation and installation of waterless urinals reveals both benefits and challenges. Driven by concerns over the rising costs of water and sewer utilities, and the awareness of all facilities’ impact on the environment, the university now has expanded their use to about 40 units in 10 buildings on two of its three campuses.
Special Report: Green Restrooms. Rising Water Awareness.
Piper, James Maintenance Solutions; Nov 2004
Studies of facilities have shown that 30-50 percent of the total, non-process water use in a typical facility flows through restrooms. So the restroom is an excellent place to examine first when seeking ways to reduce water use and costs. This discusses low-flow fixtures, automatic controls, graywater systems, point-of-use water heaters, waterless urinals, and maintenance.
Public Health Worries Shape Restroom Choices
Windle, Lynn Proctor Building Operating Management; Nov 2004
Facility executives can turn to improved technology and a wider array of options to address costs and water efficiency as well as hygiene concerns. This discusses innovations in restroom fixture and accessory design — particularly with regard to touchless technologies. Restroom patrons can use the toilet, wash their hands, leave the room, and hardly touch a thing. Water conservation also figures heavily in restroom innovations, particularly in terms of implementing sensor technology.
Preventing Water Woes
Deress, David Maintenance Solutions; Jun 2004
A building’s exterior should look good, and it should keep the exterior environment out while providing a healthy, comfortable interior environment for occupants.
This article takes a closer look at the roles of exterior coatings, maintenance, and wall-system design in developing a comprehensive waterproofing strategy.
Slowing the Flow.
Kennedy, Mike American School and University; v76 n10 , p38,40-42 ; May 2004
Describes water-saving fixtures for restrooms, including waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, no-touch hand washer/dryers, and "graywater" toilets.
Outside of the Mainstream
Westerkamp, Thomas Maintenance Solutions; Feb 2004
Waterless urinals, specified and installed strategically, can offer managers an alternative that can ease facility water use and maintenance needs. This article reviews the benefits and drawbacks of waterless technology options, and discusses additional facility considerations.
A Building Lovely as a Tree.
Calmenson, Diane Wintroub Interior and Sources; , 5p. ; Sep 09, 2002
Article provides detailed description of new Center for the Environment at Catawba Collge in Salisbury, NC. The 21,000-square-foot, three-story building was designed to be sustainably constructed. Energy systems include photovoltaic and solar panels, closed-loop geo-exchange heating and cooling, rainwater runoff collection for irrigation, and light and occupancy sensors. Recycled building materials were used and construction debris was carefully managed, resulting in a recycling rate of 86%.
Wake Schools Adopt New Water Conservation Measures.
(WRAL.com, Aug 20, 2002)
Describes Wake County Schools (North Carolina) actions to adhere to Gov. Mike Easley's request to conserve water.
School for The Millenium: New Suburban Seattle Elementary School Features Many
Green Elements, Illustrates Green Building Challenges
Pacific Northwest Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Newsletter; Nov 30, 2000
Millenium Elementary School in suburban Seattle features a geothermal heating/cooling system, stormwater reuse, solar-energy panels, a small wind turbine, waterless urinals and
assorted other resource-saving features. The Kent School District bills its newest school as a green prototype, and an excellent place to teach the environmental message to children.
Going for a Dip.
Sturgeon, Julie College Planning and Management; v3 n11 , p36-38-40 ; Nov 2000
Explains how Cornell University is using lake water to cool 40 percent of the space in its central campus. Payback cost estimates and design and engineering issues are examined.
Stormwater, Students, and Swamp.
Leeds, Charles W. Facilities Manager; v16 n5 , p40-41 ; Sep-Oct 2000
Discusses Villanova University's (Pennsylvania) development of a stormwater wetland area to help collect water from small storms, remove sediment and pollutants, and return the water into a local stream.
Waste Not, Want Not
Jones, Rebecca American School Board Journal; v186 n1 , p16-19 ; Jan 1999
A conservation program is credited with saving schools $9 million in Portland, Oregon, over the last eight years. Effective retrofits include a computerized energy-management system, new lighting, and credit meters in school sprinkling systems. Teachers incorporate energy conservation into classrooms by encouraging students to conduct energy audits.
Cornell U. Pursues a $60-Million Plan To Cool Its Campus with Cayuga's Water.
Basinger, Julianne Chronicle of Higher Education; v44 n46 , pA28-A29 ; Jul 24, 1998
Cornell University (New York) plans to use the icy waters of nearby Cayuga Lake to air-condition the campus, but recognizes they can do so only with the community's
cooperation. Critics fear the move will change the lake's ecological balance. The university's decision and a subsequent public relations campaign is viewed by some as arrogant.
Water, Water Everywhere.
Choudhury, Margaret School Planning and Management; Mar 1998
Conserving water can save the school district money. Here is the latest
in water conservation toilets, urinals, faucets, and shower systems.
Flushing Out Solutions.
Baz, Jose American School and University; v69 n11 , p52-53 ; Jul 1997
Discusses the use of pressure-assist technology to cut water usage
volume in schools. Answers questions concerning whether to retrofit
school washrooms with pressure-assisted technology and how much
water would be conserved. Where to get more information on washrooms
is also provided.
Plumb Fittings.
Jahrling, Peter American School and University; v68 n9 , p34-36 ; May 1996
Discusses the electronic retrofitting of educational facilities plumbing
systems. Some advantages of an electronic plumbing retrofit are cost,
hygiene, water conservation, and meeting Americans with Disabilities
Act 1990 (ADA) requirements. Issues important to the planning of a
successful project are detailed.
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