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Low Flow

Low flow plumbing fixtures use less water than their conventional counterparts by providing water at a lower rate.  Conventional fixtures typically base their water usage on the current Energy Policy Act (EPAct) which dictates the maximum allowable water usage per fixture type.  To significantly reduce water use, building managers can install fixtures that use less water than the baseline.  For instance, for commercial restroom sinks (also known as lavatories), the current baseline is 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm).  By installing 0.5 gpm aerators, the building can save 1.7 gallons per minute of run time.

www.epa.gov/watersense

www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/products/bathroom_sink_faucets.html

Learn & Plan Topics

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Overview

    When seeking to make the most sustainable choice, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides the most data to inform your decision. By including the impacts throughout the product life cycle, LCA provides a comprehensive view of the environmental aspects of the product or process and a more accurate picture of the true environmental trade-offs in product and process selection.

  • Materials, Furniture, and Furnishings Replacement

    Daily wear and tear means that materials, furniture and furnishings require periodic replacement.

  • Space Reconfiguration and Renovation Projects

    As needs change over time, tenants often need to convert space or phase the conversion of individual space or rooms to meet these changing needs.

  • Spatial Equity

    Organizations today are less hierarchical and work is more team based, more mobile, and more cross functional. A key to spatial equity is that space layout and workstation standards are based on new ways of working and specific work tasks and business needs rather than organizational hierarchy.

  • Building Systems Upgrades

    The following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as your space undergoes a building system upgrade to improve energy, water use and occupant comfort. Refer to the Share Section for a representative project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.

  • Under 10,000 SF Interiors Gut Rehab Project

    Following are Sustainable Strategies to consider as the space has or will undergo a major tenant gut rehab for projects under 10,000 SF. Note to use a current version of LEED for Commercial Interiors for tenant improvement projects over 10,000 SF. Refer to the Share Section for a represented project Case Study to discover key practices, benefits, results and checklists.

  • Sustainable Building Operations and Maintenance Services

    Follow these sustainable strategies as your space renovations are complete and the building and interiors are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner. Operations staff should endeavor to establish best practices in energy efficiency, resource conservation, ecologically sensitive products, and other sustainable practices, and implement them.

  • Health

    Good health has both physical and psychological components. Being healthy means the absence of disease and illness, as well as feeling positive about life and work. The workplace can play a role in the health of workers by eliminating risks and creating conditions that support cognitive, emotional, and social well being.


Whole Building Analysis


Materials

  • Low-flow Faucet

    Low-flow faucets are those that use less than 2.2 gallons of water per minute GPM. Most faucet manufacturers make low-flow faucets and/or aerators that restrict the flow of water. Low-flow faucets within kitchens or breakrooms are typically manual faucets.

  • Low-Flow Shower

    Low-flow showerheads use less than 2.5 gallons of water per minute GPM. Look for dual-flow shower controls that allow the user to reduce and restore the water flow during times of soaping and rinsing while maintaining the same temperature of the water.

  • Glass - Low Emissivity

    A Low-E coating is a microscopic thin layer of metal or metal oxide deposited on window glass to prevent heat and ultra-violet (UV) rays from passing through the glass.

  • Pressure-Assisted / Low-flow

    Pressure-assisted toilets use the pressure from the main water line to more efficiently empty the bowl and use less water. Low-flow flush valves used in toilets are those that use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.

  • Low-Flow

    Low-flow faucets use aerators to restrict the flow of water to less than 2.2 gallons of water per minute GPM. Most manufactures make low-flow aerators for both manual and metering faucets.

  • Low-Flow Urinal

    Low-flow urinals are those that use less than 1.0 gallon of water per flush. Low-flow urinal flush valves are available in varying levels of water use, from 0.5 gpf to 0.125 gpf.

  • Metering / Sensor-operated

    Metering faucets dispense water for a pre-determined period of time. Combined with a low-flow aerator, metering faucets deliver a pre-defined volume of water (0.125 gpc - gallon per cycle). Electronic faucets use a motion controlled sensor to activate water flow. They can either be programmed to turn off when motion ceases or based on a predetermined period of time. Both metering and sensor-operated faucets can use low-flow aerators; however, the faucet may cost more than conventional faucets.

  • Daylight Controls

    Daylight controls measure the amount of daylight/ambient light in a room and adjust the electric light levels accordingly. Daylight controls should be designed with multiple zones to reflect the differing levels of ambient light entering a space. In areas closest to the window where there is a great deal of daylight in the space, the controls dim the electric light levels; and in areas farther away from the window with lower levels of daylight, the controls increase the amount of electric light in the space.

  • Daylight Controls

    Daylight controls measure the amount of daylight/ambient light in a room and adjust the electric light levels accordingly. Daylight controls should be designed with multiple zones to reflect the differing levels of ambient light entering a space. In areas closest to the window where there is a great deal of daylight in the space, the controls dim the electric light levels; and in areas farther away from the window with lower levels of daylight, the controls increase the amount of electric light in the space.

  • Dual-flush Toilets

    Dual-flush toilets have two levels of flushing - one for solid waste and a lower flush for liquid waste. There are dual-flush options for both commercial flush valve applications and for tank-type toilets.

  • Casework / Millwork

    Select casework and millwork that have sustainable attributes such as rapidly renewable, recycled content and sustainably managed forest material. Also look for products that are low-VOC and formaldehyde-free. In addition, consider ease of maintenance and durability when choosing any material.

  • Skylights / Solar Tubes

    Skylights/light tubes allow daylight to penetrate into a space. They are typically located in the roof/ceiling and can vary in size. Certain solar tracking skylights have mirrors in them that track the sun in order to maximize the amount of daylight brought into the space. Installation of either exterior baffles or interior shades on skylights provide control of natural light flow allowing for the minimization of heat gain and glare.

Green Products

  • Everything 77

    • Learn & Plan Topics 8

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    • Whole Building 42

    • Compare Materials 12

Procure Products 15

in the Green Procurement Compilation