MaterialSpaceDetails - GSA Sustainable Facilities Tool

Design Guidance

Overall Strategies

Water consumption may be reduced by installing or retrofitting fixtures that are more efficient than code. New technology has resulted in reliable low-flow fixtures. However, always ensure the building pressure is adjusted and in compliance with the plumbing fixture manufacturer's recommendations in order for fixtures to work optimally.

Best Practices

Install new plumbing fixtures that are durable, effective, and water-efficient.
Retrofit existing plumbing fixtures with equipment to maintain functionality but reduce water use.
Provide water-efficient showers for staff that bicycle or run to work.

Compare Plumbing Fixtures Options

- Conventional Urinal
- Low-Flow Urinal
- Waterless Urinal
- High-Efficiency Urinal (HEU)
- Low-Flow Faucet
- Metering / Sensor-operated
- Conventional Faucet
- High-Efficiency Faucet
- Conventional Shower
- Low-Flow Shower
- High-Efficiency Shower
- Conventional Toilets
- Pressure-Assisted Toilets
- Dual-flush Toilets
- Composting Toilets
- High-Efficiency Toilets
- Low-Flow Toilets

EB = Existing BuildingsNC = New Construction and Major Renovation

Federal Requirements

Guiding Principles

Products ( Guiding Principles criteria 5.3)

Section: Guiding Principle 5:  Reduce the Environmental Impact of Materials

“Procure and utilize construction materials and building supplies that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment over their life cycle when compared with competing products that serve the same purpose.”

See the Green Procurement Compilation (GPC) for federal requirements by product type.
Whole Building Design Guide | Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers
EPA Greener Products and Services
2018 IgCC Section 901
Water Metering ( Guiding Principles criteria 3.2)

Section: Guiding Principle 3:  Protect and Conserve Water

“Install building level water meters in order to track and continuously optimize indoor potable water use, including detection of leaks.”

DOE | Federal Metering Guidance
2018 IgCC Section 601
Indoor Water Use ( Guiding Principles criteria 4.6)

Section: Guiding Principle 3:  Protect and Conserve Water

“Minimize the use and waste of indoor potable water, and in accordance with statue, implement water conservation technologies to the maximum extent that the technologies are life cycle cost-effective. Purchase water conserving products and ensure optimized indoor water operations to the maximum extent practicable.”

DOE’s Developing a Water Management Plan
FEMP | Best Management Practices for Water Efficiency
EPA | WaterSense
2018 IgCC Section 601

Plumbing Fixtures

Design Guidance

Overall Strategies

Best Practices

Compare Plumbing Fixtures Options

Federal Requirements

Guiding Principles

Products ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 5.3</span>)

Water Metering ( Guiding Principles criteria 3.2)

Indoor Water Use ( <span>Guiding Principles criteria 4.6</span>)