Water Efficiency

Water efficiency can be defined as:

1. The accomplishment of a function, task, process, or result with the minimal amount of water feasible;
2. An indicator of the relationship between the amount of water required for a particular purpose and the amount of water used or delivered.

Though the two are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between water conservation and water efficiency. Water efficiency differs from water conservation in that it focuses on reducing waste. A proposition is that the key for efficiency is reducing waste, not restricting use. It also emphasises the influence consumers can have in water efficiency by making small behavioural changes to reduce water wastage and by choosing more water efficient products. Examples of water efficient steps includes fixing leaking taps, taking showers rather than baths, installing displacements devices inside toilet cisterns, and using dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. These are things that fall under the definition of water efficiency, as their purpose is to obtain the desired result or level of service with the least necessary water.

Water efficient solutions

According to Waterwise, here are some simple ways to be more water efficient at home:

• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth- a running tap can waste over six liters per minute.
• Putting a "hippo" or other displacement device into the toilet cistern.
• Fixing dripping taps. A dripping tap wastes thousands of litres of water a year.
• Using a full load in the dishwasher and washing machine. A person should be sure to buy a water efficient model when buying a new machine.
• Having a short shower instead of a bath.
• Washing fruits and vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap. Using the leftover water to feed houseplants.
• Using a watering can or a hosepipe with a trigger nozzle instead of a sprinkler.
• Using a bucket and sponge when washing the car rather than a running hosepipe.

Waterless Products

• Using waterless car wash products to wash cars, boats, motorcycles and bicycles. This could save up to 150 gallons of water per wash.

Environmentally Preferable Building Materials and Specifications

Enviromentally preferable building materials such as coal combustion products, foundry sand, and construction and demolition debris, can be recycled to meet the material needs of our construction industry. Industrial materials can be recycled in construction applications because they have many of the same chemical and physical properties as the virgin materials they replace. In some cases, they can even improve the quality of a product.

Specifications

Part 1.  General

1. Environmental Requirements

1. List applicable environmental standards, regulations, and requirements.
2. Include VOC requirements.
3. List recycled content requirements.
4. Identify reuse, recycling, and salvaging methods.
5. Reference Division 1 Environmental Procedures for Construction.
   i) VOCs or chemicals to avoid.
   ii) General environmental procedures.
   iii) Reuse, recycling, or salvaging requirements.
   iv) Healthful building maintenance.

Part 2.  Products

2. Specific Environmental Product Attributes

1. Product contains no xxxx chemicals (list and identify).
2. Product contains xx percent recycled content:
   i) Identify postindustrial recycled content.
   ii) Identify postconsumer recycled content.
3. Product is recyclable after useful life.
4. Product is certified by an independent third party.
   i) Recycled content.
   ii) Sustainably harvested.
5. Product is durable (list warranty).
6. Product is moisture resistant (if applicable).
7. Include any other environmental attributes.

Part 3.  Execution

3. Environmental Procedures

1. Address environmental installation of materials.
2. Include protection of materials.
3. Identify environmental methods of cleanup.
4. Include recycling of scrap during construction.
5. Reference Division 1 Environmental Procedures.