Title: Reading
Course: GFM 101 Fundamentals of Green Facilities Management > Section: GFM 101 Fundamentals of Green Facilities Management

Reading

(1/2)
System Impacts – Resource Impacts

A sustainable water system reduces not only overall water consumption but also the associated energy demand. Take steps to optimize the system’s efficiency, implement water conservation measures, and integrate water reuse/recycling strategies.

Water, while essential for human survival and a necessity within the office environment, has additional human impacts relating to health and safety.

Water and energy go hand-in-hand in a relationship often referred to as the "water-energy nexus." Financial cost savings are achieved through not only the reduction of utility potable water purchases and sewerage costs but also the energy costs to transport, treat and heat the associated water. Strategies that lessen the demand for heated water, such as limiting dishwasher cycles or installing aerated shower heads, further limit the associated energy or chemical costs to treat the water. Reductions in water consumption might additionally allow for the smaller, less-expensive pipes, fittings, and pumps. While utilizing reclaimed water sources have a cost premium of up to 15 percent of the total plumbing system^ (additional separate piping and storage units), they can be cost-effective when weighing the water, energy, and sewage cost savings.

The following links will lead you to the readings of this unit:

Click here to view and read on System Overview of Sustainable Water Systems.
Click here to view and read on Integrative Design Process.
Click here to view and read on System Impacts: Resources Impact.
Click here to view and read on System Impacts: Water Impact on Humans .
Click here to view and read on System Impacts: Financial Impact.
Click here to view and read on System Impacts: O&M Impact.
Click here to view and read on System Bundling.
Click here to view and read on Relevant Mandates and Rating Systems.