Title: Reading and Audio-Visual Assignments
Course: GFM 103 Exterior Environmental Management > Section: GFM 103 Exterior Environmental Management

Reading and Audio-Visual Assignments

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Water Conservation in the Building: Rainwater

In GFM101 we explored the internal building water system. There we identified systematic ways

Harvesting Systems

Harvesting systems – Harvesting systems capture and reuse non-potable on-site water sources for building applications not requiring clean water such as landscape irrigation and flush fixtures. As a result, successfully implementing an on-site harvesting system can drastically reduce potable water consumption. Examples of harvesting techniques include:

Rainwater – Water stemming from rainstorms but not subjected to ground contaminants. The source is typically collected from the roof and can be subjected to minor purification by percolating through the layers of a green roof.

Greywater – Wastewater from showers, faucets, and dishwashers that typically does not include solid particulates. Blackwater, or sewage from toilet and urinal processes, is not an acceptable potable water alternative without significant on-site treatment. Greywater is regulated on state-by-state basis. Work with local water jurisdiction officials to get approval for greywater projects.

Condensate – Water droplets accumulated through condensation on cooling coils in air handling units (HVAC equipment).

Stormwater – Water collected from drains or onsite streams.

Sump – Water collected at the foundation of the building and pumped away to avoid flooding