Water Conservation,

Waste Management,
and Recycling

Presented by Lujain Alzubidi

Supervised by: Prof. Dr. Mohamad Kashef
 Water
Conservation
Liquid Gold: Waste water
Recycling
Overview
Global warming and exploding population growth tell
another story in our country today. Severe weather
and unusual climate conditions make drought a more
normal occurrence. The increased costs of water
treatment and production are problems that concern
everyone, not just civil engineers, real estate
developers, urban planners, and politicians. Because
of these important factors, more people propose the
reuse of waters.
Liquid Gold: Waste water
Recycling
Overview
According to “Sustainable Water Engineering: new and
evolving technologies used to return graywater
(waters treated to reliable safety standards for use in
commercial building cooling towers, irrigation, or
plumbing–e.g. toilet flushing— from blackwater (raw
sewage) are more popular than ever before!
Graywater harvesting (GwH) is also more important
than ever before.
TERMS to Know:
Potable water: water that meets or exceeds EPAs drinking water quality standards, and is
approved for human consumption by state or local authorities having jurisdiction.
Graywater (or greywater): domestic wastewater from bathroom and laundry sinks, tubs,
showers and washers. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) defines gray water as untreated
household wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste; the International
Plumbing Code (IPC) defines graywater as wastewater discharged from lavatories, bathtubs,
showers, clothes washers and laundry sinks. Most states will not allow kitchen sinks or
dishwashers to be included with graywater.
Blackwater: wastewater from toilets and urinals. Most jurisdictions consider water from
kitchen sinks and dishwashers to be blackwater and it cannot be reused
Process water: water used for industrial processes and building systems such as boilers,
cooling towers and chillers
Stormwater runoff: resulting from precipitation that flows over surfaces, and conventionally
into storm sewers or waterways
 Water Efficiency (WE)
Water is a crucial resource, with over 400 billion gallons used daily in the U.S., representing 25%
of the nation's fresh water supply. However, EPA estimates that 1/3 of streams are unsafe for
swimming and fishing, and 86% of water used is discharged. The UN Environment Program
warns that two out of every three people will live in water-stressed conditions by 2025. LEED
encourages strategies to reduce potable water consumption in buildings and wastewater
treatment facilities.

Water Efficiency VS. Conservation

Conservation focusses on policies and activities to manage the use of water whilst efficiency is
the reduction of water needed for a specific purpose. Conservation is defined as trying to
reduce water use entirely and efficiency aims to reduce waste by using less for the same task.
Water-Saving
Global Water Scarcity: With approximately 3.5 billion
people lacking access to fresh drinking water, effective
water resource management is crucial.
Building Contribution to Water Demand: Buildings
contribute significantly to freshwater withdrawals,
accounting for about 12% of freshwater usage in the
United States alone.
Role of Green Buildings: Green buildings play a pivotal
role in water conservation, wastewater management,
and promoting sustainable practices in the
construction industry.
Water Resource Management
Conservation Techniques: Various conservation
techniques are applied at different stages of building
projects, encompassing both indoor and outdoor
strategies.
Indoor Techniques: Indoor water conservation
techniques include implementing smart metering
systems, installing water-saving fixtures, and
incorporating greywater recycling systems.
Outdoor Strategies: Outdoor water conservation
strategies involve practices like rainwater harvesting,
water-efficient landscaping, and the utilization of
nature-based solutions.
Community Impact and Water Conservation
1) Public Education Campaigns: Teaching residents about the importance of saving water and
how to do it.
2) Water-Efficient Infrastructure: Building and maintaining infrastructure that conserves water, like
efficient plumbing and irrigation systems.
3) Local Regulations: Implementing rules that encourage or require water-saving practices, such as
restrictions on watering lawns.
4) Incentives: Offering rebates for water-efficient appliances and fixtures.
5) Community Projects: Organizing tree-planting or clean-up days that help protect local water
sources.
6) Reporting Leaks: Encouraging people to report leaks to the water authority for prompt repair.
7) Conservation Programs: Establishing community rainwater collection and greywater use
programs.
Water use reduction strategies:
1. Install water efficient plumbing fixtures such as:
Efficient flow fixtures: lavatories, sinks, showerheads with lower gpm rates
Efficient flush type fixtures: dual flush toilets, waterless toilets/urinals,
composting toilets.
2. Use nonpotable water such as captured rainwater, graywater or municipally claimed
wastewater for toilets and urinals
3. Use water efficient fixtures, nonpotable water, or municipally treated wastewater
4. Treat on-site wastewater to tertiary standards
5. Dual flush: water closets use a full flush for solid waste and a half
flush for liquid waste, Dual flush toilets can save around 2/3rd of
water used for flushes.

Exclude water reuse from: raw naturally occurring water bodies,

rivers, groundwater, well water, sea water and discharge from
open-loop geothermal.
Water Metering /
Submetering
To ensure sustainability, it's crucial to track water
usage over time. Modern water distribution systems
have multiple components, causing leakage
opportunities. Meters are a proactive method to
locate leaks. Building level water metering requires
metered all potable water sources, collecting data
and sharing annual summaries with the USGBC.

A water meter: is a device used to measure the

amount of water consumed.

Energy Savings: Saves approximately 200 kWh

annually by reducing water usage by 10% through
precise monitoring.
Water Metering /
Submetering
Purpose: Enhances precision in tracking water use
for different sections of a facility or for individual
appliances.

Implementation Details:
Meters are installed at the main water inlet and
submeters at strategic points such as apartment
units, individual floors, or specific water-intensive
appliances.

Benefits:
Enables more accurate billing based on actual
usage, promoting water conservation.
Water Metering /
Submetering
The water metering requires two or more permanently installed system-level water
meters for the following subsystems:

1. Irrigation water (80% of area)

2. Indoor plumbing fixtures and fittings (80%+)
3. Domestic hot water (80%+)
4. Boilers that use 100 000g+ / year
5. Reclaimed water (100%)
6. Process water (80%+)
– Humidification systems
– Dishwashers
– Clothes washers
– Pools
Monitoring and
Reporting
Purpose: Automates the management of water use to ensure efficiency and
minimize waste.
Implementation Details:
Smart water meters and sensors provide live feedback on water flow and
usage.
Systems can be programmed to adjust pressures and shut off in response to
specific triggers, such as leaks or periods of low demand.
Benefits:
Immediate response to plumbing failures or leaks, significantly reducing
potential water loss.
Continuous adaptation to changing conditions, optimizing water use without
human intervention.
Energy Savings: Saves 100 kWh annually by optimizing water use and
preventing leaks, reducing water consumption by 5%.
Water Recycling
Water recycling involves reusing treated wastewater for
various purposes such as agricultural irrigation, industrial
processes, toilet flushing, and groundwater recharge.
Water recycling, also known as water reclamation and
reuse, involves onsite recycling of water used for cooling
processes, often reclaimed from municipal wastewater.
No documented human health problems have been
reported with recycled water.
Recycled water is primarily utilized for nonpotable
purposes like agriculture, landscape, public parks, golf
course irrigation, power plants, oil refineries, paper mills,
carpet dyers, toilet flushing, dust control, construction,
and artificial lakes.
Water Recycling

It offers resource and financial savings, with less

treatment required for landscape irrigation than
for drinking water.

Water recycling involves using technology to speed up natural

processes, often referred to as "unplanned" or "planned" projects.
Unplanned projects involve reuse of water from rivers, while planned
projects aim to repurpose recycled water supplies, such as the
Colorado and Mississippi Rivers.
Benefits of Water Recycling:
Create or Enhance Wetlands and Riparian Habitats:
Recycled water can be used to augment water flow in impaired streams,
sustaining and improving aquatic and wildlife habitat.

Reduce and Prevent Pollution:

Water recycling reduces pollutant discharges to water bodies, enhancing water
quality. It can also provide additional nutrients for agricultural and landscape
irrigation.

Save Energy:
Recycling water on-site reduces the energy needed to transport water long
distances or pump it from deep aquifers. This results in energy savings and
reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits of Water Recycling
Decrease Diversion of Freshwater from Sensitive
Ecosystems:
By using recycled water, the diversion of freshwater
from sensitive ecosystems can be reduced, benefiting
plants, wildlife, and fish habitats.

Decrease Discharge to Sensitive Water Bodies:

Water recycling decreases wastewater discharge to
oceans, estuaries, or streams, preventing pollution and
protecting natural habitats.

Create or Enhance Wetlands and Riparian Habitats:

Recycled water can be used to augment water flow in
impaired streams, sustaining and improving aquatic and
wildlife habitat.
The Impact
Waste Water Treatment and Recycling in the US:
• Commercial buildings' waste water treatment is a "drop in the bucket" compared to daily
waste water discharge in the US.
• 32 billion gallons of used water flow into rivers and streams daily, with 12 billion gallons not
treated and returned.
• As population increases, containing water for reuse and treatment becomes crucial for
financial and logistical reasons.
• Some communities are considering future solutions, like Orange County, California,
treating waste water to potable standards to replenish aquifers.
Greywater Recycling
Greywater Systems Overview
Reclaims and treats wastewater from showers, sinks,
and laundry for non-potable reuse.
Captures lightly used water, diverting it away from
sewage system.
Treatment processes remove impurities and
contaminants, making it suitable for landscape irrigation,
toilet flushing, and laundry.
Reduces potable water distribution, fertilizer use, and
wastewater treatment.
Can meet up to 50% of a property's water needs, saving
fresh water for other uses.
Benefits of Greywater
Recycling
Resource Conservation: Greywater recycling reduces the
demand for freshwater resources by repurposing lightly used
water for non-potable applications, thereby conserving valuable
water supplies and reducing reliance on municipal water
sources.
Environmental Benefits: By diverting greywater from the
sewage system, recycling systems help minimize the discharge
of wastewater into natural water bodies, reducing pollution and
protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Energy Savings: Saves 600 kWh annually by recycling

greywater, decreasing the demand for municipal water by 30%.
Rainwater Harvesting
Purpose: Captures and stores rainwater for non-
potable and sometimes potable uses.
Implementation Details:
Systems typically include catchment areas,
storage tanks, and filtration systems.
Collected water can be used for irrigation, toilet
flushing, and with proper treatment, even for
drinking.
Benefits:
Provides an alternative water source during
droughts or water restrictions.
Reduces dependence on municipal water
systems, easing strain on these resources.
Benefits of Rainwater
Harvesting
Water Conservation: reduces reliance on potable water
sources for non-potable applications, conserving
freshwater resources and promoting sustainable water
management practices.
Stormwater Management: harvesting systems help
mitigate stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding,
erosion, and water pollution in urban areas.
Self-Sufficiency: provide property owners with a reliable
source of water for irrigation and other non-potable uses,
reducing dependence on external water sources and
promoting self-sufficiency.
Energy Savings: save approximately 200 kWh annually,
cutting energy usage for water treatment and
transportation by about 25%.
Leak Detection
Purpose: Quickly identifies and addresses leaks to
prevent water loss.
Implementation Details:
Installation of sensors along pipelines that detect
changes in pressure and flow which indicate
possible leaks.
Use of sound-based technologies to pinpoint the
location of underground leaks.
Benefits:
Prevents water loss, which can be costly and
wasteful. Energy Savings: Saves 200 kWh annually by
Essential for maintaining system integrity and quickly identifying and repairing leaks,
reducing maintenance costs. preventing a 10% loss of total water usage.
Reclaimed Water
Description: Reclaimed water is essentially recycled water.
It's water that has been used before, usually in homes,
businesses or stormwater, and then collected, cleaned
through various treatment processes, and made safe for
reuse.

Benefits: Surface irrigation, industrial process and cooling water, toilet

flushing, dust control, construction activities, and many other uses
of non- potable water supplies. It is also used as a resource to
create, restore, and enhance wetlands, recharge our groundwater
supplies, and increase the flows in our rivers and streams.
Recycling
Recycling
Definition: Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that
would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.
Recycling can benefit your community, the economy, and the environment.
Products should only be recycled if they cannot be reduced or reused.

Conserve natural resources: Recycling reduces the need to extract resources

such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

Climate change: According to the most recent EPA(Environmental Protection

Agency) data, the recycling and composting of municipal solid waste (MSW or
trash) saved over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018.
Recycling

Energy savings: Recycling conserves energy. For

example, recycling just 10 plastic bottles saves
enough energy to power a laptop for more than 25
hours.

Waste and pollution reduction: Recycling diverts

waste away from landfills and incinerators, which
reduces the harmful effects of pollution and
emissions.
Recycling
Economic facts:

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) released significant findings on the economic benefits
of the recycling industry with an update to the national Recycling Economic Information (REI)
Study in 2020. This study analyzes the numbers of jobs, wages and tax revenues attributed to
recycling. The study found that in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United
States accounted for:

681,000 jobs,
$37.8 billion in wages.
$5.5 billion in tax revenues.

This equates to 1.17 jobs per 1,000 tons of materials recycled and $65.23 in wages and $9.42 in
tax revenue for every ton of materials recycled.
Recycling practices
1. Resource Conservation:

- Preservation of Natural Habitats: By reducing the

demand for raw materials, recycling minimizes disruptions
to ecosystems and wildlife caused by mining or forestry
operations.

- Sustainable Use of Resources: Recycling promotes the

sustainable use of resources by ensuring that materials
such as metals, paper, and plastics are reused rather than
discarded, extending the life cycle of the materials, and
reducing the need to harvest new resources.
Recycling practices

2. Waste Management:

- Efficient Use of Resources: Effective waste

management through recycling helps ensure that
resources are used more efficiently. Products that are
recycled are transformed into new materials, which
reduces waste and promotes resource efficiency.

- Specialized Recycling Programs: Many communities implement specialized recycling

programs for materials like electronics, batteries, and hazardous waste to ensure proper
handling and prevention of environmental contamination.
Recycling practices

3. Pollution Reduction:

- Improved Air Quality: Recycling reduces emissions from

waste incineration and the industrial processes involved in
producing new materials, leading to better air quality.

- Reduction in Chemical Leaks: Proper recycling of

products, especially those containing chemicals (like batteries
and electronics), prevents these substances from leaking into
the environment and causing soil and water pollution.
Recycling practices
4. Economic Benefits:

- Value from Waste: Recyclable materials can often be

sold, creating revenue streams for businesses and
communities. This economic incentive helps sustain
recycling programs.

- Reduced Costs of Production: Manufacturers who use

recycled materials often incur lower costs than those using
virgin materials, which can lead to cheaper products for
consumers and higher profit margins for producers.
Recycling practices

5. Sustainable Practices:

- Lifecycle Assessment: This approach evaluates the

environmental impact of a product from its creation to
disposal, encouraging designs that are easier to recycle
and have a lower overall environmental footprint.

- Support for Circular Economy: Recycling is a key component of the circular economy,
where products and materials are recycled back into the production cycle after use,
minimizing waste and the use of virgin resources.
 Waste
Management
Waste management
Waste reduction: The preferred waste
management strategies described by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
are source reduction, reuse, recycling, and
recovery. Material reuse or recycling are
forms of waste diversion from landfills or
incineration works as well.
Waste management
Source Reduction: the practice of designing, manufacturing, purchasing, or
using materials in ways that reduce the amount of unnecessary materials in the
building.
Reuse: stops waste at its source because it delays or avoids that item's entry
into the waste collection and disposal system.
Recycling: converts materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable
resources.
Recovery: Either proper recycling and composting of materials or waste-to-
energy plants such as incineration.
Source Reduction
Definition and Purpose: Source reduction involves measures to
reduce the amount of waste generated at its origin.
Strategies for Implementation:
Optimize material usage to decrease waste.
Redesign products to minimize waste generation during their
lifecycle.
Implement efficient production processes that require fewer
resources and generate less waste.
Overall Impact: Enhances sustainability and efficiency in resource
utilization.

Energy Saving: Reducing material use by 10% in manufacturing

could potentially save the energy equivalent of the entire
production process for that 10%, including energy in extraction,
manufacturing, and distribution.
Segregation
Definition: Segregation is the process of sorting waste materials
into different categories based on their composition and
recyclability.
Process:
Separate recyclable materials like paper, plastics, glass, and
metals from non-recyclable waste.
Distinguish between recyclables, organics, and general waste
destined for landfills.
Overall Impact: Facilitates more effective recycling and resource
conservation by ensuring proper waste stream management.

Energy Saving: Segregating waste can improve the efficiency of

recycling processes by up to 30%, reducing the energy needed in
reprocessing.
Composting
Definition: Composting is the biological decomposition of organic
waste materials by microorganisms.
Process:
Organic materials like food scraps, yard waste, and agricultural
residues are broken down into compost.
The resulting compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Overall Impact: Composting supports environmental sustainability
by managing organic waste efficiently and enhancing soil quality.

Energy Saving: Composting can save about 0.2 kWh per kilogram
of waste by avoiding methane production and fertilizer
manufacturing.
Hazardous Materials Management
Definition: Hazardous materials are substances that pose risks due
to their toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive properties.
Management Practices:
Identify and label hazardous materials accurately.
Store and handle hazardous materials following safety and
regulatory guidelines.
Dispose of hazardous materials through safe and regulated
methods.
Overall Impact: Effective management of hazardous materials is
crucial for protecting public health and the environment, while also
reducing the potential energy costs associated with remediation
efforts.

Energy Saving: Energy savings are variable and depend on preventing

pollution, which is energy-intensive to clean up.
Waste-to-Energy
Definition: Waste-to-energy technologies convert waste
materials into energy through processes such as combustion,
anaerobic digestion, or gasification.
Process:
Waste materials are burned or processed to produce
electricity or heat.
This reduces the volume of waste that ends up in landfills.
Concerns: Raises issues related to air emissions, ash disposal,
and other potential environmental impacts.
Regulatory Compliance:
Requires careful monitoring and adherence to
environmental regulations to minimize adverse effects on
air quality and public health.
Energy Saving: WTE can generate about 500-600 kWh per ton
of waste, depending on the composition and technology used.
Landfills
Definition: Landfills are engineered sites designed for the safe
disposal of solid waste.
Modern Features:
Use of liners and leachate collection systems to prevent
groundwater contamination.
Methane gas recovery systems to capture and utilize gas
generated from decomposing waste.
Management Practices:
Waste is compacted to reduce its volume.
Cover systems are placed to minimize exposure and control
odorous emissions.
Continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental
regulations.
Overall Impact: Modern landfills are designed not only to contain waste but also to mitigate
environmental risks and contribute to energy production, aligning with broader environmental
management strategies.
Waste Audits
Definition: Waste audits are systematic assessments that evaluate
waste generation, composition, and disposal practices at a given site
or facility.
Process:
Collect and analyze data on the types and quantities of waste
produced.
Identify the sources of waste within the organization or facility.
Impact on Energy Savings:
By optimizing waste handling and disposal processes, waste
audits can indirectly save energy and reduce operational costs.
Overall Impact: Waste audits are crucial for making informed
decisions that not only improve waste management practices but also
contribute to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
Collection and Transportation
Definition: Collection and transportation systems are integral parts of
waste management, responsible for the efficient removal and
transport of waste from its origin to processing or disposal facilities.
Efficient Practices:
Optimize routes and schedules to reduce travel distances and
times.
Utilize advanced technologies like GPS tracking and route
optimization software to streamline operations.
Configure vehicles specifically for waste collection to enhance
efficiency.
Overall Impact: Effective collection and transportation practices are
crucial for reducing operational costs, improving service efficiency,
and mitigating environmental impacts associated with waste
management.

Energy Saving: Optimizing waste collection routes can reduce fuel consumption by 20-40%.
E-Waste Management
Definition: E-waste consists of discarded electronic devices and
equipment.
Composition:
Contains valuable materials such as metals (gold, copper) and
plastics.
Includes hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and brominated
flame retardants.
Management Practices:
Collection, recycling, and responsible disposal are key to
managing e-waste.
Ensures environmental pollution is minimized and valuable
resources are recovered.
Overall Impact: Effective e-waste management not only prevents
environmental harm but also significantly contributes to resource
conservation and energy efficiency.
Energy Saving: Recycling one ton of e-waste can save the equivalent energy of over 1,500 kWh.
Construction and Demolition Waste
Definition: Waste generated from construction and demolition
activities, including concrete, wood, metals, and various packaging
materials.
Management Strategies:
Focus on waste prevention and minimizing the generation of waste
where possible.
Reuse materials directly from demolition or construction sites.
Recycle materials that cannot be reused to recover resources.
Ensure responsible disposal of non-reusable waste.
Overall Impact: Effective management of C&D waste contributes
significantly to sustainability in the construction industry by reducing
waste, saving energy, and minimizing environmental degradation.

Energy Saving: Recycling concrete, for example, can save up to 80%

of the energy that would be required to produce new concrete from
raw materials.
Tracking and Reporting
Definition: Essential mechanisms for monitoring waste generation,
diversion, and disposal activities.
Key Functions:
Detailed record-keeping of all waste management activities.
Enables stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of waste
management initiatives and compliance with regulations.
Impact on Sustainability:
Facilitates continuous improvement in waste management
practices through regular monitoring and assessment.
Contributes to better energy efficiency by optimizing waste
handling and disposal processes over time.
Overall Impact: Implementing robust tracking and reporting systems
is crucial for advancing waste management practices, ensuring
regulatory compliance, and driving improvements that lead to more
sustainable and energy-efficient operations.
CASE STUDIES
 LARGE SCALE
Case Study 1: Santa Monica's
Municipal Water Conservation
Location: Santa Monica, California, USA

Background:
Santa Monica, a Southern California city, faces water supply challenges due to rapid urban
development. The city draws water from local groundwater wells and imports from the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. In 1996, contamination led to increased
water purchases. In 1992, the city initiated a Sustainable City Program, focusing on
community and economic development, transportation, pollution prevention, public-health
protection, and resource conservation.
Approach:
Santa Monica has instituted a multifaceted approach to
water conservation, including numerous policies and
programs.

Strategies and Technologies:

Implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for real-time water usage
monitoring.
Integration of Smart Water Management Controls for dynamic water flow adjustment.
Public Education and Incentives for water-saving practices.
City-wide initiatives for greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting.
Use of Leak Detection Technology for early system leak detection.
The city’s policies include: Santa Monica’s water conservation programs
include:
No Water Waste Ordinance
Plumbing code Residential water-use surveys
Water-conserving landscape regulations Commercial and industrial water-use
Water demand mitigation fee surveys
Wastewater mitigation for large Demonstration sustainable gardens
development projects Sustainable landscape workshops and
Retrofit-Upon-Sale Ordinance garden tours
Water and wastewater rate structure Sustainable landscape guidelines
California irrigation management information
system
Bay Saver Toilet Retrofit Program
Water Efficiency Revolving Loan Program
The city enforces water usage regulations through fines and retrofit-Upon-Sale
ordinances, encourages water conservation through free showerheads, faucet
aerators, and garden-hose nozzles, and supports efficient irrigation and landscaping
through programs like the Bay Saver Toilet Retrofit Program and Water Efficiency
Revolving Loan.

Results
Water Savings: 20% reduction in overall water
usage, saving approximately 2.6 million gallons per
day.
Financial and Environmental Benefits: Saved $1
million annually and enhanced groundwater quality.
Community Engagement: Over 70% participation in
water conservation activities by the end of 2020.
Savings Details
Energy and Water Savings Calculation:
Water Savings: 20% reduction in water usage from a baseline of approximately 13 million gallons per day in
2014.
Daily Savings: 2.6 million gallons/day.
Annual Savings: 2.6 million gallons/day×365=949 million gallons/year2.6 million gallons/day×365=949
million gallons/year.
Energy Savings Associated with Water Pumping and Treatment:
It takes about 0.1 kWh to treat and pump 1,000 gallons of water (typical estimation).
Annual Energy Savings: 949 million gallons/year×0.1 kWh/1,000 gallons=94,900 kWh/year949 million
gallons/year×0.1 kWh/1,000 gallons=94,900 kWh/year.
Reduction in CO2 Emissions:
Every kWh of energy saved reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 0.7 kg (U.S. average).
Annual CO2 Savings: 94,900 kWh/year×0.7 kg CO2/kWh=66,430 kg CO2/year94,900 kWh/year×0.7 kg
CO2/kWh=66,430 kg CO2/year.
Financial Savings Calculation:
Annual Water Cost Savings: Assuming a cost of $5 per 1,000 gallons (local water cost estimate).
949 million gallons/year÷1,000×$5=$4,745,000 per year949 million
gallons/year÷1,000×$5=$4,745,000 per year.
Additional Savings from Reduced Energy Costs and Maintenance.
 Small-Scale
Case Study2: The Verde
Apartments Water Conservation
Location: Portland, Oregon, USA

Background:
The Verde Apartments in Portland is a small-scale residential project renowned for its
sustainable design and effective water conservation strategies. The project aimed to
reduce the building's water footprint and promote sustainable living among its residents.

The Verde Apartments demonstrate the use of water-saving technologies and resident
education to reduce water consumption in residential settings, promoting long-term
sustainability in urban living spaces.
Results
Water Savings: The implementation of these
measures resulted in a 35% reduction in water
usage compared to similar-sized buildings in
Portland.
Cost Savings: Residents benefited from lower utility
bills due to reduced water consumption.
Environmental Impact: The project contributed to a
decrease in the building's overall environmental
footprint, supporting the city’s goals for
sustainability.
Technologies: Strategies:
Low-Flow Fixtures: High-efficiency faucets, Integrated Water Management:
showerheads, and toilets were installed for water Holistic approach combining
savings. technology, community management,
Energy-Efficient Appliances: High-efficiency and landscaping.
dishwashers and washing machines were installed. Community Engagement: Prioritized
Rainwater Harvesting System: The building resident education and communication
captured rainwater from roof runoff and used it for for commitment to conservation.
irrigating gardens and landscaping. Sustainable Design and
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: Native, drought- Construction: Building designed and
resistant plants and strategic landscaping techniques constructed to support long-term
reduced watering needs. conservation efforts.
Educational Programs: Workshops, brochures, and
regular updates were provided to residents on water
conservation.
Signs and reminders were strategically placed to
encourage daily water-saving behaviors.
Savings Details
Energy and Water Savings Calculation for the Verde Apartments
Water Savings: Assumption: 30% reduction in water usage from a baseline of 400,000 gallons per year
(typical for a small apartment complex).
Daily Savings: Approximately 300 gallons/day.
Annual Savings: 300 gallons/day×365=109,500 gallons/year300 gallons/day×365=109,500
gallons/year.
Energy Savings Associated with Water Pumping and Treatment:
Energy Cost to Pump and Treat Water: About 0.1 kWh per 1,000 gallons.
Annual Energy Savings: 109,500 gallons/year×0.1 kWh/1,000 gallons=10.95 kWh/year109,500
gallons/year×0.1 kWh/1,000 gallons=10.95 kWh/year.
Reduction in CO2 Emissions:
CO2 Savings per kWh: Each kWh of energy saved reduces CO2 emissions by about 0.7 kg (U.S.
average).
Annual CO2 Savings: 10.95 kWh/year×0.7 kg CO2/kWh=7.665 kg CO2/year10.95 kWh/year×0.7 kg
CO2/kWh=7.665 kg CO2/year.
Financial Savings Calculation:
Annual Water Cost Savings: Assuming a cost of $5 per 1,000 gallons.
Annual Water Savings in Dollars: 109,500 gallons/year1,000×$5=$547.50 per year1,000109,500
gallons/year​×$5=$547.50 per year.
 References
American Water Works Association. (2020). Water conservation practices. Denver, CO: American Water Works Association.
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