The most common and effective way a facility can save water and heating costs is by installing energy-efficient bathroom fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, urinals, faucets, and showerheads that use automatic sensors to control water use.
A "Lavatory system" is a type of bathroom design in which multiple sinks and faucets are part of a single installed unit. Lavatory systems are now designed with photovoltaic cells that power the system's sensors and valves from normal restroom lighting. Consider water-saving tankless water heaters for lavatory systems. Technologies such as high-use flush modes for electronic urinals and monitored plumbing control systems that rely on computer software to monitor water usage are excellent choices for large facilities with heavy traffic in restroom areas.
Other environmentally-sound purchases include restroom partitions made with highly durable recycled steel and plastic, refillable soap dispensers in bathrooms instead of disposable plastic bottles, and recycled-content toilet paper.
Waterless urinals are increasingly popular at public facilities in the U.S., although Minnesota state administrative rules currently discourage their use. Waterless urinals save huge amounts of water. The fixtures resemble traditional urinals but require no water at all. Instead, waste is filtered through a special replaceable drain. Cleaning of the fixtures is easy and facilities managers report that new technologies for waterless urinals make them a feasible option for public restrooms.
Minnesota's state administrative rule 1550.1380 says that Minnesota restrooms are "satisfactory" when they utilize "flush-type" toilets and urinals. This currently discourages the use of water-free urinals and composting toilets.
Minnesota law requires that a public restroom have:
- Adequate hand-washing facilities in or near toilet and dressing rooms.
- Hot and cold running water and a cleaning substance.
- Manually operated faucets without spring-type closures.
- Hand washing signs prominently displayed.
- Single service towels. Hand dryers and roller-type cloth towels are permitted as options. A common towel is prohibited.
The Energy Policy Act sets water usage requirements for fixtures in restrooms. A facility can save a significant amount of water and money if restrooms are designed or renovated using these standards:
|
Fixture |
Water Usage |
| Toilets | Less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush |
| Urinals | Less than 1.0 gallons per flush |
| Faucets | Less than 2.5 gallons per minute, or 0.25 gallons per discharge for a metered valve faucet |
| Showerheads | Less than 2.5 gallons per minute |
Source: Energy Policy Act
Federal procurement guidelines require that steel bathroom partitions contain a minimum of 16 % post-consumer content and that plastic partitions contain 20 to 100 % recycled content.
Watersense
Water conservation technologies have advanced considerably since passage of the Energy Policy Act in 1992. These technologies, which have the ability to exceed the minimum federal requirements, can save a facility far more water and money than conventional models. The Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled higher water use standards for toilets and sink faucets as part of its Watersense certification program. Watersense certified products can help facilities save 20 to 40 % in water usage compared to conventional models that only meet the federal requirements.
The EPA is considering Watersense labels for showerheads and urinals too. The proposed Watersense standards for these devices are 1.5 to 2 gallons per minute for showerheads and 0.5 gallons per flush for urinals.
New Technologies
Complete lavatory systems are an excellent option for public restrooms with high traffic because they are durable, need little maintenance, and help conserve water through automatic sensors and low volume water settings. Photovoltaic cells, which use existing lighting to power the lavatory's sensors and valves, can be integrated into the top of a lavatory system. Infrared and metered faucets ensure that water is running only when a user activates the faucet. These "no touch" systems reduce the transmission of bacteria.
Facilities with extremely heavy traffic in restroom areas can consider high use flush modes for electronic urinals, which uses preset flushing intervals to limit water usage while speeding up restroom lines. Monitored plumbing control systems rely on computer software to monitor water usage in large facilities. If a shower is left on over the weekend, for example, the system will alert administrators to the problem. Always choose low-flow toilets, showerheads, faucets, and urinals, which are designed for durability. They will help save water and money even when new technologies are not an option.
Other Options
Restroom partitions with recycled plastic content provide a high level of durability compared to steel partitions. Plastic partitions do not need paint and will not rust. Many have warranties for up to 15 years. Plastic partitions can be sanded down to remove graffiti, avoiding the need for repainting, which is common with metal partitions. Tankless water heaters in lavatory systems save water. They offer hot water on demand for hand-washing fixtures that require a cold-water source only, saving energy.
Low-flow plumbing fixtures are available through most local plumbing product distributors. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list of Watersense certified toilets and sink faucets that meet a high standard for water conservation. Plastic and steel bathroom partitions with recycled content are available from local plumbing suppliers.
Several manufacturers offer toilet paper with recycled content. Georgia Pacific produces a 95% recycled content toilet paper with a minimum of 20% post-consumer content.
Implementing water conservation techniques in restrooms can translate into significant budget savings through reduced water and energy consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that letting a faucet run for 5 minutes uses as about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.
Low-flow fixtures might be slightly more expensive than conventional bathroom fixtures. Over time, however, low-flow fixtures and electronic controls on water use will return their investment through lower water consumption, wastewater treatment, and energy used to heat and pump water. It is estimated that a low-flow toilet can reduce annual water costs by as much as 70 percent per toilet. At LaGuardia Airport in New York City, water and sewer bills were cut by more than 40 percent through the installation of low-flow bathroom fixtures. The use of EPA's Watersense certified products provides a 30 percent drop in water consumption when compared to conventional models.
Tankless water heaters can reduce water heating costs by 10 to 20% when compared to centralized water heaters. Check with contractors to see if the tankless option will suit a particular project.
Plastic restroom partitions are initially more expensive than metal, but payback is achieved through a longer life span and reduced maintenance.
Consider incorporating the following specifications when requesting bids from contractors or vendors:
- Contractor/vendor shall use low-flow showerheads with water flows of 2 gallons per minute or less.
- Contractor/vendor shall use low-flow urinals that use 0.5 gallons of water or less per flush.
- Contractor/vendor shall use low-flow toilets that use 1.3 gallons of water or less per flush.
- Contractor/vendor shall use low-flow faucets that use 1.5 gallons per minute or less.
- Contractor/vendor shall compliment low-flow bathroom fixtures with electric or infrared controls that further water conservation.
- Contractor/vendor shall utilize restroom partitions with recycled content. If plastic bathroom partitions are used, they shall include 20 to 100 % recycled plastic. For steel partitions, 16 % post-consumer content is required.
- Contractor/vendor shall install refillable soap dispensers in bathrooms.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency's Watersense program and Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
Check with local plumbing supply companies for low-flow bathroom fixtures.
National vendor of low-flow bathroom fixtures:
Sloan Valve Company
Franklin Park, Ill.
847/671-4300
www.sloanvalve.com
A leading national manufacturer of water-conserving plumbing devices.
National vendors of recycled content bathroom partitions and dividers:
Scranton Products
Scranton, PA
800/445-5148
www.scrantonproducts.com/hinyhiders
Offers 75% post-consumer recycled-content plastic partitions.
Inteq Corporation
Eastlake, OH
440/953-0550
www.4-inteqcorp.com
Offers a variety of post-consumer recycled-content plastic products, including partitions.
Laforce, Inc.
Green Bay, WI
800/696-6318
www.laforceinc.com
Yemm and Hart
Marquand, MO
573/783-7544
www.yemmhart.com
Sells 100% post-consumer recycled-content plastic partitions.
Hadrian Manufacturing, Inc.
Mentor, OH
440/942-9118
toll-free fax: 800/536-1469
www.hadrian-inc.com/homepage.aspx
Sells recycled-content steel partitions.
Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
800/363-3732
www1.eere.energy.gov/femp
FEMP was designed to reduce the cost and environmental impact of Federal agencies by advancing energy efficiency and water conservation; promoting the use of distributed and renewable energy; and, improving utility management decisions at Federal sites. Consult "Strategic Energy and Water Resoucre Planning for Federal Facilities" for information on water efficiency methods.
Environmental Protection Agency
800/490-9198
www.epa.gov/cpg/index.htm
In order to assist federal agencies in purchasing environmentally preferable products and services, EPA offers a range of information about products, such as recycled-content bathroom partitions.
Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide
www.msbg.umn.edu/guidelines.html
This guide, created by a partnership between the public and private sectors, provides information on environmental issues in the design, construction, and operation of both new and renovated facilities. Offers guidance on selecting environmental products, such as flooring.
Oikos Green Building News
800/346-0104
http://oikos.com/
Oikos serves professionals whose work promotes sustainable design and construction. Maintained by Iris Communications, Inc., this website features hundreds of articles covering environmental building practices along with information on CCA and alternatives.
WaterWiser
800/926-7337
www.waterwiser.org
WaterWiser features a clearinghouse of information on water use efficiency and conservation. It is cooperatively run by the American Water Works Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Flex Your Power
San Francisco, CA
http://www.fypower.org/
California's Statewide Energy Conservation Campaign website contains resources on cost savings by using low-flow toilets and showerheads.
Watersense
Washington D.C.
www.epa.gov/watersense
Watersense promotes water-efficient products and practices. This EPA website maintains a list of environmentally-sound toilets and sink faucets.
"Five Tips for Choosing a Low-Flow Toilet"
GreenHomeGuide
January 2007
www.greenhomeguide.com/index.php/knowhow/
entry/824/C217
"Restrooms Go Green"
GreenerBuildings
2005
www.greenerbuildings.com/feature/2005/06/13/restrooms-go-green
"Frugal Flow"
March 2008
American School & University
http://asumag.com/Washrooms/frugal_flow_highuse_flush
"Water Ways"
June 2007
American School & University
http://asumag.com/Washrooms/university_water_ways
Use toilet paper with recycled contentThe portion of a product that is made from materials diverted from the waste stream, usually stated as a percentage by weight.. Buy restroom partitions made from post-consumer recycled content plastic and steel, which keeps waste out of landfills and incinerators.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, 4/00. The SWMCB includes members from the Minnesota metropolitan counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, with ex-officio members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Last Revised July 8, 2008 - 2:05pm