BUILDINGS, MAINTENANCE & REFURBISHMENT
amount and a benefit to not only water saving but also energy costs as the energy used to heat the water reduces thanks to the reduced amount of water you need to heat. Adding an aerator to an older tap can also reduce water usage from 15 litres of water per minute to as little at 6 litres of water per minute. Add onto that the energy savings and it can be possible to see a significant reduction in both bills, meaning it is not only reducing costs but also helping to save the planet.
• Dual-Flush or low-flow toilets. These options allow users to select a flush based on waste type, using less water overall.
• Efficient showerheads. If your school has locker rooms or showers, installing low-flow showerheads can make a substantial difference in reducing water waste and cost
bills, that are outside a school’s normal average can be an indicator of hidden leaks, prompting further investigation.
By repairing even small leaks, schools can prevent water waste and see a noticeable reduction in monthly water costs.
2. Efficient fixtures and equipment Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures can significantly reduce water usage long term without compromising functionality. Nowadays, most modern fixtures and equipment are designed to use less water while still maintaining the performance needed in high-traffic areas like schools.
If not already in place, the below upgrades for schools to install to reduce water costs can include: • Low-Flow faucets and aerators. These devices limit water flow, reducing consumption without sacrificing water pressure. By simply installing aerators on taps schools can expect water and energy savings of up to 60% in a year. In fact, if the flow rate is reduced from 10 litres per minute to 4 litres, for example, then schools could save 60% immediately. That’s a huge
• Hot water taps. Hot water taps are another simple and cost-effective water treatment, not to mention they are versatile and efficient in kitchen environments, offering instant boiling water and a standard hot and cold mixer. The 4-in-1 taps also offer cold filtered drinking water, which is convenient for commercial settings such as schools.
• Sensor taps. To avoid pupils leaving taps on in bathrooms and classrooms, sensor taps should be installed to ensure water is only used when needed. This will not only reduce water costs, but also heating costs if the tap is left on hot.
• Non-concussive taps can also be installed to provide timed water flow, helping schools reduce water waste by automatically controlling water usage.
Although these upgrades may require an upfront investment, they are cost-effective in the long run, typically paying for themselves within a few years through lower water bills.
3. Smart irrigation practices
School landscaping often involves significant water use, but outdated or inefficient irrigation practices can lead to waste. Smart irrigation systems can optimise water usage, ensuring that outdoor areas receive the right amount of water at the right time.
Effective solutions that can be used to reduce costs can include: • Weather-based controllers. These systems adjust watering schedules based on real- time weather data, preventing overwatering.
• Drip irrigation. For flower beds or specific landscaping areas, drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimising evaporation.
• Seasonal adjustments. Regularly updating watering schedules based on the season can prevent overuse during cooler months. Implementing smart irrigation practices such as the above, can result in healthier landscapes while reducing water consumption.
4. Reusing and recycling
Opting to reuse and recycle as much as possible can really help to lower water bills. Very simple changes can be made, like these: • Installing water butts to collect rain water can reduce the need for extra water to
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• Adding a reusable water bottle station, which only provides water for reusable bottles over a water fountain which can often be left on wasting unnecessary water, is another way to reduce water costs. By encouraging students to bring in reusable water bottles, or to even provide branded ones for students, the school can also help to reduce plastic usage therefore eliminating recycling costs.
• To avoid water waste in classrooms, water from experiments in science or leftover cooking water in home economies can be used to water indoor plants.
All of these changes, though small, will all add up to help reduce a school’s water usage. This is especially important as many schools strive to achieve recognition through various Eco-School Awards Programmes as a result of their sustainability efforts.
5. Water Saving Week
Schools can also get their student community involved by having a dedicated water saving week. Schools can speak to students about all the ways they can reduce the school’s water usage, from using the correct flush on the toilets, to making sure they turn taps off if sensor taps aren’t installed.
By showcasing the environmental and financial benefits the school can gain by reducing water usage, the students can also be informed on what those savings could go towards to benefit them.
This will also allow the school to focus more on showcasing its environmental policy and what more students can do in other areas. Reducing water costs in schools doesn’t have to require drastic changes, but rather, small, strategic actions can lead to significant savings. By focusing on leak detection and repair, upgrading to efficient fixtures, adopting smart irrigation practices, recycling consumption and raising awareness, schools can manage their water usage responsibly. These measures not only lower costs but also align with environmental sustainability goals, setting a positive example for students and the community long term.
By prioritising water efficiency, schools can reallocate savings towards other essential resources, enhancing the learning environment for everyone.
December 2024
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