The Pacific Institute, a global nonpartisan water think tank, has released guidance for developers to plan, design, and operate onsite water reuse systems.
The Guide for Developing Onsite Water Systems to Support Regional Water Resilience “advances circular, localized approaches to managing water that reduce a site’s water footprint, improve its resilience to water shortage or other disruptions, and provide benefits for local communities and regional water systems,” according to a news release. Onsite water systems collect and treat water from onsite sources, including wastewater, rainwater, and stormwater, and reuse it for non-potable water uses like toilet flushing, outdoor irrigation, and cooling, which can account for over 75% of a site’s water demand.
The new guide helps site developers envision and evaluate how an onsite system can use a multi-benefit approach to build water resilience, support equity, improve environmental health, and protect public health. Each section includes sample questions to consider, ways for stakeholders to engage, highlights resources to examine, and offers recommended analyses. The guide also provides a range of case studies illustrating best practices and lessons learned.
“Onsite water systems are gaining traction across the U.S. and the world as a water resilience strategy,” said Heather Cooley, director of research at the Pacific Institute. “This circular approach can provide multiple benefits for the building, water systems, and the larger community. In addition to diversifying water supplies, they can reduce pollution from stormwater, create green space, and provide added flexibility and redundancy to centralized water systems.”
Related Stories
Sustainability | May 16, 2017
1.5 million recycled plastic bottles were used to build this nine-story structure in Taipei
The building is made of Polli-Brick, a building material that comes from 100% recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer.
Green | May 2, 2017
Green buildings don't have to cost more
What impact does sustainable design have on owners with a finite construction budget or developers who won’t own the building after construction?
Sustainability | Apr 20, 2017
The American Institute of Architects select the 2017 COTE Top Ten Awards
In its 21st year, the Top Ten Awards highlight projects that exemplify the integration of great design and great performance.
Sustainability | Apr 19, 2017
Embracing the WELL Building Standard: The next step in green
When you consider that 90% of our time is spent in buildings, how these environments can contribute to workplace productivity, health, and wellness is the logical next step in the smart building movement.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 19, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium delayed until late August
The stadium is now scheduled to open on Aug. 26 in a preseason game between the Falcons and the Jaguars.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 18, 2017
Hanging Gardens-inspired CLT residential development proposed for Birmingham
Garden Hill will provide an ‘oasis-like residence’ for Birmingham’s growing, multicultural student population.
Green | Apr 14, 2017
Sunqiao looks to bring agriculture back to Shanghai’s urban landscape
Vertical farms will bring new farmable space to the city.
Sustainability | Apr 13, 2017
How to make a concrete bunker livable
SOM’s design for New York’s second Public Safety Answering Center leans on strategically placed windows and the outdoor environment.
Green | Apr 11, 2017
Passivhaus for high-rises? Research demonstrates viability of the stringent standards for tall residential buildings
A new study conducted by FXFOWLE shows that Building Teams can meet stringent Passivhaus performance standards with minimal impact to first cost and aesthetics.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017
Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits
The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.
