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1-2
WaterSense at Work: Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional Facilities
1.1
Introduction
Purpose
WaterSense,® a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply. By
transforming the market for water-efficient products, services, and practices, Water-
Sense is helping to address the increasing demand on the nation’s water supplies and
reduce the strain on municipal water infrastructure across the country. WaterSense
labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water and
perform as well or better than standard models. In addition, WaterSense labeled new
homes incorporate water-efficient products and designs, andWaterSense labeled
certification programs focus on water-efficient practices by professionals.
WaterSense has developed
WaterSense at
Work
,
a compilation of water-efficiency best
management practices, to help commercial
and institutional facility owners and man-
agers understand and better manage their
water use.
WaterSense at Work
is designed
to provide guidance to help establish an
effective facility water management pro-
gram and identify projects and practices
that can reduce facility water use.
In today’s economic and corporate environ-
ment, there is a strong business case to be
made for undertaking activities to reduce
water use, which in turn can reduce energy
and other operating costs. By implementing
water-efficiency best management practices, commercial and institutional facility
owners and managers can:
••
Achieve cost savings.
Improving water efficiency can lower variable costs associ-
ated with the operation and maintenance of equipment, as well as the energy
embedded in the treatment, storage, heating, and movement of water through-
out the facility. Organizations can often reduce associated costs of treatment
chemicals, detergents, and other supplies when undertaking water-efficiency
improvements. When considered together, the cost savings from water, wastewa-
ter, energy, and supply bills create a greater return on investment and a shorter
payback period for an improvement project, while reducing a facility’s impact on
local water supplies.
••
Increase competitive advantage.
Demand for green buildings and sustainable
products is increasing as consumers become more aware of the environmental
impacts of water and energy use. By promoting tangible improvements in a facil-
ity’s environmental performance, organizations can reinforce their image as a
sustainable brand while reducing their environmental impact on the community.
