As property managers work to balance financial performance, operational improvements, sustainability initiatives, and the overall brand perception of their buildings, tenant retention still remains the number one priority when measuring the success of their initiatives. Overall tenant satisfaction and the ability to attract new tenants often translate directly from the initiatives property managers are undertaking to improve the personal, economic and environmental health of their buildings.
Sustainability is a trend that property managers have adopted in great numbers over the past few years. Specifically, energy conservation has been a valuable way for property managers to increase savings, increase building valuation and image, and become accredited by multiple “green solution” organizations.
Water conversation is increasing in importance and there may be quick and cost effective ways for you to improve your buildings’ operations and sustainability programs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), commercial buildings consume 88 percent of the potable water in the United States. With water prices expected to rise to meet demand, the importance of water conservation will likely shoot to the top of your list when you are developing your savings plans.
Make a Plan, Save a Bundle!
Establishing a water conservation plan for your building is a necessary process to create the most value. There are a few key initiatives worth considering. First, establish an annual water baseline by the type of fixtures in your building and the number of building occupants. Next, survey your facility or property to determine water savings opportunities such as flush valves, faucets and shower heads, and make appropriate repairs to leaks. Monitor water meters monthly and compare the results to the same month of the previous year. This will help you identify leaks as they occur, as well as monitor your conservation efforts.
Quick & Cost-Effective Water Efficiency Upgrades
Retrofitting your washroom to incorporate highly efficient products such as touch-free faucets and waterless urinals will automatically translate to improved cost, image, and hygiene for your building.
To jump-start your water conservation and savings:
- Install automated restroom systems up to 70 percent additional water savings will occur when manual faucets are replaced with automatic fixtures.
- Consider waterless urinal technologies an estimated 40,000 gallons per urinal are saved when installed.
- Utilize green cleaning products such as microfiber mops, cloths and a clean water mopping system to maximize results while protecting workers and facility occupants.
- Replace older, high-flow water closets and flush valves with models that meet current UPC and IPC requirements.
- Install or replace existing lavatory and sink aerators with more restrictive aerators. Significant savings can be achieved by replacing 2.2-gpm aerators with 0.5-gpm aerators.
- Replace shower heads with ultra-low-flow shower heads which typically use 1.5 GPM of water or less.
- Use alternative water sources such as grey water distribution systems.
Overall Benefits of Employing a Water Conservation Plan
Industry studies estimate that men visit the restroom three times a day and women visit up to four times a day. Also, restroom plumbing fixtures account for approximately 40-50 percent of the total water use in office and administrative buildings. With traffic to restrooms being so high, it’s vital that property managers provide a washroom environment that looks and feels clean, hygienic, and well maintained.
Installing touch-free faucets, waterless urinals and utilizing a clean water mopping system, which allows facility workers to filter dirty water into clean, has immediate ROI for property managers. According to recent adopter Tara Molnar, vice president, National Accounts, Grubb & Ellis, “Feedback from tenants and patrons has been very positive. They’ve told us that they are happier with their restroom experience and feel good about the adopted green (sustainability) direction. The employees collectively feel a sense of caring from the company for their well-being and a sense of pride with the enhanced property image.”
Water conservation is a hot-button issue right now and early adopters will reap the benefits of reduced operating costs, improved productivity, an improved building image and ultimately tenant retention. Plus, as buildings certifications become more important in marketing your building, water efficiency initiatives will continue to play a large role in making your buildings more sustainable, operationally efficient and attractive for new and existing tenants.
