Water Efficiency
For years, the U.S. has taken water for granted. Low prices and a lack of regulation have led to massive waste, poor infrastructure, and the illusion that we have an endless supply.
But that mindset is changing. We’ve seen drought in the Southwest U.S., water rationing in California, dwindling aquifers, and contaminated water supplies. These problems are not going to be solved by drilling deeper wells.
Water-saving appliances, improved wastewater treatment, and higher performance goals can all mitigate the damage. Here you’ll find resources on products and strategies you need to achieve these goals.
Water Efficiency
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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What Makes Plumbing Green? BuildingGreen’s Guide to Plumbing Products
Feature Article
People like a clean flush and a long shower, but water is getting scarcer. Selecting the right building products can meet both needs.
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Design Strategies for Occupant Engagement—and Why They Boost Performance
Feature Article
Researchers reveal simple ways to empower occupants to reduce energy, water, and waste. It all starts with good design.
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How to Succeed with the Living Building Challenge: 12 Teams Share Tips
Feature Article
The bar is high—that’s obvious—but watch out for some surprising pitfalls. Here’s how dedicated teams have tackled Living Building challenges.
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Net-Zero Water and More: Moving Beyond “Low Flow”
Feature Article
These emerging water strategies are finding momentum and filling the need to address efficiency and resilience on multiple scales.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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The Embodied Energy of Tap Water
Primer
A third of the annual energy bill paid by a municipality goes toward water treatment. Here’s why clean water uses so much energy.
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The Surprising Connection Between Water Conservation and Deadly Infections
Primer
Legionella and other pathogens can proliferate in pipes and low-flow fixtures, threatening the health of vulnerable people.
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Water Budgets: A Holistic Look at Efficiency
Primer
Developing a water budget for a building can identify opportunities for savings that might otherwise go unnoticed.
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Sharing the Skyline with Birds
Primer
Buildings are major killers of birds, but thoughtful design can help.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Modular, Onsite Graywater System
Product Review
Grayworks is a modular, plug-and-play commercial graywater treatment system that simplifies installation and maintenance.
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How Low-Flow Can You Go with Plumbing Fixtures?
Product Review
BuildingGreen-Approved toilets, urinals, showerheads, and faucets automatically meet CALGreen and LEED v4 water-efficiency standards.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2017
Product Review
Our innovative Top 10 product selections reduce stormwater and wastewater, improve efficiency and IAQ, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
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A “Waterless” Urinal Without the Odor
Product Review
Sloan’s Hybrid urinal is water efficient and uses a pre-programmed, bi-weekly rinse that minimizes odor and maintenance problems.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Petal Certifications Help the Living Building Challenge Jump in Scale
News Brief
With recent and upcoming certifications, the Living Building Challenge breaks out of its boutique building typology.
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LEED to Certify Entire Communities, Cities
News Brief
USGBC rolls out two new certifications based on actual performance tracked through the Arc platform.
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How a Dense Metropolis Can Support a Living Building
News Analysis
Net-zero water tops the list of obstacles a New York group is tackling. Its goal: to solve the large-scale ecological problems of dense urban areas.
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Will Aggressive Performance Goals Fit Under Google’s Glass Tent?
News Analysis
The design of Google’s green headquarters hinges on new technologies, like a “glass fabric” enclosure.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Water: The Back Seat Driver
Blog Post
Welcome to our new blog dedicated to the issues of water, water efficiency, and water policy.
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Bringing Water Back into the Discussion
Op-Ed
Most Americans treat freshwater as if it were limitless and free, even as water shortage is becoming a reality in many areas of the United States. But there are many cost-effective ways to reduce that consumption.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
-
What Makes Plumbing Green? BuildingGreen’s Guide to Plumbing Products
Feature Article
People like a clean flush and a long shower, but water is getting scarcer. Selecting the right building products can meet both needs.
-
Design Strategies for Occupant Engagement—and Why They Boost Performance
Feature Article
Researchers reveal simple ways to empower occupants to reduce energy, water, and waste. It all starts with good design.
-
How to Succeed with the Living Building Challenge: 12 Teams Share Tips
Feature Article
The bar is high—that’s obvious—but watch out for some surprising pitfalls. Here’s how dedicated teams have tackled Living Building challenges.
-
Net-Zero Water and More: Moving Beyond “Low Flow”
Feature Article
These emerging water strategies are finding momentum and filling the need to address efficiency and resilience on multiple scales.
