Water Efficient Fixture Upgrades

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2015–16 | General Services Building

Water efficient fixtures were installed to assist the university in prioritizing water conservation and stewardship. The university takes a proactive approach to water management—these efficient fixtures were installed before water efficiency requirements became part of the plumbing code used in Alberta.

Environmental Impact

  • Reduction in water use saves energy that would otherwise be used to treat, transport and distribute the water.
  • Sensor activated faucets ensure that water is not left running when the faucet is not in use.
  • Switching from manual to automatic faucets and flush valves improves hygiene by reducing the surfaces that a user must touch. It also ensures a proper flush every time. Taken together, these result in a cleaner, healthier washroom.

Innovation & Technology

  • Faucets use small solar cells to generate power from the room's lighting, which is used to power their internal electronics.
  • Toilet and urinal flush valves generate energy from flowing water, which is used to power their internal electronics.

Estimated Savings

  • $4,040 per year in utility costs from the upgraded valve.
  • 28.6 mg of steam per year that would have been used to heat domestic water.
  • 1,324 m3 of water per year.
    Toilets went from 13 L per flush to 6 L per flush.
    Faucets went from 7.6 L per minute to 1.9 L per minute.