Principle 9: Goal 9.1

Define the goal issue and provide background info to understand the goal in lay terms.

In 2007, the Leading By Example Executive Order 484 which required state agencies to address resource use at state facilities and established the Leading by Example (LBE) Program to oversee the coordinated efforts state agencies, including UMass campuses and state and community colleges, to reduce their environmental impact.

Why is this goal important to highlight?

Water efficiency is important as fresh water supplies are limited and the current systems of treating, pumping, and disposing of water is energy intensive, wasteful, and can be disruptive to downstream ecosystems. As Executive Order 484 states, buildings account for 13% of potable water use. Potable water is defined as water that meets drinking water standards and is safe for human consumption. Potable water is often used in buildings not only for drinking water but for toilets, urinals, hand washing facilities, showers, kitchens sinks, irrigation and cooling towers. Non-potable water include rainwater which is captured and stored, reclaimed water which is waste water that is treated and purified for reuse, and grey water which is waste water that has not come in contact with toilet or kitchen waste, and can be used as an alternative to potable water in some applications.

Where does the University/campuses currently stand in meeting this goal?

While the LBE program faced challenges in tracking water usage at state facilities, the University of Massachusetts campuses are achieving LEED certification for new building projects, which helps to meet reduction goals for potable water usage. LEED establishes prerequisite and credit options for the adoption of water use reduction strategies. Currently, all LEED certified buildings are required to reduce outdoor water use so that either no irrigation is required or irrigation is reduced by 30%. This can be achieved through more efficient irrigation, careful selection of plant species, and the use of non-potable water sources. Indoor water use is required to be at least 20% below code to receive LEED certification. Adoption of low flow fixture and the use of non-potable water in certain applications can reduce the consumption of potable water. Additionally, increasing the efficiency of power plant cooling towers by increasing the number of time the water cycles before being replaced and integrating non-potable water, can also reduce overall potable water use.

Are there other groups/departments who will be critical in meeting this goal?

Grounds, Facilities, Engineering and Construction, Planning, and Power Plant Operations will all be critical department to include in the discussion of potable water usage at the university.

What has been done in the past to advance towards this goal?

Water use is to be considered early in the construction process for new buildings and renovations, irrigation requirements for landscaping and the use of non-potable water, and opportunities to improve efficiency and the use of non-potable water for cooling towers.

What does the University/campus need to do in order to reach this goal?

A challenge in meeting this goal will be that UMass campuses continue to grow and that the reduction goals for potable water established by Executive Order 484 are not normalized. Sources of water need to be metered so that tracking of water use can be effective. Continuing to achieve LEED requirements and credits for installation of low flow fixtures, efficient irrigation, and cooling processes can reduce water usage. Additionally, by using non-potable water where potable water is currently used will decrease overall water use.