Healthcare Water Efficiency and Program Management Toolkit

Overview

Water used in hospitals and other health care facilities comprises 7% of the total water use in commercial and institutional facilities in the United States.[i] The largest uses of water in hospitals are cooling equipment, plumbing fixtures, landscaping, and medical process rinses.[ii] Established water management practices and regulations typically relate to water treatment, while implementing water saving measures can be perceived at odds with maintaining the quality of water. Better Buildings Challenge partners are proving that healthcare facilities can achieve significant operating cost and energy savings without jeopardizing water quality.

This toolkit aggregates resources to provide guidance tailored to the Healthcare sector for efficient water management while maintaining control of infection. A variety of assessment and resources are available in this toolkit for those interested in developing strategies around water management that are separate from energy management.

[i] Dziegielewski, et al. 2000. Commercial and Institutional End Uses of Water American Water Works Association Research Foundation.

[ii] https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-01/documents/ws-commercial-factsheet-hospitals.pdf

Downstream Savings: From Water Efficiency to Energy Savings Video

United Technologies, the City of Atlanta, and InterContinental Hotels share innovative measures they have taken to improve water efficiency while reducing energy use.

Cutting Water Waste: DOE and EPA Resources to Advance Water Efficiency Video

Benchmarking Water: New Approaches and Opportunities for Buildings Video

The Tower Companies: Applying Energy Management Best Practices to Water Monitoring Implementation Model

Tower has taken its water management program to the next level with daily reporting, 15-minute interval data, real-time alerts, advanced data analytics, setpoint modifications, and internal water audits that have resulted in significant water consumption savings.

Welltower's Green Arrow Building Certification: Measuring Total Building Performance Implementation Model

Welltower, Inc developed a proprietary internal Green Arrow Building Certification (GABC) program that measures energy, water, waste, indoor air quality, and innovation. Most properties have seen a 1-12% energy use reduction. In 2016, GABC scores improved 22.5% and 29 additional buildings were certified.

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