Buildings' Water Use

Water use in commercial and institutional facilities, such as office buildings and hospitals, account for 17% of publicly-supplied water use in the U.S.

Source: EPA WaterSense

Reduce water use with HPBG

Related Topics

Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings

The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings and Associated Instructions are a set of sustainable principles for integrated design, energy performance, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials, and resilience aimed at helping Federal agencies and organizations:

Reduce the total ownership cost of facilities
Improve energy efficiency and water conservation
Provide safe, healthy, and productive built environments
Promote sustainable environmental stewardship

Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings and Associated Instructions

Water Consumption Intensity

Total water consumption per square foot of building space (e.g., kgal/sq-ft)

WaterSense

WaterSense, a partnership program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeks to help consumers make smart water choices that save money and maintain high environmental standards without compromising performance. Independent, third-party licensed certifying bodies certify that products meet EPA criteria for water-efficiency and performance by following testing and certification protocols specific to each product category. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20% more efficient without sacrificing performance. WaterSense products are required under FAR 23.103.

Buying WaterSense products? Review clause 52.223-23 opens in new window for applicability.

Visit Program Site: WaterSense opens in new window

View WaterSense products on the GPC

Did You Know?

40% of U.S. architects, engineers, contractors, building owners and building consultants report that the majority of building work was green in 2012. It is expected that 53% of these U.S. firms will be engaged in mostly green building work by 2015. 44% of all nonresidential building project starts were green in 2012 as well, up from 2% in 2005. Green buildings hold strong appeal for both commercial and institutional (including government) owners.

Source: McGraw Hill Construction (2013). 2013 World Green Building Trends SmartMarket Report non government site opens in new window .

Case Study

The Workplace Environment as a Catalyst for Social Change

We know workplace design can influence functional behaviors, but can it be a catalyst for social change? Can organizations use the environment to improve the sense of community, increase morale, reduce stress, and develop cross group relationships?

View Case Study