With buildings being responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions globally [1], architects and developers are increasingly concerned with energy efficiency for new constructions. However, smart building systems that reduce energy consumption are not just limited to new buildings. Retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient systems can produce significant cost savings and benefits to the environment.
One particular aspect of energy efficiency that often goes unnoticed is water management. Water usage accounts for about 12% of energy use in buildings [2]. Most of this energy is used to pump, treat, and heat water. Implementing energy-efficient strategies in water management can significantly reduce a building’s energy consumption, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Benefits of Smart Building Systems in Water Management
Smart building systems use computer algorithms and sensors to optimize and automate building systems to reduce energy consumption and improve operational efficiency. These systems can be used to manage water usage, through automated technology that can minimize waste and improve water quality.
Reducing Water Waste
Water waste occurs when a building’s water consumption exceeds the actual usage. This can often occur in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems that experience leakages and water waste. Smart building systems can detect and monitor water usage patterns in real-time, identify anomalies and optimize water usage to reduce waste. Leaks and malfunctioning plumbing fixtures can be identified and addressed immediately, reducing water waste.
Improved Water Quality
Smart building systems can also improve water quality, specifically for potable water uses. Traditional plumbing systems can lead to water contamination from rusted pipes and outdated fixtures. Using smart building systems such as automated sensors to monitor and control water pressure, temperature and flow can ensure water quality throughout the building, reducing the chances of contamination.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Water management systems can make a significant contribution to energy efficiency by reducing the energy required to heat, cool and distribute water. By recycling and treating wastewater, most of the heat energy needed to heat water can be recycled as well, saving on energy consumption and providing an innovative water management system.
Components of Energy-Efficient Water Management
Implementing a successful energy-efficient water management strategy requires a combination of the following components.
Water Metering
Water metering is an essential component in a building’s water management strategy. It is the process of measuring and monitoring water usage across a building. By monitoring water usage, building owners can identify consumption patterns, detect anomalies and identify leaks and fix them before they worsen, leading to water waste.
Automatic Shut-Off Valves
Installing automatic shut-off valves prevents water waste and reduces the need for constant surveillance by maintenance staff. Automated shut-off valves can be triggered by timers or motion sensors, which can help reduce water usage during vacant periods, such as nights, weekends, and holidays.
Water Recycling Systems
Water recycling or greywater systems can capture and recycle wastewater for specific purposes such as flushing, landscaping or irrigation purposes. Most of the energy required to heat water can be recovered through recycling wastewater, reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. And while it may seem like an expensive addition to a building, in the long run, the costs can be offset by the reductions in water consumption and wastewater charges.
Conclusion
Retrofitting existing buildings with smart building systems and implementing energy-efficient water management systems can contribute to significant cost savings and benefit the environment. With the help of government incentives and new technologies, moving towards an efficient building system is becoming more feasible and cost-effective. Energy-efficient water management systems are just one aspect of these new building systems, but they can play a significant role in the overall goal of reducing energy consumption and carbon footprints.
References:
- IPCC. (2018). Global Warming of 1.5°C. A report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
- Energy Star. (n.d.). The Energy Star Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/commercial_heating_cooling/energy_star_guide_energy_efficient_heating#WaterUse