Water-efficient technologies can allow facilities to become more sustainable.
By Annika Tourlas
Water management is a paramount aspect of operating any multi-site facility. With increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, facilities managers face the challenge of reducing water consumption while maintaining operational efficiency. Implementing water-efficient systems addresses these issues and offers several benefits.
With water being a limited resource, especially in high-stress states and regions, sustainable operations are imperative. Viable water management can assist in stabilizing essential resources for future generations. To conserve, preserve and properly manage this vital resource, multi-site facilities must implement efficient water management and monitoring operations.
“Water is a high priority for any organization trying to manage their environmental impact,” said Ian Cameron, Chief Innovation Officer for OSCRE International. “Energy and waste are the two other major areas getting a lot of attention.”
Navigating Upgrades with Data
To successfully implement water-efficient systems, facilities managers should comprehensively analyze current water usage across all sites. This audit will help identify areas where water consumption is highest and pinpoint opportunities for improvement.
Utilizing data on water usage and site characteristics is essential for determining the most effective upgrades in multi-site facilities. By analyzing historical consumption patterns, facilities managers can understand and enable targeted upgrades and interventions, informing decisions like equipment upgrades. Additionally, comparing usage and site data across all locations can pinpoint where improvements are most imperative.
“Most successful programs to improve water management involve gathering the data upfront to better understand demand, patterns of use and potential relationships to the size, location or the age of a store,” Cameron said.
Integrating data from multiple source systems can support organizations in cost-benefit analyses of water-efficient upgrades and assisting in making the case for these improvements. While this responsibility is relatively new for facilities managers, data management and the use of data standards, like those developed by OSCRE International, are becoming more important as a core competency for facilities management of the future.
“Facilities managers haven't necessarily been in a position where they need to be close to the data, but that's changing,” Cameron said. “And the expectations are rising that FMs will need to be more data-savvy than they may have been in the past.” To help with that, OSCRE has developed data standards and education for environmental data management. The new data standards for water and energy were developed in collaboration between OSCRE and ConnexFM, along with other major stakeholders in facilities management.
Key Technologies and Systems
Upgrading to water-efficient technology can seem daunting, but with careful planning and execution, it becomes manageable and rewarding with improvements like these:
Metered Fixtures: Installing metered fixtures, such as faucets and toilets, allows facilities to track water usage accurately. These fixtures dispense a set amount of water per use, prompting users to be more conscious about consumption. Metered fixtures significantly reduce total water usage by limiting unnecessary water flow while maintaining functionality.
Joshua Witte, Director of Energy and Sustainability for Dollar Tree, discussed new standards for their multi-site facilities. “We’ve installed metered and low-flow fixtures as our new standard. Low-flow toilets and metered faucets don’t get stuck running, meaning they use as little water as necessary.”
Irrigation Controls: Advanced irrigation control systems are critical for optimizing water use in landscaped areas. These systems adjust watering times and amounts based on real-time environmental conditions by employing weather-sensing technology and user-defined schedules.
At his facilities, Witte is working on installing smart irrigation systems tied to local weather stations to determine proper sprinkler run times and monitor the amount used for landscaping. This ensures efficient water application and prevents overwatering.
Smart Meters: The integration of smart meters plays a vital role in effective water management. These devices provide real-time data on water consumption, allowing facilities managers to continuously monitor usage across multiple sites. With accurate readings, managers can identify trends, assess performance and execute timely interventions based on water use.
Leak Detection: Implementing robust leak detection systems is essential for minimizing water waste and protecting facility resources. These systems utilize sensors to identify leaks and irregular flow patterns, enabling prompt responses to potential issues.
“When you have a water leak, it will never fix itself,” said Jose Rios, Senior Manager of Environmental Strategy at Murphy Oil USA, Inc. “Once that leak starts, you need to immediately address it because the leak will get larger and result in more waste. Failure to promptly address water issues can also lead to other problems, such as mold or other sediment buildup.”
By quickly addressing leaks, facilities conserve water and prevent the costly damage from unnoticed water loss.
Overcoming Challenges in Water Management.
Navigating the landscape of permitting and regulatory compliance can pose significant challenges for facilities looking to retrofit water-efficient systems. The process often involves extensive paperwork, as facilities must comply with local, state and federal regulations, which can vary.
Delays in obtaining permits can stall projects, leading to increased costs and extended timelines. Some facilities may encounter difficulties finding the right balance between existing infrastructure and new technologies, as retrofitting older systems can require additional modifications or investments. Training staff on regulations and seeking advice from expert resources can assist in executing upgrades.
When your organization needs to analyze water efficiency, picking the proper solution can be daunting. However, understanding water management and environmental impacts can lead your company in the right direction.
"Make sure that you do your homework because there's a lot of technology, firms and options out there, and trying to decide on the best option is harder than it seems," Rios said.