Water Conservation

Waterless urinal by Green Pea.

Water conservation is very important both to preserve this life-giving resource in its own right, and for conservation of energy used to heat water.

Using less water is also very easy to do. Our initial goal was to reduce our water use by 75% over conventional offices and particularly over our past office. We installed a six litre toilet downstairs (most toilets are 13L) and a dual flush (3L/6L) upstairs.  We also installed a waterless urinal which was sold locally by Green Pea. We have low flow taps in the bathroom and kitchen, and will be installing one in the shower. One of the best ways to save water is to ensure that it is not wasted – that taps are not left running, toilet flushing is reduced and watering of plants is done by water collected off the roof instead of from the tap.

The building is plumbed so that in the future we can easily install a cistern to store rainwater collected from the roof. This water can then be used in our garden or for flushing toilets. This will reduce the storm water run off from the building, and ultimately be less of a burden on the planned sewage treatment plant.

Our one parking spot is paved with Grass Crete – so that water can permeate back into the ground, instead of simply running into the street and down the storm drains.

In order to do our bit to clean up Halifax Harbor, we discourage flushing of any plastic products, such as tampon applicators.  We use only biodegradable cleaners and properly dispose of paints and solvents.

Our water conservation strategy is a phased approach.

Curious about water conservation in your own home?  Please click here for an interactive assessment of the money and water you could be saving.