Main author
Multiple Author ArticleBREEAM Water efficient equipment
Contents |
[edit] Aim and benefits
To reduce unregulated water consumption by specifying efficient equipment.
[edit] What is unregulated water use?
Unregulated water use is all water use not considered by building regulations. Part G of building regulations covers the regulation of water use in dwellings. In the case of non-residential properties, BRE seem to be suggesting that unregulated water use is essentially anything not covered in WAT 01.
These may be things such as swimming pools, irrigation systems, fountains, vehicle wash systems.
[edit] When to consider
This is a little bit dependent on what your water uses are, but generally:
- When the team begin to think about landscape design, "plant the seed" of thinking about using drought resistant planting/planting which thrives in the country's natural weather.
- If there is a specific water consuming item, as soon as it's considered, start to get the design team talking about how they could reduce water.
[edit] Step by step guidance
Awaiting content
[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance
- What are the unregulated water sources?
- Is there design guidance which states minimum flow rates for the specified item?
- Is there any other reason we shouldn't reduce flow rate from standard?
- How could we reduce water use?
[edit] Tools and resources
BREEAM Knowledge Base Articles
[edit] Tips and best practice
Awaiting content
[edit] Typical evidence
Best practice evidence would include a letter or calculation sheet, calculating the water use prior to implementing water saving measures to unregulated water use, and post water saving measures. This would demonstrate a percentage reduction in water use.
Regularly compliance is demonstrated through use of a signed letter, stating that irrigation has not been used.
The criteria appears to be asking for demonstration of a meaningful reduction (e.g. a calculation of this), however perhaps this is down to assessor judgement and interpretation of the criteria.
[edit] Applicable Schemes
The guidelines collated in this ISD aim to support sustainable best practice in the topic described. This issue may apply in multiple BREEAM schemes covering different stages in the life of a building, different building types and different year versions. Some content may be generic but scheme nuances should also be taken into account. Refer to the comments below and related articles to this one to understand these nuances. See this document for further guidelines.
- UK New Construction 2014
BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.
--Multiple Author Article 22:03, 21 Apr 2018 (BST)
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles
Costs of water automatic sprinkler systems
Future Water, The Government’s water strategy for England
Swimming pool construction (Note how much water backwashing a filter system uses)
Featured articles and news
New Great British Energy partnership launched
Crown estate help to turbocharge energy independence.
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.