Water Efficiency Performance and Campus Sustainability Case Study

Intent and Points System: * The primary goal of the Water Efficiency credit is to reduce the consumption of potable water. * Secondary goals include reducing associated energy consumption and carbon emissions related to the treatment and distribution of water. * The credit promotes a "water handling/efficient first approach" to preserve potable water resources. * Projects can earn between $1$ to $4$ points based on performance.
Performance Metrics: * Points are awarded based on the total potable water consumption measured over a $12$ -month reporting period. * The metrics used for calculation are: * Gallons per square foot per year ( $gal/ft^2/yr$ ). * Liters per meter per year ( $L/m^2/yr$ ).
Baseline and Thresholds: * To earn the first point ( $1$ point), the project must meet the baseline water use intensity threshold for its specific space type as defined in "Table 1." * For a College or University space type, the baseline water use intensity threshold is set at $12\,gal/ft^2/yr$ .
Additional Points and Reductions: * Additional points are earned by demonstrating a percentage reduction from the baseline water use intensity threshold, as outlined in "Table 2." * Specific mention: A $50\%$ reduction from the baseline water use intensity threshold can result in $14$ points (Note: Context mentions $1$ to $4$ points for the credit generally, but specified $14$ points for this level of reduction).

Fixture and System Upgrades: * Projects can optimize point scores by upgrading to high-efficiency fixtures and fittings.
Monitoring and Maintenance: * Installation of monitoring meters and sensors to detect leaks. * Taking immediate corrective action to mitigate water loss once leaks are identified.
Alternative Water Sources: * Using non-potable water sources to replace potable water for specific functions. * Examples of alternative sources: * Municipality reclaimed water (e.g., "Mississippi reclaim" or Denver Water reclaimed sources). * Harvested rainwater. * Applications for alternative water: * Flushing fixtures (toilets/urinals). * Landscape irrigation.

Annual Report Data (2022–2023): * The campus utilizes a blend of water sources: well water, augmented water, and both potable and non-potable water supplied by Denver Water. * Institutional Partnerships: * The ASCP work involves collaboration between the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC), and the One World One Water Center. * Core Values: Stewardship of water resources is identified as a core value of the ASCP.
Sustainability Initiatives: * The partnership has implemented several water-saving projects: * Irrigation system audits. * Leak detection programs. * Fixture replacements.
Measured Savings: * These efforts resulted in a reduction in consumption of $12\%$ or higher starting from the $2017$ baseline. * Reference values: Reduction from approximately $37,000\,kgal$ (kilogallons) in $2017$ to $60.41\,kgal$ in $2022$ .

Water Use Benchmarking: * The plan involves benchmarking water use against efficient standards over time. * Purpose: To inform future water efficiency projects and strategies. * Potable cost savings are calculated based on the unit cost of water supply provided by Denver Water.
Denver Water's Role and Strategy: * Denver Water's latest efficiency plan has evolved from simple water saving/consumption focus toward helping customers achieve efficient use. * The plan includes specific benchmarking for public use spaces to guide irrigation practices on campus.
Campus Water Infrastructure and Supply (2018 Data): * Potable water is described as essential to campus operations, serving indoor needs and some outdoor needs. * Sub-metering Limitations: The campus does not currently have sub-meters installed to differentiate consumption between all major end-users. * Mechanical Systems: * The campus operates two chiller plants that are individually metered. * There are eight cooling towers in operation. * Total Annual Supply: Approximately $73,000\,kgal$ from three sources: 1. Potable water from Denver Water. 2. Well water from an on-campus well. 3. Argument (augmented) water provided by Denver Water. * 2018 Potable Water Usage Breakdown: Potable water accounted for $66\%$ of the total $70,000\,kgal$ to $73,000\,kgal$ annual supply.

Question: "Higher Education Cross. I'm trying to find something for potable because that's what it is. Right? That's what they want. Right? Potable? Reduce potable water usage. Yeah." * Response/Confirmation: The speaker confirms that the primary objective is the reduction of potable water usage.
Question: "Do I have to go and look for the water ones?" * Context: The speaker was navigating the AHEC 2019 Water Action Plan to find specific potable water delivery costs and irrigation usage data.
Question: "That's not how you spell potable. Give me a second." * Correction: The speaker corrected a search term or spelling error while reviewing campus reports.