A focus on reducing waste, not restricting use.
Though the two are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between water conservation and water efficiency. Water efficiency differs in that it focuses on reducing wasted water. It also emphasizes the influence consumers can have in water efficiency by making small behavioral changes to reduce water waste by choosing more efficient water products.
Reclaimed Rainwater
Rainwater is harvested on site and used for irrigation. The Gadsden Center Remodel and Addition will re-use approximately 43,789 gallons of rainwater per year eliminating the need for irrigation water from non-renewable sources. Except in the event of an unusual drought condition irrigation demand is satisfied 100% by reclaimed rain water.
Combined with Water Use Reduction measures this allows The Gadsden Center Remodel and Addition's water comsumption to remain 84.7% below baseline norms
Water Use Reduction
A typical household uses approximately 260 gallons of water per day. This means that in the United States approximately 26 billion gallons of fresh water are used every day. There are many ways to reduce the amount of water used on a day-to-day basis in your home.
The Gadsden Center Remodel and Addition's low-flow fixtures reduce water demand. In addition to specifying low flow fixtures, the faucets specified for the lavatories incorporate a hydro-powered generator to replenish the battery powered infrared sensors on the faucets with no external power.