The world’s thirst for water is growing faster than ever. By 2030, we could face a 40% shortfall in freshwater supply.
Right now, a staggering 4 billion people are experiencing water scarcity, and one in four cities are struggling with water insecurity. The problem is only getting worse as our population continues to grow.
Water supply is obviously crucial in agriculture, energy production, and urban development in Australia. The good news is sustainable water management solutions are now being incorporated in sustainable designs. So, what water conservation techniques can Designers and Architects consider?
(Want to know more about the latest sustainable design trends? Sustainable Design Trends in 2024 is for you.)
Rainwater Harvesting is Your Best Friend
Rainwater can be collected from rooftops, land surfaces, or rock catchments, then stored in tanks or cisterns. After filtering, it can be pumped out for watering plants, flushing toilets, doing laundry, or even drained into a rainwater tank if a pool or spa is installed in-line with BASIX guidelines and requires it.
The practice of rainwater harvesting helps to lower the demand for drinking water, easing the pressure on municipal water supplies. It also helps manage stormwater runoff, reducing the chance of flooding and erosion.
Some green buildings in Australia have successfully implemented rainwater harvesting systems. One example is the Council House 2 (CH2) in Melbourne, which uses filtered rainwater to cover a huge chunk of its water needs. Rainwater harvesting was purposefully integrated into CH2, because of Melbourne’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
The building collects rainwater from the rooftop and stores it in tanks. It is used for their irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling systems. This shows how sustainable and innovative design can lead to an eco-friendly and healthier workspace.
Turn Greywater to Gold
The wastewater from sinks, showers, washing machines, and such sources is called greywater. It is less contaminated and easier to treat than blackwater from toilets and urinals. In drought-prone areas like Central New South Wales, greywater recycling is a huge help.
Here’s how it works: Greywater is collected and then goes through filtration and disinfection to remove contaminants. After that, the treated greywater is used for toilet flushing, watering gardens, washing cars and paths, and similar uses.
Greywater recycling in Australia is regulated by the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling (AGWR), with a view to managing health and environmental risks. Each state or territory may have their own rules, like the NSW Guidelines for Management of Private Recycled Water Schemes.
NSW’s guidelines give emphasis on risk management, to ensure the safe and sustainable use of greywater. Thorough risk assessments are required to identify potential hazards and critical control points, plus ongoing monitoring and validation of water quality to protect public health and the environment.
Efficient Irrigation and Water-Wise Landscaping
These sustainable strategies help to conserve water and reduce utility costs, making them both eco-friendly and economical.
How Efficient Irrigation Saves Water
Drip irrigation systems can greatly reduce water waste by directly delivering water to the plant roots. Smart controllers take it one step further, allowing you to adjust watering schedules based on the weather and soil moisture levels. This way, your plants get just the right amount of water when they need it.
For example, a smart irrigation system might delay watering if it detects rain in the forecast. On the other hand, it can automatically increase watering during a heatwave. This is an effective technique to conserve water while keeping gardens healthy with minimal effort. Some of these systems can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, so you can manage your garden’s watering needs from anywhere.
How Water-Wise Landscaping Boosts Sustainability
Choose drought-tolerant plants that do well in Australia’s climate, so you won’t need to water them as often. Also, watering early in the morning or late in the evening helps to minimise evaporation and ensures water gets to the plant roots.
These simple practices help reduce water consumption, contributing to building sustainability. They help to maintain healthy landscapes using minimal water, which is crucial in drought-prone areas.
Grouping plants with similar water needs together effectively makes irrigation more efficient. Mulching around plants helps in retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and improving soil health. These all help to save water and enhance the look and landscape functionality.
Conserving Water through Sustainable Designs
Green building professionals are in the best position to create sustainable, water-efficient landscapes that meet both environmental standards and client expectations. Integrating rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, efficient irrigation, and water-wise landscaping into building designs can help tackle water scarcity.
These methods reduce the demand for potable water, manage stormwater runoff, and promote sustainable living. They can also lower utility costs and enhance overall sustainability, just as Incorporating Solar Panels in Architectural Design can.
As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative solutions for water conservation. Watch out for emerging innovations like digital twin technology, nanobubble technology, and AI-driven predictive analytics.
Whether you’re a builder, architect or designer, or building owner, we can all help address the water challenges of tomorrow. Contact us if you want more information about green building design.
