Efficient Smart Water Systems for Residential Buildings

Smart Water Systems Introduction: Smart Water Systems are primarily plumbing fixtures used in residential buildings to achieve efficient water and energy consumption and cost efficiency. In addition, eco or green roofs in residential buildings can contribute to cost reduction while minimizing CO2 gas emissions. Source: www.ciph.com Purpose: Residential buildings can minimize water usage to reduce cost and save energy with smart and efficient water systems. Water efficient systems such as: - low-flow fixtures - low-flush fixtures - waterless urinals - water/energy efficient washing machines can be installed in a residential building for water conservation and cost efficiency. Such systems yield a considerable amount in cost and consumption reduction. In addition, eco-roof or green-roof systems can utilize rainwater and use it for irrigation and landscaping purposes. By installing green roofs, the building will contribute to reduction of CO2 gas emissions and improving air quality in and around the building. The City of Toronto offers an Eco-Roof incentive program where each square meter of an eligible green roof can receive up to $100 credits.

What is a low-flow fixture? To put it simply, low-flow fixtures are special plumbing fixtures such as faucets and showerheads that use less water without compromising water pressure and performance. According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, water at residential buildings are pressurised from 50-70 pounds per inch (psi) with maximum allowable pressure of 80 psi Low-flow fixtures use less water at a flow rate of 0.5-2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) or less at 80psi, whereas standard flow fixtures use a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gpm at 80psi. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/bathroom-faucets Showerheads and faucets installed in new buildings are mandated to not exceed a maximum flow rate of 2.5gpm by the American National Standards Institute. (2018, pg 29. Section 408.2) Low-flow aerators Low-flow aerators are small attachments that are installed on previous fixtures to further decrease water usage by moderating water flow without compromising pressure and delivery. Benefits of integrating low-flow plumbing fixtures in Seneca College Student Residence Building: - Low-flow fixtures can effectively reduce water cost and save on water bills by as much as 30%. - Reduce water consumption up to 40% depending on the model and manufacturer of plumbing fixtures - Using less hot water through low-flow fixtures, we reduce our energy consumption and save on energy bills since hot-water is heated through natural gas. - Initial cost to purchase and install a low-flow fixture ranges from $50-$200 each, however, these costs will be covered in approximately 3 years of use and can start generating savings in utility and energy bills.

What is a low-flush fixture? Similar with low-flow fixtures, low-flush plumbing fixtures are restroom fixtures such as toilets and urinals that use minimal amount of water per each use/flush. The standard water closets (toilets) installed in new buildings are mandated to not exceed a maximum consumption of water at a flow rate of 1.6 gallons per flush (6.0 litres per flush) and commercial urinals at 1 gallon per flush, according to the Uniform Plumbing Code. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/urinals Newer generation toilets and urinals utilize different technological advancements such as efficient bowl design and configuration to reach maximum efficiency for powerful and crisp flushes . Optimum low-flush toilets consume 1.28 gpf or less on average according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial-toilets

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EPA created the WaterSense certification for high-efficiency plumbing fixtures. EPA recommends using WaterSense certified fixtures for residential buildings for its water efficient features. Source: www.epa.gov Benefits of installing low-flush water closets in Seneca College Student Residence Building: - Low-flush fixtures use less water per each use/flush - Reduce water consumption - Low-flush toilets and urinals will conserve thousands of gallons of water each year - Initial cost to purchase and install a low-flush fixture range from $100-$500 each, however, these costs will be covered in no time.

WaterSense Savings By replacing outdated and inefficient toilets with WaterSense certified toilets, a 10-floor residential building can conserve nearly 1.2 million gallons of water and more than $10,000 in cost reduction per year. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial-toilets Installing just one low-flush urinal with flush rate of 0.5 gpf could result in savings of 4,600 gallons of water per year in a residential building as opposed to the standard 1.0 gpf urinal mandated by the federal government. Source: www.epa.gov/watersense/urinals

Source: www.globalnews.ca

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Source: www.globalnews.ca Water is one of Canada’s most precious natural resources, therefore it is in our best interest to conserve water and be conscious of our daily usage.

Eco-Roofs in Residential Buildings Eco-roof also known as green roof is an integrated and vegetated living system on top of a building. It is designed to imitate ground vegetation and its benefits. 3D Model of Residential Building with a Green Roof, South East View Source: www.turbosquid.com

A green roof consists of several layers of construction material such as waterproofing membrane, landscaping fabric, aggregates and soil. Green Roof Layers and Systems Source: www.restorationgardens.ca Plants – Support biodiversity, provides shade and cooling relief on roofs, produce oxygen and more Growing Medium (soil) – Provides the plants a growing environment. The engineered soil mix consists of organic and aggregate materials. Filter Cloth (landscaping fabric) – Prevents the organic material and growing medium from clogging drains. Drainage Layer – Prevents an increase in weight and pressure on the roof structure. Drains excess water off the roof. Root Barrier/Waterproofing Membrane – Protects the existing roof structure from root penetrations or organic material which could cause decay. Prolongs the roofing life.

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Installing green roofs in residential buildings is a great way to alleviate heat and cool down the building during hot summer seasons. Concrete and roof waterproofing shingles attracts heat and causes heat build up on roofs and increases cooling energy costs. However, green roofs absorb heat and acts as a natural insulation. It can help reduce the air-conditioning usage and lower the CO2 gas emissions associated with air-conditioning. By reducing air- conditioning usage during summer months, it helps reduce energy cost and saves money on energy bills. 3D Model of Residential Building with a Green Roof, South West View Source: www.turbosquid.com

Residential Green Roof project completion on Bel-Air Residence in Oakville. Source: Courtesy of @bekdashka In addition, green roof vegetations produce oxygen and provide shade and cooling relief on residential building roofs. The vegetation relies completely on rainwater. During summer seasons, green roofs retain up to 90% of the precipitation that lands on them. By trapping rainwater for watering and irrigation purposes, it reduces stormwater runoff and relieves pressure from municipal sewer systems Residential Green Roof project completion on Bel-Air Residence in Oakville. Source: Courtesy of @bekdashka The City of Toronto offers an Eco-Roof incentive program where each square meter of an eligible green roof can receive up to $100.

References (works cited) https://www.thebalancesmb.com/low-flow-fixtures-types-benefits-and-costs-844731 https://ygrene.com/blog/efficiency-of-low-flow-plumbing https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/reduce-hot-water-use-energy-savings https://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/21403/title/3-ways-low-flow-restroom- fixtures-save-water https://www.consumersearch.com/toilets/how-to-buy-a-toilet https://www.epa.gov/watersense/residential-toilets https://www.epa.gov/watersense/showerheads https://www.epa.gov/watersense/bathroom-faucets https://www.epa.gov/watersense/urinals https://www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial-toilets https://www.consumersearch.com/toilets/how-to-buy-a-toilet http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/publications/ulftoilets.pdf https://www.ciph.com/page/water_matters/Because-Water-Matters.htm https://priorityplumbing.ca/save-water-bathroom https://priorityplumbing.ca/wasted-water-is-money-down-the-drain https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/lower-bills-with-low-flow-faucets http://epubs.iapmo.org/2018/UPC/mobile/index.html#p=64 http://epubs.iapmo.org/2018/UPC/mobile/index.html#p=66 https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/environmental-grants- incentives-2/green-your-roof/ https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/blog/changeyourstate/4-reasons-green-roofs-do-a-building- good/ http://skyspacegreenroofs.com/ Media: http://hydrotekintl.com/what-does-a-watersense-label-mean/ https://globalnews.ca/news/3016754/this-is-how-much-water-canadians-waste/ http://www.restorationgardens.ca/green-roof-layers-and-systems/ https://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/multifamily-residential-building-green-3d-model/ 678446

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Executive Summary With global warming and climate change increasing at an alarming rate, sustainability and conservation have become an important aspect in built environments. Smart building systems integrate efficiency and provide solutions to overspending and inefficient use of resources in buildings. High-performing and intelligent buildings have minimal ecological footprint. Through efficient energy and water consumption practices, smart building systems help decrease inefficient energy and water usages without compromising performance and the needs of occupants. At TB & MJ Technical Solutions Inc, we provide solutions to inefficiency issues in built environments at the core and help maximize performance and efficiency. Through our partnership with Seneca College, TB & MJ Technical Solutions Inc. will be designing the newly proposed Student Residence building which will be located near The Billy Bishop International Airport. Seneca College’s new Student Residence building will be designed for sustainability and maximum energy efficiency. We plan on achieving this ambitious goal while providing high return in investment by integrating smart building systems in the areas of water, energy and central control systems. Our approach will help Seneca College dramatically reduce energy and utility expenses and boost Seneca’s eco-friendly image to prospective students and business partners alike. Water is one of Canada’s most precious natural resources, therefore it is in our best interest to conserve water and be conscious of our daily usage. Integrating smart water systems such as low-flow and low-flush plumbing fixtures are great way to tackle inefficiency and increased costs. Energy conscious smart systems yield significant cost savings and return on investment. Integrating systems such as low wattage LED lights, solar energy systems (solar panels) and motion detective sensors are a great way to conserve energy and reduce harmful impacts on the ecosystem all while reducing operation costs. In addition, efficient building envelopes protect the building from surrounding harsh environmental conditions such as noise and air pollution from the nearby airport. In order to avoid excessive operation costs and over-usage, the Student Residence building will be integrated with an intelligent Central Control System (CCS). Central control system in a building acts as a digital brain, which manages different systems such as HVAC, lighting, security and communication. CCS allows the property owners/managers to have full control over the building and oversee all internal activities. With automation of building systems, CCS maximizes performance and minimizes wastage in resources. The building systems mentioned above will be discusses and explored in further detail in this Slide Doc Report prepared by TB & MJ Technical Solutions Inc.

Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge Seneca College’s Civil Engineering Technology Diploma Program students for giving us their valuable time and opinions on their preference of Smart Student Residence.

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