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NIH | Environmental Managment System Sustainability Water Conservation

GOAL 4: Water Use Efficiency and Management

 

The NIH will promote water efficiency and conservation by:

1. Reducing Potable Water Use

    • EO 13514 requires federal agencies to reduce potable water use intensity by at least 26% by FY20.

Fig. A13 – Image of Dual Flush toilet instructions
Fig. A13 – Dual Flush toilet instructions

2. Reducing Industrial/Agricultural Water Use

    • EO 13514 requires federal agencies to reduce industrial/agricultural water use intensity by at least 20% by FY20. The current HHS SBIP requires all new construction and major renovation products to set targets for reducing water use by a minimum of 20%. Similar reductions for existing facilities are also required by the Guiding Principles for Existing Buildings and for certification under the LEED® for Existing Buildings Operation + Maintenance (EBOM) program.

 

3. Improving Storm Water Reduction

    • EISA Section 438 requires federal agencies to develop and redevelop facilities with a foot print that exceeds 5000 SF in a manner that maintains or restores the pre‐development site hydrology to the maximum extent technically feasible. The current HHS SBIP requires compliance with EISA 2007 and is proactive in addressing stormwater management as a compliance requirement under the Guiding Principles. The HHS SBIP addresses landscaping and irrigation strategies, as well the employment of design and construction strategies that reduce stormwater runoff and polluted site water runoff. While EISA 2007 is cited in the current SBIP, the technical guidance on implementing EISA Section 438 was not issued until December 2009. The full EPA guidance will be incorporated by reference in the 2010 update of the SBIP. The Sustainable Buildings Checklists and the Existing Building Assessment Tool will also be updated to reflect the technical Guidance.​


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Goal 6 Highlights

 

  1. Potable Water Use
    • EO 13514 requires federal agencies to reduce potable water use intensity by at least
    • 2020 – 26% (gallons)
  2. Industrial /Agricultural Water Use
    • EO 13514 requires federal agencies to reduce industrial/agricultural water use intensity by at least
    • 2020 - 20% (gallons)
  3. Storm Water Reduction
    • EISA Section 438 requires federal agencies to develop and redevelop facilities with a foot print that exceeds 5000 SF in a manner that maintains or restores the pre‐development site hydrology to the maximum extent technically feasible.