Water is one of the most vital natural resources buildings rely on, often topping the list of concerns for sustainable management.

Many communities across the U.S. are facing significant water-related challenges, whether due to resource scarcity or failing infrastructure. For instance, Phoenix and its surrounding areas are grappling with a water sourcing crisis, while Jackson, Mississippi has experienced a major infrastructure breakdown, leaving over 100,000 people without access to clean water. Managing water sustainably and efficiently is crucial.

Fortunately, water usage is measurable, and water efficiency standards are on the rise. Water efficiency focuses on using water responsibly, minimizing waste and overuse, and it differs from water conservation, which is more about reducing demand. Efficiency is all about adopting technologies and practices that maintain water use while lowering consumption.

Innovative water efficiency solutions, such as flow management and water recycling, are now being incorporated into architectural design and building updates. And the best part? Many of these solutions are easy to implement in existing structures with minimal effort!

Water Usage in the U.S.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), water usage across the country averages about 322 billion gallons per day. The EPA notes that the typical American household uses over 300 gallons daily, with around 70% of that used indoors. While water might seem abundant, less than 1% of the Earth’s water is actually accessible for human consumption.

The environmental impact of water usage extends beyond just the resource itself. Many buildings depend on centralized municipal water systems, which means considerable resources are spent transporting and treating water before it can be reused. This process consumes significant amounts of time, energy, and money.

Prioritizing water efficiency is essential—not just to conserve water, but to reap a wide range of additional benefits. These include saving on costs, protecting aquatic ecosystems, improving water quality, and mitigating the effects of drought.

Water-Saving Strategies for Your Business

Water efficiency is crucial not just at home, where simple steps like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or using low-flow faucets can reduce water use, but also in commercial settings where the scale of water usage is much larger. While homes benefit from easy upgrades like efficient toilets and showerheads, businesses require a more comprehensive approach.

In commercial buildings, installing water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow faucets and toilets, is a great first step. For businesses with high water usage, like those with irrigation systems or industrial processes, optimizing water systems can yield significant savings. Starting with an assessment of current water use, companies can identify areas for improvement and explore alternative water sources.

Effective strategies for businesses include:

• Installing submeters to track water flow and reduce unnecessary usage
• Utilizing gray water or non-potable water where possible
• Incorporating green landscaping, such as native plants or xeriscaping, to reduce irrigation needs
• Implementing water-efficient irrigation technologies
• Harvesting rainwater with a collection system
• Upgrading to efficient plumbing fixtures throughout the building

Take, for instance, a bathroom renovation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, toilets are required to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, while urinals must use no more than 1.0 gallon. However, older urinals can use up to 5 gallons per flush. The EPA estimates that replacing outdated urinals could save nearly 36 billion gallons of water annually.

Additionally, when upgrading bathrooms, consider installing inclusive signage for gender-neutral restrooms. Aligning sustainability efforts with social equity initiatives creates a more inclusive and responsible workplace, ensuring all employees feel respected, regardless of gender expression.

The Importance of Water Efficiency for Business Success

For businesses, water efficiency is not only a critical environmental responsibility but also a key driver of cost savings and operational efficiency. Implementing sustainable water-saving measures can reduce operating expenses and contribute to long-term business resilience. Certifications like LEED provide valuable frameworks and resources to help businesses measure their water usage, identify inefficiencies, and implement effective solutions.

By prioritizing water efficiency, businesses can improve their bottom line while demonstrating their commitment to sustainability—an increasingly important factor for customers, partners, and stakeholders. Whether through building upgrades, new construction, or operational improvements, making water efficiency a core part of your strategy is a smart move for future growth.

Laura Steinbrink and Emerald Built Environments help teams identify whole system visions for sustainability that create practical success for stakeholders. They use keen facilitation skills to move clients and project teams through difficult decisions by pinpointing what matters and exploring team knowledge for innovative solutions. Laura has directly participated in over 50 LEED projects nationwide, including BD+C, ID+C, O+M, C+C, ND, and Homes. She is the firm’s founder and managing member and continues to work with clients, helping them set and achieve sustainability goals and strategies. Recently, she's been busy leading the firm's E in ESG practice area, which supports sustainability strategy development, stakeholder engagement, GHG emissions reporting, and compliance frameworks, including TCFD and GRESB for large privately held companies. 

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