Question: Would the initial cost of installing low-flow fixtures in my accommodations building actually be worth the headache and the investment? 

Answer: The fact is low-flow fixtures save money — and this money will be returned to you faster than some of the other energy-efficient or renewable energy concepts we discuss at BizEnergy. We’ll tell you why!

 

Water-efficient showerheads, faucets, toilets, urinals and other low-flow fixtures of the like will save you both money and water. Depending on where your building is located, many utility companies and government programs offer incentives for businesses that will purchase and install low-flow fixtures.

In fact, Ontario was leading the way in water-efficiency. Back in 2006, water-saving fixture use began really trending in the province — Statistics Canada suspects it had something to do with regulatory changes to the Ontario Building Code in 1996 making the use of water-saving fixtures mandatory in new structures.

Also, considering 30-40 per cent of a hotel’s water consumption is from faucets, showers and toilets — installing low-flow fixtures will save money from leaking away.

Let’s talk about some benefits of installing low-flow fixtures

Aside from the two biggest benefits — saving money and saving water, there are other benefits of installing low-flow fixtures in your building.

  • A building that installs water-efficient showerheads can earn two points per low-flow head in LEED credits (depending on the model).
  • You’re not only saving money on water, you are saving money on water heating.
  • The payback of the initial capital investment usually returns within a year.

“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey upgraded restroom facilities at LaGaurdia Airport to increase the efficiency of toilets, faucets, and showers,” reports Natural Resources Defense Council, “These improvements yield annual water savings of almost $160,000, after an initial capital cost of only $90,000.”

Low-flow technologies allow you to save whether you opt for the needle, aerated or laminar designs.  When shopping, aim for the lowest gallons per minute (gpm) and enjoy splashing in the savings!

If you want to take water conservation a step further, consider rainwater collection systems and grey-water harvesting

A while ago we showed BizEnergy readers how to tap into the benefits of rainwater collection systems — we also have a sweet How To on saving with grey-water recycling.

 

For businesses (especially in the food service, accommodations, small industrial and retail sectors) we offer sweet incentives and rebates.

 

Image credit: Yanna Diamanti