Post on 16-Aug-2020
Saving Water, Saving Energy
Summary
1
• Why is this a crisis?
• Why should I care?
• What CAN my school do about it?
Who are you?
• What organization are you from? • What is your role? • What concerns brought you here?
California Water Shortage
Causes • Cyclical • Climate Change • Population Growth
2013 – Driest Year on Record
How Does This Affect Me?
Environmental Impact
Effects of Climate Change
• Wildfires • Drought • Animal extinction • Extreme weather • Flooding
Money
• Water & sewer usually the largest utility expense behind electricity
• ~ 30% is wasted
• Water & sewer costs to rise at 8-9% annually
Takes Energy to Deliver Water… In California, water related uses account for: • 19% of our electricity • 30% of our natural gas • 88 billion gallons of diesel fuel (Energy accounts for 80% of the cost of water.)
Water Heating
Takes Water to Deliver Energy…
About 25% of California’s water goes to generate energy
Alliance to Save Energy
Watery Program • Begun in 1997 • Working with municipalities to increase
efficiency of water and wastewater treatment
• Implemented in over 100 cities internationally
Watergy • The Alliance offers a portfolio of services
that include: – Energy assessments – Training, outreach – Advocacy with electric & gas utilities – Financing mechanism research and policy
analysis • Has realized 20.8 million kWh of electricity
and $5 million in operating costs.
International Scope
• Fortaleza, Brazil • Veracruz, Mexico • Andhra Pradesh, India • Emfuleni, South Africa • Bucks County, PA
PowerSave Schools Program
• K-12 Energy Efficiency Education • Focused on electricity: Understanding the
science, and how to save it • 5-15% savings based on behavior change
LADWP & LAUSD
LAUSD’s Power Challenge
Targets: 5% Electricity 5% Water
PowerSave Road Map Guide
• Creating new benchmark for water conservation
Establish Best Practices for School
• Look for leaks • Don’t run water for washing hands • Faucet Aerators • Low-flow shower heads • Adjust sprinkler settings • Toilets: Repair/Retrofit/Replace
Look for Leaks
Don’t run water when washing hands
Faucet Aerators
Low-Flow Showerheads
Adjust sprinkler
Toilets: Repair/Retrofit/Replace
School-based Savings Campaign
Step 1: Connect with Facilities Staff
2. School Audit
• Sinks • Showerheads • Toilets • Look for Leaks
Water Flow Rate Bag
Toilet
Look for Leaks!
3. Set Goals
• Reduce water by 10-15%? • Translate into dollar figures for your school
(or organization)
4. Create Awareness
• State Goal • Recommend 2-3 Simple Behaviors • Let Students Lead
Faculty Meeting Presentations
• Keep it brief!
Morning Announcements
Signage
5. Take Action (Immediate Behaviors)
• Turn Off Faucets When Washing Hands
Report Leaks
Acknowledge those who find them!
Encourage Shorter Showers
Landscaping
Water in the Wee Hours
Let It Grow (2-3 Inches)
Pressure Sweepers
6. Cheap Upgrades
Water Aerator – Cheap– or free from utility company – Can reduce flow rate from 2 to .5 gpm
Low Flow Showerheads
7. Deeper Upgrades Toilets!
• Low-water • Low-flow flushometer diaphragms • Waterless urinals
Sinks
• Remove hot water?
• Self-shutting faucets (.25 gallons)
Drought Tolerant Landscaping (Xeriscaping)
Drought Tolerant Turf
Competitive Element
Take It Home
• Have students take their knowledge home with them
• Share success of school program • Home savings tips:
– Only running dishwasher/washing machine when full
– Consider low-water appliances – Re-setting sprinkler timers
Contact Local Utility Rep
• See what residential incentive programs & freebies they have: – Aerators – Low-flow showerheads – Lawn replacement incentive programs
Take It Home
Team up!
Transform Your Campus
• Who is your facilities partner? • Where do you think your biggest savings
are? • What is your goal? • Who will be on your team? • How will you get the word out?
Gray Water Systems
Rain Catchments
Unpaving
The Future Is Still Bright
My Contact Info
Scott Thach PowerSave Schools, Program Manager Alliance to Save Energy Sthach@ase.org (310) 497-1789
Thank you!