3.3: Water Intensive Applications

(16 maximum points possible)

3.3.1 Laboratory & Medical Equipment (7 points)

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.1.1 - Are steam sterilizers equipped with the following:

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.1.1.1 Mechanical vacuum systems? 

• Yes (1 points)
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Where volume of equipment needing to be sterilized is high or where equipment needs to be sterilized quickly, a vacuum can be used to draw on the chamber, allowing better contact with the steam. Mark “N/A” where there are no sterilizers.

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.1.1.2 Water tempering devices that only allow water to flow when the discharge of condensate or hot water from the sterilizer exceeds 140°F (60°C)?

• Yes (1 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Sterilizers need cold water to cool the hot condensate created during sterilization before it can be sent down the drain. A condensate tempering system monitors the temperature of the draining water temperature and applies cold water only when needed (e.g. when the water from the sterilizer is hotter than 60°C (140°F)). Mark “N/A” where there are no sterilizers.

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.1.2 Does laboratory or medical equipment use non-potable water for once-through cooling? 

• Yes (2 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Mark “N/A” where there is no laboratory or medical equipment.

Assessment Guidance

Closed loop chillers for medical and laboratory equipment dramatically reduce the water consumption by reusing treated water and eliminating a direct feed connection to the potable water supply. Alternatively, air cooled specialty equipment has certain applications to medical and dental equipment, which also avoids direct connection to the potable water supply. For verification, the Green Globes Assessor may need to see equipment specifications if the equipment cannot be visually inspected.

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.1.3 Are dry vacuum systems specified for all medical/dental purposes? 

• Yes (1 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Examples of dry vacuum systems include suction devices used by dentists and surgeons to remove body fluids, and large surgical-unit vacuum pumps that remove gases used for anesthesia. Mark “N/A” where there will be no medical/dental vacuum systems.

Assessment Guidance

Dry vacuum systems eliminate the need for continuous supply of water from the potable water system. For verification, the Green Globes Assessor may need to see equipment specifications if the equipment cannot be visually inspected.

References 

• Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, Building Water Efficiency - Vacuum Systems

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.1.4 Do X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging equipment employ digital technologies?

AND/OR

Do large X-ray film systems (capable of processing X-ray films of more than 5.9 (150 mm) in length or width) employ recycling technology to reduce water waste? 

• Yes (2 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Mark “N/A” where there will be no imaging systems or where film imaging will be required or where films will be less than 5.0 in. (150 mm) in length or width.

Assessment Guidance

Digital technologies as applied to medical imaging equipment eliminate the photographical development process, which consumes potable water as well as generates hazardous chemical waste. For verification, the Green Globes Assessor may need to see equipment specifications if the equipment cannot be visually inspected.

3.3.2 Laundry Equipment (4 points)

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.2.1 Do coin or card-operated laundromat machines meet the prescribed water factor (WF) performance as follows (if applicable):

• Single-load, soft- or hard-mounted laundromat washing machines with a WF of 8 gal/ft3 or less?

AND/OR 

• Multi-load washing machines with a WF of 9.5 gal/ft3 or less? 
  • Yes (2 points)
  • No (0 points) 
  • N/A

Tooltip

“Water Factor (WF)” means volume of water per unit of capacity of the washing machine (in gal/ft3 or L/m3 ) for a full cycle. “Soft-mount” means not bolted to the floor. “Hard-mount” means bolted to the floor. “Single load” means up to 22 lbs. (10 kg). “Multi-load washing machine” means a washer that can take over 22 lbs. (10 kg) per load. Mark “N/A” where there are no coin- and card-operated machines.

Assessment Guidance

If the WF value is not displayed on the affixed nameplate, or is not assessable, provide the relevant manufacturer’s documentation.

References 

• ENERGY STAR- What are “Modified Energy Factor” and “Water Factor” on ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers list?

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.2.2 If an institutional/industrial laundry, are there the following types of washing machines: 

• Tunnel washing machine that is programmable to use a specific amount of water depending on the soiling of the material to be washed? 
• That has a water consumption of 0.96 gal/lb. (8 L/kg); or less than 1.44 gal/lb. (12 L/ kg)? 
• That has a water recycling system? 
  • Yes (2 points) 
  • No (0 points) 
  • N/A

Tooltip

Prescribed efficiency is 8 L/kg (0.96 gal/lb.) (preferred) or less than 12 L/kg (1.44 gal/lb.) (acceptable). Mark “N/A” where there is no institutional or industrial laundry or where volumes are not sufficient - e.g. approximately 363 lbs. (800 kg) per hour.

Assessment Guidance

Verification by the Green Globes Assessor for institutional/industrial washers is best accomplished by having the manufacturer’s technical documentation available.

3.3.3 Special Water Features (2 points)

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.3.1 Do special water features (e.g. swimming pools, spas, ornamental fountains, water playscapes, etc.) filter and re-circulate water for reuse within the system? 

• Yes (1 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Mark “N/A” where there are no special water features.

Assessment Guidance

These systems, depending on the type, usually have some level of built-in water recycling. Since many of these are customer designed, as-built record drawings and specifications as well as manufacturer’s technical literature may be required for verification by the Green Globes Assessor.

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.3.2 Do special water features use alternate sources of water for make-up water? 

• Yes (1 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Mark “N/A” where there are no special water features, or where alternate sources of water would be unsuitable.

Assessment Guidance

The most common alternative sources of water include rainwater, gray water, and in some cases irrigation water, treated as necessary.

References 

• Extension America’s Research-based Learning Network - Water Features, Conserving Water

3.3.4 Metering (2 points)

GREEN GLOBES #3.3.4.1 Is there sub-metering for all water-intensive indoor applications such as commercial kitchens, commercial laundry, labs, pools, spas, etc.?

• Yes (3 points) 
• No (0 points) 
• N/A

Tooltip

Mark “N/A” where there are no water-intensive applications.

Assessment Guidance

Where sub-meters are installed, they should either report automatically to a Meter Data Management System, or a schedule should be implemented to have a responsible party record the meter values on a regular basis. A “responsible party” can be the building engineer(s), owner’s representative, or the tenant.

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