net-zero water
Comprehensive and integrative onsite water management is an emerging strategy to build resilient buildings, communities and cities. Similar to net-zero energy, where an energy balance between energy demands and onsite supply is achieved, Net-Zero Water strives to balance a development’s water demand with re-sourcing available onsite water supplies. By combing REDI’s strategic planning with the design of onsite stormwater and wastewater reuse, REDI can help move developments towards this challenging yet comprehensive approach for 21st water management, which may offer not only support achieving LEED status but also for achieving the prestigious Living Building Challenge. Our team has crafted the 4R’s as fundamental pillars towards achieving Net-Zero Water. They include: Reduce, Reuse, Recharge and Regenerate.
reduce
Efficient potable water use is often the first step towards achieving a Net-Zero Water. Reduce includes behavioral changes, using technological upgrades such as low flow devices and replacing potable use with nonpotable water where possible such as using
reuse
Includes both direct reuse of greywater or reclaimed water for nonpotable purposes such as irrigation or toilet water (where building codes allow).
recharge
Places water back into the ground to support subterranean flows that service other ecosystems, communities or cultural needs.
regenerate
Installing natural systems in the built environment and/or placing water back into ground helps support and regenerate the local watershed ecology.
