Scoping study to investigate measures for improving the water efficiency of buildings
Department of the Environment and Heritage,
December 2006
ISBN 978-1-921297-45-8
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About this study
This study aims to provide background information for the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), following the inclusion of sustainability into its recent inter-governmental agreement. Sustainability, incorporating energy, water, materials and indoor environmental requirements, joins health, safety and amenity as a goal of the Building Code of Australia.
Scope of the Study
The focus of this study includes residential, commercial office and public buildings. Water used directly for industrial, commercial or agricultural purposes is outside the scope of this study.
This study combines existing information about water use patterns in urban areas; techniques and strategies that can be used to reduce water consumption in buildings; options for improving efficiency, and an analysis of the economic, social and environmental impacts of these options. It does not include any primary testing or technical research into water technologies, although it highlights some areas where this work would be beneficial.
More specifically, the scope of work has focused on the following aspects:
- Urban water sources and usage patterns in Australia;
- Current urban water conservation and management strategies and programs;
- Options to reduce water demand in buildings and potential savings;
- Alternative water sources and storage options;
- Issues of scale of alternative supplies;
- Institutional arrangements and risk;
- Environmental, social and economic costs and benefits; and
- Regulatory and voluntary options to improve the water efficiency of buildings.
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