Water-Conscious Building Standards

 

SDG 6.3.4

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University has long adhered to its own set of Green Building Design Guidelines, which serve as a framework for the sustainable development, operation, and maintenance of campus buildings and infrastructure. These standards are comprehensive in scope, encompassing energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, material use, and, most notably, Water-Conscious Building Standards that place strong emphasis on water efficiency. 

By embedding sustainability principles at both the design and operational levels, the University ensures that environmental considerations remain a priority in all building-related decisions.

Green Building Design Guidelines (2021, reviewed 2024)

 

Water-Conscious Building Standards

Water efficiency is a key component of the University’s green building framework. To reduce overall consumption and avoid unnecessary wastage, the University has implemented the following fittings, systems, and practices across its campus:

 

(A) Water-efficient fittings

Self closing taps
Self-closing taps minimise water wastage by ensuring that water only flows when required. 
Sensor taps are also installed on all toilet sinks
Sensor taps are also installed on all toilet sinks, only allowing water to flow when hands are nearby.
Sensor flush system are installed in all toilets.
Sensor flush systems for toilets, providing controlled flushing that optimizes water use. 
Low flow bidet with aerated head.
Low-flow bidet with aerated head that maintain functionality while significantly lowering water usage.

 

 

(B) Alternative Water Sources

Rainwater harvesting systems, designed to capture and store rainwater for non-potable purposes, including landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, and general cleaning.

Rainwater Harvested is used for landscape irrigation and non-potable use such as facilities and vehicle cleaning.
Rainwater Harvesting system implemented at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University.

(C) Water consumption of Cooling Towers

Implementation of district cooling system with chilled water centrally supplied, enabling reduced water consumption compared to traditional cooling systems by 30%. 

Centralized chilled water system reducing water use by 30%.

 

 

(D) Irrigation System and Landscaping

Efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler technologies, to optimise water distribution for campus landscaping. These measures collectively contribute to the University’s goal of minimizing its water footprint while maintaining operational effectiveness.

water sprinkler
Water sprinkler used in irrigation system around campus.

 

 

Alignment with Green Building Certifications

The University’s Green Building Standards are strategically aligned with national and international certification frameworks, ensuring that institutional practices meet or exceed external benchmarks for sustainability. This alignment provides a clear pathway for buildings to qualify for independent certification while also fostering continuous improvement in sustainable building management.

Recognition through GreenRE Platinum Certification
As a result of consistent adherence to these standards and the systematic implementation of water- and energy-efficient measures, the University’s buildings have been awarded the GreenRE Platinum Certification under the Existing Non-Residential Development (ENRB v3.3) category in 2024.
 

 

This recognition validates the effectiveness of the University’s green building framework, underscores its commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship in campus operations and serves as a benchmark for future developments, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be embedded into building operations without compromising functionality.
The GreenRE Platinum Certification thus stands as a testament to the University’s sustained efforts in reducing its environmental impact, while meeting the rigorous requirements of one of the highest standards in green building evaluation.