Spotlight on Water

If current projections hold true, enrollment in public colleges and universities in the U.S. is expected to grow by more than 15 percent each year through 2027. This means that we can expect a lot of new buildings and new construction on college campuses throughout the country.

However, one of the few things that could hamper this growth, and something school administrators must be aware of is, water. Water availability could put the brakes on all this new construction as well as future plans. College Planning & Management recently spoke with Klaus Reichardt, founder and managing partner of Waterless Co. LLC, in Vista, CA, and a frequent speaker and author on water conservation issues, to get his perspective on what must be considered when looking at water usage and conservation on campus.

Q. When it comes to ensuring future water availability, what is the first thing college administrators must do?
Appreciate water, it’s as simple as that. Historically, in the U.S., we have not given water and the availability of water much thought. We have always assumed it would be there when we need it. Even in dry areas of the country such as parts of California and the Southwest, it still is not valued as much as it should be. To appreciate water means it must be used responsibly and efficiently.

Q. Do you see this happening on university campuses?
In many ways, colleges and universities are leading the way when it comes to using water more efficiently. I recently found out that when the state of Louisiana gives money to colleges and universities to cover new campus construction, it does not always increase their operating budgets to cover utility and related costs for these new facilities. As a result, many of these new buildings have essentially been forced to use all resources, including water, very efficiently. This is also why so many of these new campus buildings are LEED-certified.

Q. Long-term, what do you believe colleges and universities must do when it comes to water?
Along with appreciating water and realizing how important it is to their future growth, colleges and universities must invest in new water technologies. These technologies are designed to do four things:
1.  Better manage water consumption
2.  Reduce water consumption
3.  Eliminate water use where possible, such as in restrooms
4.  Reduce water waste

Additionally, schools and universities should not go it alone. Using water more efficiently is a team effort. Schools should work together, sharing experience, knowledge, and technological advancements. This will help ensure they have the water resources they need to grow and what they have learned can be adapted for use in all types of facilities throughout the country.

Featured

  • Active Learning Classroom

    Striking a Balance: The Keys to Renovating Science Education Buildings for the 21st Century

    The recent renovation of the Durham Science Center at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) provides a roadmap for facilities managers tasked with balancing budget constraints, modern pedagogical demands, and long-term sustainability.

  • Ancient Resilience: How Indigenous Intelligence Shapes the 4Roots Education Building

    As climate change intensifies, educational spaces must evolve beyond basic sustainability toward true resilience – we must design environments that can adapt, respond, and thrive amid shifting, and intensifying, climate hazards. Drawing on indigenous wisdom and nature-based strategies, integrating resilient design offers a path to create learning environments that are not only functional but deeply in tune with their natural surroundings.

  • University of Connecticut Upgrades Basketball Facility’s AV Systems

    The University of Connecticut recently partnered with Metinteractive to upgrade the AV systems of the Gampel Pavilion basketball facility on its campus in Mansfield, Conn., according to a news release.

  • Kimball International Debuts Health & Education Experience Center

    Kimball International recently opened a new facility at its corporate headquarters in Jasper, Ind., that will act as a hands-on showroom for a variety of its furniture products and solutions, according to a news release. The 13,000-square-foot Health & Education Experience Center was originally designed by Gensler as the headquarters for Kimball International’s National brand.

Digital Edition