High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011 - (Page 36)

Above Four distinct cells make up the outdoor constructed wetlands, just south of the building. Campus wastewater enters these wetlands early in the cleansing process. This nutrient-rich water ensures a robust landscape for the southern view from the building. Right A close-up view of one of the three building photovoltaic arrays with the wetlands and southern façade of the building beyond. them on the specifics of the building’s design and construction, as well as the critical state of water in our society. More than 50 tours or classes have been given to county, state and federal agencies. Further, the building is open every day and has a constant stream of visitors, including 100 to 150 people per week joining scheduled tours. measures are in place throughout the campus to minimize water use in all campus buildings. Water supply to the building is provided directly from the groundwater via wells on campus. Prior to construction, water was drawn from the wells, used for human activities (washing, toilet-flushing, drinking l i f e o f W at e r Water The facility is designed to process 52,000 gallons per day of wastewater generated by residents, visitors and staff. Since the population at the Omega Institute is highly seasonal in nature (primarily April through October), flows vary considerably throughout the year, and a robust treatment system was required. In conjunction with this, 36 The vision for this facility was to close the loop on water. All water that is used in this building and in all other buildings on campus comes from the sky or from on-site wells, then is returned to the water table after purification. fountains, etc.), then piped to a septic/leach field system. The new Eco Machine returns a higher quality of water back to the earth using natural systems that see our waste as food. Aerated lagoons in the building, one component of the system, are on display, carrying greywater through the reclamation process. As noted, this system is designed to handle peak flows. It is also designed to have flexibility for low flows during the winter. During big rains, when additional rainwater is captured in the wetlands, the pump floats are modified to slow water down to the lagoons. The analogy of wetlands as natural flood attenuators is appropriate. Water is in the system for a period of days (not hours), so fluctuations in the flow and strength can be absorbed. For potable water uses, well water is still drawn. For toilet flushing, rainwater is collected from the building’s roof. Low-flow plumbing fixtures have been installed to minimize water consumption, including waterless urinals in the men’s restroom. For all other water use on HigH Performing Buildings fa l l 2 0 1 1 © Bnim

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011
Commentary
Contents
Manitoba Hydro Place
Maplewood Police and Court Building
Omega Center for Sustainable Living
Dockside Synergy at Dockside Green
Golden Hill Office Center
Letters to the Editor
Products
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011

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