For example, a visit to the lavatory requires more than intuitive actions. It takes directions. The sign on the wall adjacent to the green handled toilet explains it all. The dual flush toilet allows for two separate flush rates depending upon the type of material being evacuated, one is 1.1 gallons per flush and two is 1.6 gallons.

While two waterless urinals have been quietly functioning for about three years, a new ultra-low flow urinal is now in place. This unit uses 0.125 gallons (8 oz) of water per flush rather than the typical 1.0 gallon used by the conventional urinal flush valve.

Even hand washing is a learning experience as new low flow lavatory faucets, duplicate the bathroom sinks we specify for our clients. Restricting water flow to 0.5 gpm (gallon per minute) an electronic sensor model and a higher-end manually operated unit help conserve water.

While enabling us to actively practice sustainability in our own office, these water saving devices also serve as demonstration models for clients, visitors and tour groups. As a point of reference, with the new water saving devices in place, the Learning Center would score 42% water reduction under the LEED-NC V2.2, 3.1 and 3.2 calculation guidelines, and save 35,225 gallons of water a year over a base design building. That's enough water to fill an average size swimming pool.

Go green indeed!