Events:
Partnering for Sustainability – Success Stories
Water Efficiency Durham – as presented by Glen Pleasance, Water Efficiency Coordinator, Region of Durham
Water Efficiency Durham's mandate is to encourage efficient use of water among all water users. The population of the region is approximately 500,000 people, expected to double by 2021. There is a tremendous need for efficiency in water management in order to create effective growth. Developing more water provision and treatment infrastructure is very costly, while increasing efficiency is not, but can solve the same problems.
Durham is working to make new home construction more water and energy efficient through, for example, more efficient appliances and planting drought tolerant landscapes. One example of this work is a partnership between the Region and Tribute Homes. In the partnership Tribute Homes, a real estate developer, offers new residents upgraded features at a low cost. The region then monitors energy and water use in the homes with upgraded appliances and in those with standard appliances. In-depth monitoring began in September 2006 and will conclude in August 2007. Preliminary data shows water reductions of 22%, natural gas reductions of 22% and electricity reductions of 15% in the homes featuring upgraded toilets, showerheads and appliances compared to 'builder standard' homes in the same development. The region intends to use these the study's results to show builders, the community, and the municipality how much can be saved. Natural Resources Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities have also provided funding and research support for this work.
Learn more about Water Efficiency Durham
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