World Water Day: How to make efficient use in offices

In the framework of World Water Day, people must take into account that this is a date to reflect on the efficient use of this important resource natural in different sectors and aspects of our society. With face-to-face return, it becomes a priority to know how we can manage water correctly in the offices, spaces and buildings where workers are located.

“Poor water management can lead to deterioration in the infrastructure of buildings, reducing the cost of ownership of buildings; generating additional costs associated with repairs. In addition, poor water management leads to increased consumption costs and reduced life cycle of equipment due to failures due to poor quality of water.” , says Jorge Canales, COO of Facility Management.

In the case of workers , without good management of water resources, there could be an increase in contagious diseases, reducing their productive capacity and even having to face union lawsuits or lawsuits.

“This is where the development and management of more sustainable buildings and facilities is crucial. The role to be played is by integrating all your knowledge of the design and operation of the facility to reduce or eliminate waste, reduce or generate energy, minimize water use, etc.”, says Canales.

BENEFITS OF OFFICE WATER MANAGEMENT:

For buildings, the benefits are diverse, from cost reduction with savings in monthly consumption billing, to being a sustainable company through LEED qualification. The reputation and image of the company are improved, the working environment improves and business opportunities are increased by opening windows for potential customers.

EFFICIENT USE IN OFFICES:

If we ask ourselves, how can the company better manage water in its facilities? So, we have the answer of the specialist, who points out the following:

- Apply new technologies: When applying LEED, we can use strategies related to the Water Efficiency Category with initiatives such as the use of high-efficiency toilets, waterless urinals, low-flow faucets, use of aerators and motion sensors, installation of meters of water, among other initiatives.

- Apply good practices: We know that several buildings have green areas that involve constant care and watering. Good care practices can be applied here, for example: selecting appropriate plants that are better adapted to the climate and that survive with smaller amounts of water. Also, avoid unnecessary use of grass due to its high water consumption.

- Search for irrigation alternatives: There are other proposals, especially in buildings with large green areas such as efficient irrigation, where we can focus on drip irrigation and/or proper irrigation scheduling.

- Evaluate positive effects: It is important to take a long-term view of most sustainable practices and to assess the positive effects of these alternatives on traditional construction, operation and maintenance methodologies. In this way we can convince Management about the benefits of these and continue to replicate them in the areas of the company.

Finally, it is valuable to defend sustainable practices in a company with appropriate financial and strategic planning tools. The Facility Manager can precisely create that lasting image for the company by developing and implementing and maintaining these actions in assets and their facilities.

FACT: According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the planet has only 2.5 per cent of freshwater in the world; however, not everything is in a liquid state, some of this fresh water is kept in glaciers or snowfalls around the world.

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