This paper presents a project by the Region of Durham, Whitby, Ontario, Canada to increase water and energy efficiency of single-family dwellings. The water and energy efficiency upgrades include three types of toilets: 3/6L dual flush (0.8 and 1.6 gal.) toilets, 4L (1.0
gal.) pressure toilets and 6L (1.6gal.) toilets; premium low flow showerheads, front load washers
and dryers, efficient dishwashers and fridges (the appliances are ENERGY STAR® rated).
Outdoor initiatives include xeriscape front gardens and lawn care education. In partnership with
the builder, residents will also receive information on other indoor and outdoor water and energy
efficiency opportunities.
The efficient homes (a 100 Home Study Group) and "builder standard" (a 100 Home Control
Group) in the same neighborhood are having their overall water and energy use monitored. The
in-depth monitoring consists of ten (10) homes from the Study Group and ten (10) homes from
the Control Group being sub-metered. Sub-metering began in May 2005. In each home, there are
six water sub-meters for the front and rear exterior faucets, dishwasher, clothes washer (1 hot and
1 cold water) and on the water heater supply. There are six electrical sub-meters for the washer,
dryer, dishwasher, fridge, stove and the whole home. This project is designed to be part of a sustainable and transferable approach to water and sewer
infrastructure planning. Durham has plans to use it to reduce the environmental and economic
burden of future infrastructure growth. The devices to be used to achieve this will increase new
home efficiencies through mandating their use via Sub-Division Agreements and Regional
Standards. This precedent has been set by using the MaP2 test results to define which toilets
homebuilders can use (via sub-division agreements) in two of Durham's eight local municipalities
(the Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog). This project will provide the benefit/cost justification
for some of the efficiency upgrades tested here.
This approach is seen as on-going and incremental, as more efficient technologies emerge, they
will be incorporated into these Agreements and Standards. Includes table.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 650 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 6 |
| Published : | 06/17/2005 |
