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Water saving standards

Application of Building Standards to Minimize Water Use

Effective Date: 2025
Approved By: University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa’s commitment to minimizing water consumption through sustainable building practices, efficient water management systems, and the use of advanced water-saving technologies across campus.

The University seeks to align its operations with internationally recognized sustainability frameworks, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), UI GreenMetric requirements, and applicable national and local water-efficiency standards.

Through the adoption of sensor-operated taps, dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, smart irrigation systems, drinking water stations, and continuous monitoring practices, the University aims to reduce water consumption, conserve natural resources, reduce plastic waste, and support environmental sustainability across all campus facilities.

2. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all University-owned and operated buildings, infrastructure projects, facilities, and water management initiatives at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa.

The policy covers all campus areas where water is consumed, including:

  • Academic and administrative buildings
  • Student accommodation facilities
  • Restrooms and sanitary facilities
  • Kitchens and dining areas
  • Laboratories and research facilities
  • Sports and recreational facilities
  • Landscaping and irrigation systems
  • Drinking water stations
  • Newly constructed and renovated buildings

3. Definitions

Low-Flow Fixtures
Water-efficient devices, including faucets, showerheads, sinks, and toilets, designed to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality, hygiene, or user comfort.

Sensor-Operated Taps
Infrared-activated taps that allow water to flow only during actual use, reducing unnecessary running water and improving hygiene in shared facilities.

Dual-Flush Toilets
Toilet systems that allow users to choose between reduced and full flush volumes, helping to minimize unnecessary water use.

Waterless Urinals
Sanitary systems that operate without water and use specialised cartridges or treatment mechanisms to maintain hygiene and control odour.

Greywater Recycling
The collection, treatment, and reuse of wastewater generated from non-sewage sources such as sinks, showers, and washbasins for non-potable applications.

Smart Irrigation Systems
Automated irrigation technologies that use sensors, weather data, and soil moisture monitoring to optimize water use and reduce unnecessary irrigation.

Treated Wastewater
Wastewater that has undergone appropriate treatment processes to enable safe reuse for approved non-potable purposes such as irrigation and landscaping.

Free Drinking Water Stations
Campus drinking water points that provide safe potable water to students, staff, and visitors, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

4. Policy Statement

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa is committed to responsible water stewardship and the continuous improvement of water-use efficiency across its campus. The University shall implement water conservation measures through efficient technologies, sustainable infrastructure, wastewater recycling systems, smart irrigation, drinking water provision, monitoring systems, and awareness initiatives.

The University’s water conservation programme supports:

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

The University has undertaken a comprehensive programme to replace conventional water fixtures with high-efficiency alternatives throughout its campus. Current evidence confirms that approximately 95% of relevant campus water fixtures are water-efficient, exceeding the 80% benchmark used in sustainability assessment frameworks.

5. Water-Efficient Fixtures and Equipment

The University shall install, maintain, and upgrade water-efficient fixtures throughout campus facilities.

Current campus implementation includes:

  • 190 sensor-operated or automatic taps out of 200 total taps, representing 95% coverage.
  • 175 low-flush or dual-flush toilets out of 185 total toilets, representing 95% coverage.
  • 76 flush-free or waterless urinals out of 80 total urinals, representing 95% coverage.
  • 188 water-efficient bathroom sinks out of 200 total sinks, representing 94% coverage.
  • 30 smart irrigation controllers out of 30 total controllers, representing 100% coverage.
  • 25 free drinking water stations out of 25 total stations, representing 100% coverage.

Overall, the University has achieved an average water-efficient appliance implementation rate of approximately 95%.

6. Sensor-Operated Taps and Sanitary Water-Saving Systems

Sensor-operated taps have been installed throughout University washrooms, including in the Main Academic Building, Administration Building, college buildings, and service facilities. These infrared-triggered systems activate water flow only during actual use, reducing per-tap water consumption by an estimated 40–50% compared with conventional manual taps.

Dual-flush toilet systems provide users with a full-flush option of approximately 4 litres and a reduced-flush option of approximately 2 litres. These systems can achieve water savings of up to 60% per cycle compared with older conventional cisterns that consume approximately 9–13 litres per flush.

Waterless and flush-free urinals have also been introduced across campus washroom facilities. These systems eliminate the need for water during each use cycle and can save between one and three gallons of water per flush cycle. Bio-enzyme cartridges are used to neutralise odour and maintain hygiene without requiring water input.

All new buildings commissioned from 2025 onwards shall be fitted exclusively with sensor-operated taps, dual-flush toilets, and waterless urinals as standard specifications.

7. Smart Irrigation and Landscaping Systems

The University shall utilize smart irrigation technologies to support sustainable landscape management.

All 30 campus green-area irrigation zones operate using ICT-enabled soil-moisture sensor controllers. These systems deliver water only when soil conditions require it and automatically adjust irrigation schedules based on real-time environmental conditions.

The smart irrigation system:

  • Reduces irrigation water use by an estimated 40–45% compared with manual or timer-based watering methods.
  • Detects and flags overwatering automatically.
  • Prevents unnecessary water wastage.
  • Protects soil health and supports sustainable landscaping.
  • Connects to the University’s central Sustainability Dashboard for real-time monitoring and monthly reporting.

Treated wastewater may be used for landscaping and irrigation wherever technically feasible and compliant with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

8. Free Drinking Water Stations

The University has introduced free drinking water stations across campus to promote sustainable water access and reduce plastic waste.

A total of 25 stainless-steel drinking water stations are currently operational and supplied directly from the University’s on-campus potable water purification plant.

These stations are located in high-traffic areas, including:

  • Student entry points
  • Examination halls
  • The library
  • Student union facilities
  • Administrative office corridors
  • Major academic and service buildings

The drinking water stations reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles during daily campus activities, examinations, and events. Each station is equipped with a digital counter that tracks daily usage, with aggregate data feeding into the University’s water consumption monitoring system.

9. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

The University shall operate wastewater treatment and recycling systems to support water conservation efforts.

Treated wastewater may be reused for:

  • Irrigation of lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas
  • Campus greening initiatives
  • Approved non-potable applications
  • Utility systems where appropriate and safe

All reuse of treated wastewater shall comply with relevant health, environmental, and safety regulations.

10. Greywater Recycling Systems

Where technically and economically feasible, the University shall implement greywater recycling systems to collect and reuse water from approved sources.

Recycled greywater may be used for:

  • Toilet flushing systems
  • Landscape irrigation
  • Cooling and utility systems
  • Other approved non-potable applications

All greywater reuse systems shall comply with applicable health, environmental, and safety regulations.

11. Implementation Procedures

11.1 Water Audits and Performance Monitoring

The University shall conduct regular water audits to:

  • Identify leaks, inefficiencies, and excessive water consumption.
  • Assess the performance of water-saving technologies and infrastructure.
  • Recommend corrective actions and improvement opportunities.
  • Monitor progress toward water conservation objectives.
  • Evaluate data from sensor-operated systems, smart irrigation controllers, and drinking water stations.

Water-use performance data shall be integrated into the University’s sustainability monitoring framework to facilitate real-time tracking, monthly reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.

Based on audit findings, necessary repairs, upgrades, or system improvements shall be implemented in a timely manner.

11.2 Water Conservation Awareness and Education

The University shall promote a culture of water conservation through:

Workshops and Training
Educational programmes and workshops for students, faculty, and staff on sustainable water management practices.

Awareness Signage
Installation of informational signage throughout campus to encourage responsible water use.

Digital Awareness Campaigns
Use of University websites, social media platforms, and internal communication channels to promote water-saving initiatives and best practices.

12. Roles and Responsibilities

Facilities Management Office

The Facilities Management Office shall:

  • Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of water-saving systems and equipment.
  • Monitor water consumption across campus facilities.
  • Maintain sensor-operated taps, dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, drinking water stations, and smart irrigation systems.
  • Implement corrective actions identified through audits and inspections.
  • Ensure that all new and renovated buildings comply with water-efficiency requirements.

Sustainability Office

The Sustainability Office shall:

  • Conduct and coordinate water audits.
  • Monitor compliance with sustainability objectives.
  • Lead water conservation awareness and engagement initiatives.
  • Manage sustainability performance data and reporting.
  • Prepare periodic reports on water management performance.

Students, Faculty, and Staff

All members of the University community are expected to:

  • Use water responsibly.
  • Report leaks, malfunctions, or excessive water usage.
  • Participate in water conservation initiatives and awareness programmes.
  • Comply with University sustainability policies and guidelines.

13. Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all University departments and facilities.

Regular inspections and water audits shall be conducted to evaluate compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. Where deficiencies or inefficiencies are identified, corrective actions shall be implemented in a timely manner.

Departments responsible for facilities management shall ensure that all water systems, appliances, infrastructure, and new building specifications comply with the requirements outlined in this policy.

14. Related Documents and References

  • LEED Standards
  • BREEAM Standards
  • UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Criteria
  • National Water Efficiency Guidelines
  • University Sustainability Policy
  • Environmental Management Procedures
  • Water Efficient Appliances Usage and Smart Irrigation System Evidence Document

15. Review and Revision

This policy shall be reviewed every three years, or earlier if required by changes in legislation, sustainability standards, technological developments, audit findings, or institutional priorities.

Policy revisions shall be informed by:

  • Water audit findings
  • Performance monitoring data
  • Smart irrigation reports
  • Drinking water station usage data
  • Stakeholder feedback
  • Advances in water conservation technologies
  • Updates to applicable regulations and sustainability frameworks

16. Contact Information

For further information regarding this policy, please contact:

Facilities Management Office
University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa
Email: [email protected]