Water-Conscious Building Standards
Mapua University has recognized the importance of conserving natural resources and has implemented a water conservation program since 2010, including aspects of building design and construction to achieve the goal. The university's Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO) has spearheaded the initiative to achieve an average reduction of 7% in water consumption per year until it is limited to 20 liters per person (students, staff, and faculty) per day, as per the water conservation policy.
To achieve this goal, the university has implemented the following measures to reduce water usage:
- Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures - Mapua University replaced all old water closets and urinals that flow at very high rates with new ones that flow at lower rates, leading to a significant decrease in water consumption. Water Closets - from 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to between 1.3 to 1.6 gpf Urinals - from 1.5 gpf to 0.5 gpf
- Sensor-Operated Faucets - Installing sensor-operated faucets in all washrooms of the new Makati campus building and replacing conventional faucets with sensor faucets for the Mapua Intramuros campus will help reduce or eliminate wasted water.
- Installation of Water Sub-Meters for all Buildings - The university has installed a water sub-meter per building to monitor consumption for efficiency and leaks. The data will be reviewed monthly to ensure that systems continue operating at their highest efficiency, and hidden leaks can be identified and repaired quickly.
- Alternate Water Sources and Purchase of Drought-Tolerant Plants - Replacing some plants with drought-tolerant ones and using rainwater collected in a tank to water plants and gardens helps reduce water consumption.
- Aerators for Water Taps/Faucets - Installing aerators for faucets is an effective way to reduce the volume of water that falls out of the faucet.
- Installation of a Septic Tank - The newly constructed Mapua Makati building has a septic tank for wastewater treatment.
- Comprehensive Drainage Plan - Mapua has a comprehensive drainage plan that covers groundwater, domestic water, and roof water drainage.
