George Washington University
OP-22: Water Consumption

GW is committed to reducing its potable water footprint and negative impact on our watershed. On Earth Day 2011, GW revealed its water footprint and announced its targets around water sustainability. The GWater Plan is one of the most comprehensive plans for water sustainability issued by a university, with eight clear goals and targets spanning across four major focus areas – potable water, rainfall capture, wastewater and bottled water. Potable Water: Reduce total potable water consumption by 25% over 10 years from FY08 baseline Adapt water saving infrastructure in campus facilities Reuse all retained stormwater for greywater systems, cooling towers and irrigation by 2021 Encourage water conservation through programs such as Eco-Challenge and the Green Office Program Rainfall Capture: Capture rainwater that falls on our campus -- zero run-off Increase permeable space by 10% over 10 years from FY11 baseline Pilot new technologies to harvest rainwater Create rainfall capture &sequestration sites around campus Wastewater: Reduce the amount of contaminants going into our campus waste water system -- zero pollution Educate GW community on impacts of litter on our watershed Promote responsible disposal of pharmaceuticals and other pollutants Partner with local organizations that protect the surrounding watershed Bottled Water: Reduce the use of bottled water on campus Reduce direct expenditure on bottled water in university procurement by half over five years from FY11 baseline Ensure all new constructions incorporate in-line filtration systems Engage GW community to 'Take back the tap' and promote the use of reusable water bottles GW has launched the Eco Building Program as a means for reaching water and GHG goals. The Eco Building Program provides a comprehensive capital improvement plan to strategically implement energy and water conservation projects in campus buildings. Implementation of this program will result in a reduction of energy and water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and will produce short-term and long-term financial savings.