Indoor Systems 1 - Blog 5 (Final)

Our concept and design for Bloom has at long last be finalized! We hoped to replace the Banana Boat with a business that retained loyal customers and gained new ones in the area, through an expansion of services that would better serve the entire community. I believe that through in-depth research and careful planning we were able to successfully achieve this. As one of the LEED Consultants, it became evident early on in the process that there was a lot of information to learn in terms sustainability and green building practices; in addition to design, mechanical, and electrical engineering. There was so much information that we would not be able to cover it all in our presentation. For example, a water catchment irrigation system was designed to function along side the planted roof where water is collected for irrigation. A building with a rainwater harvesting system has the potential to garner up to seven LEED points: 

-1 point: Installing above-code measures that result in 20 percent water savings.

-1 point: Installing above-code measures that result in 30 percent water savings (typically waterless urinals or other unusual measures).

-1 point: Installing above-code measures that result in 40 percent water savings (rainwater harvesting system or other water re-use).

-2 points: Storm water reduction (storm water management practices).

-2 points: Water-efficient irrigation

-1 point: Reducing the project’s sewage generation from use of potable water by 50% or more.

With a well-designed filtration system, a water catchment system can take care of all the café’s water uses. Benefits include self-sufficient water supply, as well as reduce erosion, flooding, and pollution caused by runoff. When snow or rainfall hits impermeable surfaces, such as parking lots, roofs and walkways, it runs off, carrying with it oil, gasoline, detergents, pesticides, garbage and other pollutants, this ‘natural filter’ is also great for health and vegetation. Not to mention, filtered water also costs substantially less than bottled water.

Diagram illustrates a basic water catchment and storage system:

-Ashley W. (PM)

LEED Consultant/ Interior Designer