When architects are tasked with envisioning a LEED-certified building, they should be designing that structure with sustainability in mind every step of the way—from the building façade to the restroom. And sustainable operation is closely linked to economical operation, providing architects with opportunities to support their clients’ long-term business goals.
A 2015 study conducted by DTZ showed a statistical link between tenant satisfaction and sustainability efforts as well as other forms of conservation. A study conducted by Lightspeed Research in 2017 revealed that nearly one in 10 millennials would quit their jobs if they found out their current employer was not sustainable. So sustainability isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for business. And when it comes to achieving long-term sustainability in one such widely utilized area of the building—restrooms—design professionals must consider a variety of solutions.
Soap Dispensers
Specifying the appropriate soap dispenser has multifold positive impacts on sustainable operation. Proprietary soap cartridge systems not only limit soap purchasing choice but result in excess plastic waste and difficult maintenance. Top-fill products that utilize jug soap substantially improve efficiency. In addition, dispensers that utilize foaming hand soap, such as Bobrick’s B-823, allow for greater hand coverage, discouraging excess water and soap usage.
Hand Drying Solutions
Paper towel dispensers are another common source of inefficiency. Many roll paper towel systems produce a “stub roll” at the end of each roll, comprising a portion of unused paper towels that typically gets discarded—yet another source of excess waste. However, some units are equipped with stub roll utilization functionality, ensuring that each roll goes its furthest at less replacement time.
Dispensers without portion control features are also culprits of excess paper towel usage, so specifying dispensers with adjustable pull lengths and portion control features can curb wasteful behavior. Folded paper towel dispensers can be equipped with add-on accessories that eliminate “handful dispensing” to ensure that only one towel dispenses per use.
While high-speed hand dryers are gaining in popularity due to their quick drying times, they can lead to high energy costs, reducing their sustainability impact. However, recent innovations such as Bobrick’s InstaDry hand dryer yield wattages as low as 200 watts (0.2 kwatts) and longer life expectancies for the machines.
Communicating the Value of Sustainability
To ensure sustainability and aesthetics, it is critical to support product recommendations with cost savings estimates and other resources that address long-term operations. Throughout the construction channel, project stakeholders can challenge specifications. Communicating long-term value is essential for designers to not only ensure sustainability but also preserve their aesthetic vision—owner- and contractor-provided products will often compromise the design integrity of the restroom. Architects will likely engage with manufacturers’ representatives, who can help specifiers defend their choices.
Today, due to increased demand for LEED-certified buildings, innumerable building products are marketed as “sustainable” based on the materials used in their manufacture. Long-term sustainability, however, should be considered just as important. By considering strategies beyond those typically associated with green building, architects can achieve their design vision and make it last.
Cost Savings Calculators
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