| Overall Rating | Platinum |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 85.74 |
| Liaison | Mike Wilson |
| Submission Date | Dec. 13, 2023 |
University of Victoria
OP-21: Water Use
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
David
Adams Energy Manager Facilities Management |
Level of ”Physical Risk Quantity” for the institution’s main campus as indicated by the World Resources Institute Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas:
Total water withdrawal (potable and non-potable combined):
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Total water withdrawal | 119,730,963 Gallons | 175,893,648.32 Gallons |
Potable water use:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Potable water use | 119,730,963 Gallons | 175,893,648.32 Gallons |
Start and end dates of the performance year and baseline year (or three-year periods):
| Start Date | End Date | |
| Performance Period | Jan. 20, 2022 | Jan. 19, 2023 |
| Baseline Period | Jan. 1, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2010 |
A brief description of when and why the water use baseline was adopted:
N/A
Figures needed to determine "Weighted Campus Users":
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Number of students resident on-site | 3,095 | 2,240 |
| Number of employees resident on-site | 0 | 0 |
| Number of other individuals resident on-site | 84 | 0 |
| Total full-time equivalent student enrollment | 19,148 | 16,975 |
| Full-time equivalent of employees | 4,019 | 4,982 |
| Full-time equivalent of students enrolled exclusively in distance education | 2,530 | 1,800 |
| Weighted campus users | 16,335.50 | 15,677.75 |
Potable water use per weighted campus user:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Potable water use per weighted campus user | 7,329.49 Gallons | 11,219.32 Gallons |
Percentage reduction in potable water use per weighted campus user from baseline:
Gross floor area of building space:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Gross floor area | 4,363,633.73 Gross square feet | 3,854,939 Gross square feet |
Potable water use per unit of floor area:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Potable water use per unit of floor area | 27.44 Gallons per square foot | 45.63 Gallons per square foot |
Percentage reduction in potable water use per unit of floor area from baseline:
Area of vegetated grounds:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Vegetated grounds | 124.50 Acres | 124.50 Acres |
Total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds | 961,694.48 Gallons per acre | 1,412,800.39 Gallons per acre |
Percentage reduction in total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds from baseline:
A brief description of the institution's water-related behavior change initiatives:
UVic has undertaken a comprehensive set of water-related behavior change initiatives aimed at reducing water consumption and promoting sustainable practices. Recent activities include the installation of sensor faucets and low-flow toilets in numerous buildings, promoting efficient water usage. Furthermore, the implementation of a computer-controlled state-of-the-art irrigation system, coupled with reduced irrigation during summer months, showcases a commitment to responsible water management.
A notable initiative involves the treatment of wastewater from the Outdoor Aquatic Facility, recycling it for use in toilets and urinals across eight campus buildings. This innovative approach results in substantial water savings, totaling over 4.5 million liters of potable water annually. The institution has also implemented an Integrated Stormwater Management plan on campus, emphasizing a holistic approach to water conservation.
In laboratory settings, the institution has replaced old water aspirators with portable electric vacuum pumps in chemistry labs, contributing to reduced water consumption. Additionally, the installation of condensing units in walk-in freezers and coolers at the Student Union Building has replaced once-through cooling units, resulting in significant water savings equivalent to the volume of nine Olympic swimming pools each year.
A commitment to water efficiency is evident in the institution's construction practices, where all new buildings incorporate low-flow water fixtures for faucets and showers. Moreover, the utilization of a non-potable water recovery system for toilets and the ongoing effort to eliminate 'once-through' water cooling systems across campus underscore a dedication to sustainable water use.
To further enhance water conservation, the institution continues to target the implementation of low-flow retrofits for fixtures, such as faucets and showers, across the campus. This multifaceted approach demonstrates the institution's proactive stance in fostering a water-conscious community and aligns with broader environmental stewardship goals.
A brief description of the institution's water recovery and reuse initiatives:
UVic has a grey water system in place that treats water from the Outdoor Aquatics Research Facility with ozone and chlorine that serves the heat pump condenser in one building (ECS), and also serves the toilet and urinal flushing in eight other campus buildings through a separate plumbing system. The grey water fills a tank that is pressurized and supplies the fixtures. If the grey water is not keeping up with demand, the tank is filled with city water to make up the difference.
A brief description of the institution's initiatives to replace plumbing fixtures, fittings, appliances, equipment, and systems with water-efficient alternatives:
See description of the institution's water-related behavior change initiatives above.
Website URL where information about the institution’s water conservation and efficiency efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.