The Australian Water Association, supported by Emerge Associates and JBA recently held a workshop on the techniques and technologies to help maximise the water potential of local catchments at various scales, from individual residential dwellings, to community buildings, through to large urban developments.
The workshop was held in the convivial surrounds of Perth Zoo and involved over 50 professionals from both local and state government council and agencies, private and state developers, consultants, and tertiary institutions.
The case study format of the workshop allowed three distinct scales of development to be explored ranging from residential to medium sized commercial/community facility to large scale greenfield.
JBA’s Director Josh Byrne shared the company’s experience in implementing water efficiency measures and alternative water solutions to both residential infill and commercial/public facilities before handing over to JBA’s Principal – Urban Water Stewart Dallas. Stewart lead participants through the first case study exploring water solutions suitable to residential infill. JBA and Emerge collaborated on the final case study to examine the water saving opportunities available when retrofitting an existing local community facility.
“There is no convenient silver bullet to improving water sustainability in our local catchments but by adopting an integrated approach to water efficiency and alternative fit-for-purpose water sources it is possible to drive down scheme water consumption”, says Stewart. “These technologies are readily available and can be easily implemented at a range of scales provided there has been some forethought at the planning stage, such as plumbing buildings to be rainwater and greywater-ready.”
For further details on JBA’s Integrated Water Services contact Stewart on (08) 9433 3721 or check our Water Sensitive Design projects.