The Zurn AquaVantage Dual Flush Handle can be installed on virtually any flush valve for toilets in commercial and institutional building applications. The handle allows users to flush at 1.6 gallons per flush for evacuation of solid waste by pushing down, or at 1.1 gpf for evacuation of liquid waste by pushing up, reducing water consumption by 30%. The ADA-compliant handle is labeled to clearly identify the flushing options, and each unit comes with a wall sticker that encourages users to use the low-flow flush option when appropriate.
Jim Nicolow, AIA, LEED AP, senior associate and director of sustainable development in the Kalamazoo, Mich., office of Lord Aeck & Sargent, Atlanta, recently specified AquaVantage for the University of West Florida’s $22 million Science and Technology Complex in Pensacola. Scheduled to be completed in late 2009, the LEED-Silver-registered facility will feature 36 dual-flush fixtures, in addition to low-flow faucets, waterless urinals, and a stormwater management system.
WHY JIM NICOLOW SPECIFIED THE DUAL FLUSH HANDLE:
“Unlike some water-conserving technologies, dual-flush flush valves don’t require any change in mindset or plumbing infrastructure. They save water, they’re simple to implement, and they do not require training on how to use them.”
“Installing dual-flush flush valves can typically net a 10% or greater reduction in overall water use. In every case we’ve used them, we’ve coupled them with waterless urinals and low-flow faucets. Implementing all three approaches can reduce overall water use by 40%, which will get both LEED water efficiency points and an innovation point.”
“One of the nice things about this technology is that you can implement it at the absolute last minute. We’ve had three projects in the last month where the client decided to pursue LEED halfway through the project. Swapping out conventional flush valves for dual-flush units has no impact to the schedule or plumbing infrastructure.”
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Senior associate, director of sustainability, Lord Aeck & Sargent Jim Nicolow leads LAS’s Sustainability Initiative, overseeing the incorporation of sustainable design strategies into the firm’s design projects. Nicolow is a LEED Accredited Professional with extensive knowledge of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. He is a frequently published author and presents at conferences nationwide, and was named one of BD+C’s 40 Under 40 in 2007 (January 2007, p. 27). He holds BArch and MArch degrees from the University of Michigan. |
