Box Hill Institute

Box Hill Institute is a multi site campus. Each site whilst varying in size and age of construction is made up of class rooms, lecture theatres, laboratories, specialised training facilities offices, canteens, student facilities, services facilities and staff and student toilet and change facilities. Each site also contains parking areas and some minor irrigated garden areas. Box Hill Institute has a population of 33,000 students and 1,300 full and part time staff.

The savewater!® efficiency service was used to review Box Hill Institutes water usage. The service was offered as a way to reduce water related costs. Realising the benefits, Box Hill Institute commenced the process. A water efficiency appraisal of the Elgar Road, Nelson and Whitehorse sites was undertaken. This efficiency appraisal involved the measurement of flow rates from water use appliances, calculation of usage based on type of occupancy and pedestrian traffic, discussions with staff and assumptions based on experience. Once Box Hill Institute accepted the report, a training program was conducted for Box Hill's apprentice plumbers to implement recommendations.

The appraisal highlighted various discoveries. Hot water temperatures measured were quite high, proving very wasteful from an energy viewpoint. It was apparent during the audit that many users were aware that they were using water in an inefficient manner but did not know how to remedy the situation.

For about 90% of the vanity basins, troughs, sinks, washdown hoses and showers, the flow rates measured were significantly higher than required, contributing to water, energy (hot water) wastage and unnecessary operating costs. Excessive flow rates were resulting in splashing during use and hence a lower level of amenity than can be provided if the flow rate is matched to use requirements.

After completing the appraisal, a comprehensive program for saving water was suggested. The measures suggested aimed to optimise each appliance use and functionality.

The water efficiency appraisal found that substantial opportunities exist to save water and energy (hot water). Implementation of all recommended water efficiency measures would result in total annual cost savings of $15,257 made up of water costs, sewerage discharge
costs (SDC) and energy (hot water).

Based on supply and installation cost and total annual water, SDC and energy (hot water) cost savings the payback period was estimated to be 11.5 months.