Green buildings and water management in Harare, Zimbabwe
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Abstract
Green buildings are structures that use environmentally responsible and resource-efficient materials throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and the final demolition. Buildings consume more than twenty percent of the world’s available water. The study adopted a qualitative research design to analyse water use in buildings that are owned by Old Mutual Properties in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data were collected through structured and unstructured interviews and observation. Grey water treatment and low flow plumbing fixtures provide opportunities for industry to build high tech, low water demand projects. On average, applying water-efficient designs and products lead to less water and energy use, and a reduction in operating costs. Increased government regulation and the desire to lower energy costs are expected to drive a faster adoption of water efficient products such as ultra-low flush toilets and low-flow shower heads. The use of non-sewage and grey water for onsite uses such as site irrigation will minimize demands on the local water resources in Harare in particular and the entire country in general.
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