Energy Conservation Systems (ECS), a leader in energy management solutions, is working with the NSW Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) to transform the water conservation performance of the commercial property market.

ECS has conceived and designed a five-step program for property owners and managers to implement significant water savings in commercial properties. This program has attracted $1 million in funding from the DEUS Water Savings Fund to help cover the cost of these initiatives.

The partners in the City Towers Water Conservation Program are building owners, managers and tenants of high water consumption office buildings, hotels and commercial premises. ECS will assist in identifying water inefficient fixtures/appliances and replacing them with water saving technologies. The program also embraces rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse and cooling tower optimisation.

Where applicable, buildings will be rated using the National Australian Built Environmental Rating System (NABERS). NABERS Water provides a benchmark that can be promoted to tenants and investors.

The provision of this funding to make water conservation measures more financially attractive, combined with a simple risk managed path, simplifies the decision for building owners to embark on significant water savings.

Many companies are now setting environmental impact targets for their business activities, including leasehold properties. Two of Australia’s major building asset owners, Mirvac and Investa are leading the way by developing environmental benchmarking programs. Governments are also joining this drive: the Australian government now requires that its buildings be rated at 4.5 ABGR stars and the NSW Government requires a minimum 3.5 star rating.

The City Towers Water Conservation Program is designed to be flexible, allowing users to select water conservation measures that suit their budgets, economic profile and preferences. ECS would like to work with building managers/owners who are committed to the implementation of water conservation measures. This is a unique opportunity to improve the environmental performance and profile of your business.