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Colorado Water Innovation Cluster:Net Zero Water Planning Template

Becky FedakBrendle Group

Water Practice Lead and Engineer

Vision: Be a global leader in water innovation

Mission: Foster innovation, commercialization and economic vitality through synergy, collaboration, and leverage.

• Leveraging strengths and mitigating risk:– University: research/insight/innovation– Government: pilot projects/policy– Private Sector: efficiency/capital

• Initiatives-Based Approach:– Greater innovation reach and impact– Real Project Demonstrations– Local Benefits & Economic Development

Triple Helix Model for Economic Development

• Lake Canal Alternative Agricultural Practices

• The Watershed Innovation Network (WIN)

• Net Zero Water Planning Template and Pilot Program

Net Zero Water InitiativeVISION

To make Colorado the center for thought leadership in “net zero” water planning, providing visibility for the state and showcasing the capabilities of CWIC.

DEFINITIONWater neutral means only using as much water as falls on a site and eliminating all water quality impacts from the site.

Why this Initiative? Why Now? • Importance of sustainable water management,

especially in the face of climate change

• Consider quantity AND quality

• Less developed frameworks and tools (compared to climate and energy)

• Developing the footprint is only the first step – creating an action plan for reducing impact is key

The Planning Process• Determine baseline and forecasted water footprint

• Identify strategies to reduce impact

• Analyze strategies and aggregate into scenarios

• Set milestones based on scenario modeling

• Measure and monitor progress

Brendle Group Case Study

• Showcase of sustainability - renovation of a 25 year old architectural landmark in Fort Collins

• Highlights local companies and technology innovations

• Certified as LEED Gold

• 75% less electricity than an average Fort Collins office building

• Water conserving landscape, end-use fixtures, and appliances

• Received Fort Collins Water Catcher award in 2013

STEP 1: Baseline and Forecast

• Water Quantity Footprint: 84,000 gallons‐ Indoor (25%) and outdoor (75%) water use

• Water Quality Footprint: 6,000 gallons‐ Assimilation volume for stormwater runoff to achieve

water quality goals for nutrients (N and P)

• Straight-line forecast (no growth)

STEP 2: Strategies to Reduce Impacts• Reduce use through efficiency and conservation

• Maximize reuse and recycling to make the most of the water resources on site

• Minimize stormwater runoff impacts (reduce impervious area, increase on-site capture)

• Generate markets for water quantity and quality trading credits

STEP 3 : Analyze and Aggregate

STEP 3 : Analyze and Aggregate

Higher Ed Institution – Wet Climate

~15% of total footprintAverage Annual Precipitation = 180,000

kgal

~85% of total footprint

STEPS 4 & 5: Set Milestones & Measure Progress

• Setting Milestones (reduction below 2011 baseline)

• Measuring Progress

Footprint 2016 2020Quantity 70% 100%Quality 50% 100%

Next Steps

• Refine strategies

• Cost/benefit analysis

• Near-term implementation plan‐ Ultra low-flow toilets

‐ Tap-to-toilet greywater system

‐ Cutback on irrigation

‐ Redirect downspouts

2.0H

Water Footprint & Net Zero Planning

Preliminary – Order of Magnitude – For Concept Only• Quantity– Annual Water Use: 900 million gallons (15% of City total)– Avg Annual Precip: 1,000 million gallons (4 square miles)– Dry Year Avg Precip: 500 million gallons

• Quality– Stormwater Assimilation Volume: 600 million gallons

Net Zero Water Initiative Schedule

• Fall 2013– Fundraising and stakeholder identification

• Fall 2013 – Winter 2014– Project kick-off and Stakeholder Workshop

• Winter – Spring 2014– Net Zero Water Planning Template Development– AWWA Sustainable Water Management Conference

• Spring – Summer 2014– Pilot implementation with key stakeholders/sponsors

Net Zero Water Initiative Sponsorship Levels

Benefits Platinum ($10,000)

Gold ($5,000)

Silver ($1,000)

Bronze ($500)

Input on drat materials X X X XAcknowledgement on initiative materials X X X

Participation in stakeholder events X X X

Advisory board seat(s) X (2) X (1)Pilot project X

QUESTIONS?

Becky FedakBrendle Groupbfedak@brendlegroup.com970-207-0058

http://www.co-waterinnovation.com/