The world is running out of good water, and people are starting to take notice. The United Nations warns that water consumption is growing twice as fast as population growth – and if we don’t do something, two-thirds of the global population will face water “stress” by 2025.[1] More stress – of any sort – is the last thing this world needs. Good thing we’ve got options. Property owners and developers, AEC professionals and utility companies can help us reduce water use by building with conservation in mind.
Saving water starts with identifying where it’s being wasted. The worst offenders are hiding right under our toilet seats. Inefficient toilets aren’t just flushing away good water – they’re flushing away good money, too. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have created commercial loan programs that offer businesses lower rates when they opt to use more efficient plumbing products. Of course, using less water also increases net operating income and return on investment. According to our calculations, that’s a win-win-win.
FANNIE MAE & FREDDIE MAC PROGRAMS
If you’re a building owner making energy-saving improvements on a property, or if your property is already green-certified, financial benefits are available to you. Fannie Mae’s Multifamily Green Financing Initiative gives pricing breaks and higher loan proceeds when you commit to improving efficiency by 20% in your multifamily buildings. You’re also eligible for a reduced interest rate.
Freddie Mac’s Multifamily Green AdvantageSM offers a similar incentive by providing better pricing and higher loan proceeds when you invest in building efficiency. And, when you get a Green AssessmentSM (energy audit), you qualify for a reduced interest rate if you commit to reducing energy or water consumption by 15%.[2] Savings breeds savings.
Some local and state governments also offer their own programs to offset audit costs. Austin, Texas, has a Water Efficiency Audit Rebate to help commercial, industrial and institutional (ICI) customers identify potential water and cost savings. The rebate program refunds 75% of the audit cost, up to a maximum of $5,000.[3] Check to see if your city or state offers a similar program.
REDUCING YOUR WATER FOOTPRINT
The average toilet uses a massive amount of water, which really adds up on residential and commercial properties. Replacing inefficient models with newer, high-efficiency units can cut water bills by up to 60%. And these days, you don’t have to ask people to change their habits or settle for poor performance. Niagara Conservation’s Original Stealth Toilet uses less than one gallon of water per flush – which is less than half of what today’s average toilet uses. The secret is powerful, patented flush technology that works smarter to save you water, money and time spent on maintenance.[4]
Niagara’s UHET™ Water-Saving Kits pair the Stealth Toilet with Niagara’s high-efficiency showerheads and aerators. By opting for the total conservation package, business are minimizing bills, maximizing efficiency and capitalizing on financial benefits like those offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Choose a better flush with Niagara to stop wasting the world’s water and your company’s money. And start “saving green” in more ways than one.
To learn more, visit the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac green program sites.