Environmental. Integrated Rainwater Harvesting Systems. Sustainable, Reliable, Affordable

Transcription

1 Environmental Integrated Rainwater Harvesting Systems Sustainable, Reliable, Affordable

2 Often the simplest of methods can be the most effective Harvesting rainwater is one of the oldest and most elemental of ways in which we can live sustainably with nature. Only now is the value of water being recognised as it becomes an increasingly precious resource. Here at Kingspan Environmental, we have been designing and installing rainwater harvesting systems for over a decade. While we continue to follow the principles of rainwater harvesting, our systems have evolved through our knowledge, experience and the latest technology. The result? An advanced range of systems, bringing intelligent sustainability to all modern buildings.

3 Contents General Information The Situation Legislation Understanding Your System System Options Further Advice Kingspan Environmental 17

4 What is Rainwater Harvesting? 04 Rainwater Harvesting is not a new concept. Since earliest times, mankind has captured rain in order to provide a simple and accessible supply of fresh water. With the introduction of mains water supply, harvesting methods in the developed world have been largely reduced to the use of garden waterbutts. In most buildings naturally clean rainwater is left to wash away while expensive purified water is used for all applications with only a fraction being used for potable-use. In recent years it has become harder to ignore this illogical way of using our natural resources. Water has become a valuable commodity. Increased awareness of the environmental issues surrounding water reserves, drainage and a cultural shift towards sustainability have also meant that Rainwater Harvesting is more effective and significant than ever before. The Basic Principles The principles behind Rainwater Harvesting are simple. Any system has a method of collection (e,g a roof), a storage vessel (tank) and a delivery facility (be it a simple on/off tap or pipework system). Integrated rainwater systems still adhere to these elementary steps, but use modern technology to refine the process with automation and filtration. Integrated Rainwater Harvesting Systems The rainwater that falls onto a building s roof is channelled through standard guttering and pipework. Rather than going into the drain, the water passes through a mesh filter (to remove leaves or debris) before entering a storage tank. When needed, this water is then automatically pumped back into the building and, (after further filtration), is put to use in non-potable applications, such as toilet flushing, laundry or commercial washdown areas. Float level switches within the tank alert an electronic control device to divert to mains supply should the storage tank run empty. The system will always draw on harvested water first. System variations include the use of a header tank and booster sets, but in essence any integrated Rainwater Harvesting system follows the same process in its operation.

5 05 COLLECTION RE-USE FILTER STORE Integrated Rainwater Harvesting Systems

6 The Situation 06 Whether it falls from the sky or comes out of a tap, our relationship with water has fundamentally changed. There is more pressure than ever before to ensure that every drop of water is accounted for and controlled. On one hand, water has become a valuable commodity. On the other, climate change has altered the pattern of rainfall leading to shorter heavier bursts of rain that pose major risks to the current drainage infrastructure. Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and there is a growing public awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to reducing pollution and improving the environment. Water Stress Areas As this map shows, the South of the country is susceptible to falling to near critical levels of water shortage in relation to population. As these areas become even more densely populated, the demands on the existing water supply infrastructure continues to increase at a rate that is clearly unsustainable. Reservoir storage is finite regardless of rainfall, thus the most effective solution to this imminent water supply crisis is widespread use of Rainwater Harvesting. Water Availability England and Wales: about 1,334 cubic metres (m 3 ) per person South-east England: about 921 m 3 per person. Thames Valley: just 266 m 3 per person. We have less water available per person than: Afghanistan 2,608 m 3 Iran 1,970 m 3 Iraq 2,917 m 3 Lebanon 1,189 m 3 Syria 1,441 m 3 Sudan 1,879 m 3 People in the Thames Valley have less water available to them than: Egypt 794 m 3 Ethiopia 1,519 m 3 and nearly the same as Israel: 255 m 3 Levels of water stress Serious Moderate Low Not assessed

7 Managing the Stormwater Challenge 07 As more river valleys become developed with hard surfaces (paths, roads and roofed areas) the speed at which the rainwater runs off the land increases. This can have a severe effect on a watercourse where flash floods can occur downstream where the volume of water entering the system can be extremely high due to a cumulative effect of development upstream. Global warming has also had an impact on the level of rainfall, which has gradually increased over the past few decades. This has accentuated the problem of stormwater entering waterways. Flash floods along with rising sea levels have been responsible for some severe flooding in the UK in recent years. This has led to rising insurance claims and leaving some areas as blackspots where insurance against flood damage cannot be obtained. FLOOD Typical Domestic and Commercial Water Use 4% 15% Residential Water Usages The Kingspan Environmental Rainwater Harvesting package can satisfy approximately 53% of the demand in a typical residential house. 31% 32% Dish Washer WC Flushing Washing Machine External Use Personal Washing and Bathing Drinking and Food Preparation Applications where RainWater Harvesting can be used 12% 6% Commercial Water Usages The Kingspan Environmental Rainwater Harvesting package can satisfy approximately 85% of the demand in a typical commercial application. 20% 9% 6% 21% Urinals WC Flushing Non-potable Processes Potable Processes Canteen Sinks Applications where RainWater Harvesting can be used 44%

8 Legislation, Initiatives and the Future 08 The Code for Sustainable Homes Definition: Government owned environmental assessment method for certifying and rating new homes in England. It was launched in December The CSH measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the whole home as a complete package rather than on a single characteristic. The CSH uses a one to six star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The CSH sets minimum standards for energy and water use, set at incremental levels. Implications the countdown to 2016 The Government has detailed a timeline for the adoption of the CSH which concludes with net-zero carbon Level 6 homes by Currently the average water use is 150 litres per person per day. To achieve ratings at the higher end of the Code the developer will have to install more water-friendly fittings and appliances to dramatically reduce this water consumption figure. To reach Code Level 6 (80 litres per day) a form of rainwater harvesting will have to be adopted. The future of the Code Private Sector Voluntary Assessment 105 l/p/day 90 l/p/day 80 l/p/day mandatory Level 3 mandatory Level 4 mandatory Level 6 mandatory Time-line Public sector l/p/day (litres/per person/per day) Level 3 mandatory Level 4 mandatory Level 6 mandatory 105 l/p/day 90 l/p/day 80 l/p/day Surface Water Runoff (SUR1) Document There is a mandatory requirement, under certain conditions, that rainwater harvesting must be implemented on site to greatly reduce the quantity of surface water runoff from the development. Infiltration on site is the preferred option but many sites will be unable to provide full infiltration due to ground conditions and /or space constraints. Rainwater harvesting will provide a cost effective method of surface water runoff reduction by allowing the collected water to be used within the properties being developed. Comment New homes need to adopt water-efficient devices such as limited depth baths or shallow cisterns. These devices invariably compromise user comfort for the sake of water efficiency. An integrated rainwater harvesting system reduces the need for compromises and reliance on such water-efficient devices. The UK Government has stated its commitment to tackling both the causes and consequences of climate change. To this end it has started to introduce a clear, credible, long-term framework for the UK to achieve its goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensure steps are taken towards adapting to the impacts of climate change. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) SUDS As more river valleys become developed with hard surfaces (paths, roads and roofed areas) the volume of rainwater that runs off the land increases. This can have a severe effect in a watercourse where flash floods can occur downstream where the volume of water entering the system can be extremely high due to a cumulative effect of development upstream. To address this problem, the drainage systems of towns, cities and developments have been surveyed and a policy of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) has been developed to counteract the problems being encountered. SUDS addresses issues of the quantity and quality of the water run-off from sites. Attenuation systems (tanks and rainwater harvesting systems) and separators (to remove oil contaminants from discharges) are required. Comment Rainwater Harvesting can form such a key integral part of a well designed sustainable drainage scheme, it is often regarded as the first SUDS solution to be investigated.

9 BREEAM BREEAM Definition: Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. A suite of environmental assessment rating tools designed, operated and owned by BRE, first launched in BREEAM is the world s longest established and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standards for best practice in sustainable development and demonstrates a level of achievement. Predominantly a design-stage assessment, BREEAM assesses buildings against a set criteria and provides an overall score which will fall within a band providing either a; PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD, EXCELLENT or OUTSTANDING rating. BREEAM is applied across the building spectrum through various packaged forms, created to suit individual types of building for example common types of buildings can be measured under packages including BREEAM Education, BREEAM Prisons, BREEAM Offices, BREEAM Multi-residential and others. The original BREEAM Eco-homes was created to tackle domestic homes. In April 2007 the Code for Sustainable Homes replaced Ecohomes for the assessment of new housing in England. EcoHomes 2006 will continue to be used for refurbished housing in England and for all housing in Scotland and Wales. 09 It is also apparent that such frameworks are top of the agenda for the Government in Ireland. Building sustainable homes requires all sorts of environmental impacts to be minimised in addition to carbon dioxide emissions, such as water use, waste generated, and materials for building. Comment Rainwater Harvesting is recognised across the various BREEAM building packages and scores high-creditation under the Water Efficiency sector. Building Regulations Part H Definition: Within the Building Regulations 2002, part H3 sets out guidance and requirements for rainwater drainage. Building regulations are specific to particular building procedures and components. Part H3 has increased the responsibility of developers and contractors to ensure that buildings are designed with demonstrable methods of sustainable drainage. Rainwater carried from the roof of the building has to be managed while paved areas around the building should be constructed so that they are suitably drained. Piping the flow into the mains is no longer the immediate solution. Provision for managed disposal follows a hierarchy of discharge options: 1 st 2 nd 3 rd An adequate soak-away or some other adequate infiltration system (e.g swales, filter drains, infiltration basins etc). Not always a practicable option, requiring a designated and secure land area. A watercourse - This is dependent on consent granted, e.g the Environment Agency or applicable authority. A sewer - Consent is only given if capacity is deemed available. If there is not enough capacity a separate system should be put in place - an often prohibitive cost. Comment The Building Regulations place firm emphasis on the requirements of the developer/contractor to deal with the rainwater drainage on site. The use of a soak-away (or some other adequate infiltration system) is the primary solution, but if this can be proved to be not possible, the rainwater must be discharged into a watercourse. Only in the final instance could a site discharge into public sewer. A Rainwater Harvesting system provides developers & contractors with an effective infiltration system as a means of reducing the impact of the rainwater discharge on site. In so doing, many of the site drainage requirements of building regulations can be satisfied, and thus ease the process of gaining planning permission.

10 Understanding your system - factors to consider 10 Whatever the design of covered structure or building, a Rainwater Harvesting system can be designed and installed to capture the rain that falls upon it. As a starting point, it is worth considering the fundamentals that govern the design and thinking behind each individual installation. There are Five basic factors to consider: FACTOR1 FACTOR 3 Water-use Application Harvested rainwater can be used to replace mains water in nearly all non-potable applications. The most popular role for rainwater is to serve a building s facilities such as toilet flushing, washing, or garden irrigation each requiring a continual and sizeable consumption of water. Commercial applications also include these uses, but can be more varied. Past installations have seen rainwater put to use in a diverse range of functions including vehicle washdown, heating and cooling applications, materials manufacturing, farming and livestock and scientific applications. FACTOR 2 New Build or Retrofit? Putting the rainwater storage tank into the ground is the biggest task on any harvesting system s installation agenda. Logically, Stepthe prime time to install the tank is at the groundworking stage of the project s construction schedule. This poses little problem for new-builds as the foundations and drainage will need to be dug and excavation plant will be on site. However, for retrofit installations, careful thought should be paid to both physical restrictions (e.g access to proposed tank location), plus any preparation work that may be required after the install. See page 15 for more details of tank location options. Roofing Area and Drainage A building s roof area is its rainwater catch net. The larger the roof, the larger the volume of water that can be collected. It is very much down to the application that decides just how much rain (and thus diverted roof area) may be required, but there are also many other advantages in using the system as an intrinsic part of the building s overall sustainable drainage (SUDS) scheme. 4 FACTOR Scale of Use On larger building schemes it may be more practical to adopt a multiple-tank layout to cater for the expanse of roof space. This places localised reserves of water exactly where needed, rather than one large tank requiring a number of lengthy supply pipes. Alternatively, a single tank can feed many outlets an arrangement common to domestic house developments where each dwelling draws off one collective tank. FACTOR 5 Available Internal Tank Space Most rainwater systems supply water direct from the underground rainwater tank, but it may be desirable to have an elevated header tank (usually located in a loft area or roof cavity) to store filtered water after the main tank. This has an advantage that in the event of a power cut or if electricity is being rationalised, the building continues to receive a supply of harvested water.

11 Introducing the Envireau range of integrated harvesting systems Kingspan have been designing and manufacturing integrated rainwater systems for over a decade. Within that time we have recognised the need to retain a bespoke approach to addressing a building s needs, but also the advantages that packaging the systems can offer the consumer in terms of ease, reliability and refinement. 11 What we have developed is the Envireau system. Easy to install, simple to maintain, automatic in operation; Envireau delivers a dependable supply of harvested rainwater. Gravity and Direct Systems The Envireau system has two primary options; the Gravity System uses an elevated header tank to store filtered water after the main tank. The Direct System pumps water from the main storage tank and is used where a header tank is impractical (Both systems are explained in more detail on the next page). Precise Component Selection Both the Gravity and Direct systems permit totally flexible scope for component selection in order for Envireau to be tailored to each building and water application. Tanks are carefully sized and selected to take into consideration factors such as roof water yield, projected water consumption and ground work criteria such as prevailing water table, soil conditions and requirements for trafficked access. Filters and Pumps are likewise selected to match the system specifications and performance criteria, to minimise maintenance and to ensure the water is kept at an optimum level of clarity and supply pressure. Commercial / Industrial & Agricultural Offices, schools, industrial estates, distribution centres, farms, farm shops and holiday accommodation. Uses: Toilet flushing, washdown, vehicle washing, irrigation and process. Multiple Housing Sites & Single Houses Housing developments, barn conversions, housing associations, Self-build and existing housing. Uses: Toilet flushing, hot water, washing machines, garden irrigation and car washing.

12 System Options 12 Envireau Direct System The Envireau system has two primary options; the Gravity System uses an elevated header tank to store filtered water after the main tank. The Direct System pumps water from the main storage tank and is used where a header tank is impractical. Envireau Direct System The Direct System is suitable for domestic and commercial applications. This system is used where it is impractical to have a header tank for example, in homes that have converted attic spaces and simply no available space. The system pumps filtered rainwater direct from the holding tank to the various appliances. When the holding tank is running dry there is a small automatic charge of mains water into the underground storage tank to ensure the system never runs dry. The main advantage of this system is that rainwater is delivered to the appliances at mains pressure. Direct System Components Tank manufactured from Polyethylene or GRP, capacity from 1,800 litres up to 80,000 litres in a single tank. Larger units available on request. Primary leaf filter, internal tank filter and in-line fine particle filter Submersible pump (below water level in tank, pumps water to control panel) Depth sensor Envireau panel (controls pump) Solenoid valve (regulates the supply of mains water) Tundish (provides the mandatory air gap) Pressure vessel (not supplied but a recommended fitment) Domestic & Commercial uses WC and urinal flushing Irrigation and landscape watering Garden watering Water main 2 Storage tank 3 Main control panel 4 Level display unit 5 In-line filter 120 microns 6 External leaf filter 7 Pump 8 Mains top-up to tank 9 External tap

13 Envireau Gravity System The Gravity System has a major advantage in that in the event of a power failure on site (or the rain stocks running dry) the system will automatically switch to mains water supply to ensure a continuity of service. 13 The header tank contains two independent valves operating both the mains and rainwater supply. The system will always draw on rainwater first and pump to the required applications. Envireau Gravity System Gravity System Components Tank manufactured from Polyethylene or GRP, capacity from 1,800 litres up to 80,000 litres in a single tank. Larger units available on request. Primary leaf filter (shown located within the small-capacity tank) Internal tank filter & in-line fine particle filter Submersible pump (below water level in tank, pumps water to control panel) Depth sensor Envireau panel (controls pump) Header tank (not supplied) inc. weir, double ballcock (allows switch over to mains. weir provides mandatory air gap) Pressure vessel (not supplied but a recommended fitment) Vehicle washing Domestic and commercial laundry Water main 2 Storage tank 3 Main control panel 4 Level display unit 5 In-line filter 120 microns 6 Internal leaf filter 7 Pump 8 Header tank

14 System Options 14 Booster System Building designs may require water to be pumped over considerable distance (e.g, an airport terminal) or height (a multi-storey office or apartment building). In such instances the use of a booster system is required. A booster set comprises of a single or a series of pumps and often an accompanying holding tank. Operating automatically, the booster is designed to ensure a balanced supply of main-water throughout the building. The Envireau system is entirely compatible with booster sets and the plumbing infrastructure of large scale building designs. Syphonic Roof Drainage Modern buildings are increasingly designed to take advantage of the benefits delivered by syphonic roof drainage. As the name suggests, rainwater is syphoned (or sucked) down off the roof, rather than relying on just gravity flow, as per traditional gutter pipes. Syphonic systems require considerably fewer downpipes and without the reliance on gravity, piping options are far more flexible, making it far easier to route rainwater to a specific collection point for harvesting. Rainwater from any number of outlets can be linked to a predetermined discharge point, allowing even the biggest of roofs to be fully maximised in rainfall capture.

15 Tank Location Options Above Ground Tanks Above Ground Tanks provide the quickest and simplest facility for storing harvested rainwater. The free-standing tanks require no specialist installation and are manufactured from tough rotomoulded plastic. For larger capacities of water, multiple tanks may be connected together to meet storage requirements. Features and Benefits Capacities from 1,300 to 10,000 litres GRP storage tanks available up to 200,000 litres Immediate connection on site Portable and re-useable Facility to link additional tanks as required Tough and durable rotomoulded construction UV protected Tank Location Options 15 Sectional Tanks Sectional Tanks are constructed from modular panels that are bolted together on site. They are particularly useful as they enable confined spaces (such as a basement area or void) to be utilised for rainwater storage. The tank panels can be easily handled and are easy to erect. By adding more panels, sectional tanks deliver an infinite range of sizes and capacities. Features and Benefits Infinite range of sizes and configurations Can be adapted as storage requirements change Ability to be installed in areas with restricted access Quick and easy assembly Highly economical transportation Available in GRP or galvanised steel Below Ground Tanks The most common water storage option is to locate the harvested rain below ground. Kingspan s comprehensive range of Polyethylene or GRP, storage tanks provide an unobtrusive and secure solution for any size of building project from 1,800 litres up to 80,000 litres in a single tank. Features and Benefits Capacities from 1,800 to 80,000 litres within a single tank Multiple tanks can be joined to cater for larger volumes Can be installed under trafficked areas (with concrete support) Complete packaged units delivered directly to site Economical volume storage

16 Further Advice 16 A KingspanWater Envireau system is not complicated technology. Likewise, our professional team aim to make the specification, purchasing and installation process equally as simple. Although many buildings share similar characteristics, we treat each inquiry as a bespoke design. This takes into account a variety of factors including water catchment yield (roof area), storage tank facilities, the overall building envelope and of course the water application be it for toilet flushing, washdown or other requirement. We also consider future changes in our design, such as building / user expansion or change of use. There are Five basic steps to consider: 1 Step 3 Step Information required Our technical team can study your building plans and present a best-fit system designed to maximise the effectiveness of a rainwater system and makes best use of the available tank installation area. Alternatively, it may be more desirable to tailor Envireau to particular client criteria - for instance to supply a specific water application, interface with existing electrical/ plumbing systems or a non-standard tank installation (e.g below a car-park or similar). A more tailored request (such as the latter) will need some preliminary decisions to be made to enable a system to be created, but we offer full supporting advice and guidance at concept stage. Step Go online Visit and you can submit an online Step quotation and specification. Get in contact with us Kingspan Environmental have offices located in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Contact us and we will connect you to a rainwater specialist to talk through your project and discuss the options available. 4 Step Meet our staff local to you Kingspan Environmental has a team of Area Sales Managers located across UK and Ireland. On hand to offer experience and knowledge of product and the local environment, they can come on site or to your offices, and provide invaluable guidance on component selection, design calculations and projected cost savings. For larger systems or unusual applications, our qualified engineers can work directly with your own project team. The website will prompt you for principal information regarding a number of variable factors. These include the size of roof area, existing (or projected) monthly water consumption, details about the occupancy (including male /female occupancy) and number of sanitary appliances. You will also be asked to enter details of the proposed use of recycled water. Toilet flushing, vehicle washing, external irrigation and hot water are all suggested options, but you may enter whatever is applicable to your project.

17 Kingspan Environmental KingspanWater brings together the most innovative products designed to support water capture and re-use. The product range includes evaluated and proven systems for both Rainwater Harvesting and greywater recycling. KingspanWater s dedicated team have over a decade of experience in designing systems for a wide variety of buildings and applications. 17 Envireau fully integrated Rainwater harvesting systems RAINTRAP Below ground storage AND delivery system Domestic RainStore waterbutts Ezy-Filter - Greywater Recycling Filters AND accessories Above ground commercial RainStore Large capacity rainwater storage Kingspan Environmental offer one of the most comprehensive product portfolios of engineered environmental products in the world. The group brings together pioneering and respected industry brands, including Titan Environmental, Klargester, Sensor Systems, Entec and Envirocare. Area sales managers, based throughout the UK and Ireland bring their local knowledge and expertise to any building project. Environmental Containers Bunded Oil and Fuel Storage Biofuel Storage and Dispensing AdBlue Storage and Dispensing Chemical and Water Treatment Spill Containment Solutions Recycling Banks Grit and Solid Fuel Containers Pollution Prevention Rainwater Harvesting Stormwater Attenuation Package Pump Stations Oil/Water Separators Sewage Treatment Plants Septic & Storage Tanks Sustainable Drainage (SUDS) Packages Telemetry and management systems Domestic Tank Level Monitoring Industrial Tank Level Monitoring Tank Management Systems Tank Alarm Systems Overfill Prevention Devices

18 18 Kingspan Renewables range showcases how Kingspan is developing the latest technology in order to deliver sustainable energy solutions. Specialist products include solar thermal panels, ground source heat pumps and the renowned Thermomax range of photovoltaic panels technology that allows hot water to be achieved in Northern European climates. The renewables range continues to refine and perfect such advanced energy technologies. Solar THERMAL Panels Step PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS Ground Source Heat Pumps Kingspan Group plc provides construction solutions and systems across all sectors of the global property market. Kingspan have manufacturing, distribution and commercial operations throughout Europe and around the world. From private and affordable housing through to commercial buildings, municipal, education and healthcare, Kingspan offer an extensive range of tested, accredited and future-proofed solutions for any building project. Step Kingspan Structural Kingspan Panels Kingspan Environmental AND Renewables Kingspan Insulation Kingspan Access Floors

19 Together with other Group companies, Kingspan Environmental continues to create and develop innovative solutions that contribute to the pursuit of a zero carbon and sustainable lifestyle. Why not contact us and let us demonstrate how our Rainwater Harvesting systems and portfolio of eco-technologies can form the heart of your building s green credentials?

20 Guide to BS 8515:2009 British Standards - Code of Practice The increasing demand for rainwater harvesting has led to obvious concerns about the need for regulation and control of the quality of the products. This has led to the formation of a new British Standard BS 8515:2009 ; its purpose to ensure consistently high levels of design, construction and reliability. Having contributed to the development of the standard, KingspanWater has published a guide to BS 8515, aiming to turn what may appear to be a daunting process of standard compliance into a simple one. The guide offers an overview of principles covered in BS 8515:2009 including: Design Installation Compliance Regulations Maintenance For more information contact our rainwater team or download a copy of the guide from our website at College Road North, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP22 5EW Sales Hotline Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) info@kingspanwater.com or visit or our company website Unit 1, Off Derryboy Road, Carnbane Business Park, Newry, Co. Down BT35 6QH NI: Tel: +44 (0) IRL: Tel: info@kingspanwater.ie or visit or our company website