Smart Practices. Sustainable Solutions. Green Irrigation Systems

Transcription

1 Smart Practices. Sustainable Solutions. Green Irrigation Systems Brent Mecham Irrigation Association

2 Green Irrigation Designing, building and managing an irrigation system in a more sustainable way. Consider the three pillars of sustainability Environmental Social Economic If an irrigation system is installed

3 Underpinnings The soil has been properly prepared for the landscape plantings Tillage depth Soil amendments or conditioners i.e. compost Plant selection and turf areas are appropriate Climate Purpose of the landscape Water availability

4 Water Sources Potable Fresh water wells, surface water Municipally reclaimed water Harvested water Rain water (collected from roofs/structures) Stormwater (collected from ground surface) Alternate water sources (recycled) Gray water Air conditioning condensate/cooling tower water Process water Foundation water

5 Water Sources What is the best source of water?

6 Evaluation criteria Quantity needed vs. quantity available Water quality plant usability, public safety Reliability of the water source Embedded energy Pumping costs Treatment Storage of harvested water Size, materials, installation and maintenance

7 Matrix Sources of water Quantity Quality Reliability Embedded Energy Storage Carbon Footprint (initially) Carbon Footprint (long term) Potable Well Surface Municipally reclaimed On-site reclaimed Rainwater Stormwater Gray water A/C, Cooling Tower Process water Foundation water

8 Water Sources Choose the most sustainable source(s) Environmental aspect Functional benefits of the managed landscape Energy requirements embedded in the water Carbon footprint to develop the water source Downstream impacts Social aspect Purpose and benefits of using water resources Economic aspect Initial cost vs. cost of long-term ownership Alternate water sources provide more jobs

9 Design Product selection How is the product made? ISO 9001 Quality Management System ISO Environmental Management Fewest sprinklers Uniform application (especially for turfgrass) keep water on target (reduce/eliminate runoff) maximize equipment performance

10 Product selection Best Practice for piping Product choices PVC PE HDPE Pipe routing Pipe sizing Control flow (velocity) smaller pipe for smaller flow Control pressure

11 COMPARISON HDPE Pipe PVC Pipe Chlorine-free No dioxin produced in manufacture High abrasion and chemical resistance Less susceptible to surge shocks Seamless joint connections Flexible Easily recycled Fusion welding (electrical energy) Relatively new to irrigation industry Higher skill, expensive equipment Contains chlorine Dioxin produced in manufacture Moderate abrasion and chemical resistance More susceptible to surge shocks Joint seams can leak Rigid Limited recyclability Solvent welding (chemical bonding) Common in irrigation Lower skill set, minimal equipment

12 Product selection Environmental aspect How is the product made Installation procedures Social aspect Worker safety Worker skill set Economic aspect Cost of the project Wages paid

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16 Installation Logistics Get all of the right parts ordered Minimize delivery trips Follow the plan for installation Eliminate trips to distributor Use local sources when possible Minimize waste Recycle if possible

17 Installation Equipment Right equipment to do the job Power equipment is running optimally Avoid excessive idling Reduce the carbon footprint of installation Number of trips to install project Reduce call backs

18 Installation Skilled workers Trained in proper techniques Understand their role in managing water resources Workers use PPE Workers are paid fair wage Proper installation increases useful life of system and conserves water

19 Management Type of control system Traditional Use of sensor technology Weather Sensors Soil Moisture Sensors Flow Sensors Communication technology The new generation of smart controllers facilitates active water management What is the carbon footprint of management?

20 Management Irrigation is supplemental water application Water when needed, not when scheduled Maximize the benefit of rainfall Understand plant water requirements Function and purpose of the landscape Required appearance Measure water usage Essential for water management

21 Owner: National Park Service Designer: Irrigation Consulting Installer: Valley Crest Landscapes

22 Green Irrigation Designing, building and managing an irrigation system in a more sustainable way. Consider the three pillars of sustainability Environmental What are the impacts and benefits? Social What are the social implications? Economic What are the economic considerations?

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29 Standards & Codes Standards Are documents that describe a method or process to do something that are complied with voluntarily. Codes Describe a method or procedure to follow and are mandatory. Plumbing code, electrical code, building codes, etc. Codes often reference standards as part of the code.

30 Standards Standards about landscape irrigation ASABE/ICC Landscape Sprinkler and Emitter ASABE X623 Determining Landscape Plant Water Requirements ASABE X626 Uniformity Test for Landscape Irrigation Systems ASABE X627 Environmentally Responsive Landscape Irrigation Control Systems ASABE X633 Testing Soil Moisture Sensors for Landscape Irrigation

31 Standards ASPE/ARCSA Rainwater Harvesting Systems ASPE/ARCSA Stormwater Harvesting Systems

32 Codes Plumbing Code Universal Plumbing Code (IAPMO) International Plumbing Code (ICC) National Standard Plumbing Code (PHCC) Electrical Code National Fire Prevention Association #70

33 Green Codes Model codes that have additional requirements beyond the basic codes striving for more efficient use of materials and resources. Codes are modified to meet the needs of the jurisdiction having authority.

34 Codes International Green Construction Code (ICC) Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement (IAPMO) CalGreen National Green Building Standard (NHBA) Executive Orders

35 Commonalities Provisions about landscape irrigation Design and installation Control systems Sprinkler products and performance Provisions about water resources for irrigation Rainwater harvesting Graywater reuse Alternate water sources

36 Green Initiatives LEED Version 2009 Version 4 Green Building Initiative Sustainable Sites

37 Questions, Comments, Observations