Optimize water efficiency and cost effectiveness by using the alternative sustainable innovations in residential dwellings

Abstract

Utilising alternative sustainable innovations, such as water efficient showerheads, waterless composing toilets, aerated faucets, water efficient dishwashers and steam washing machines opposed to the standard devices, has the ability to optimise water efficiency and reduce living expenses, while helping conserve this natural resource. This paper is to investigate if the alternative sustainable innovations can optimise water efficiency and cost effectiveness in residential dwellings. Water consumption, life cycle cost and payback periods are compared between the standard and innovative devices over a 15-year period. Local cost from the major cities in Australia is used for the calculation. It is found that $7,295-28,785 per occupant can be saved over 15 years if all devices are used across Australia, saving of up to 78.5% can be achieved and with the minimal of only 0.10 year of payback period. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.