St. Petersburg College has lowered its water consumption by utilizing low-flow water fixtures in sinks, showers, toilets and installing waterless urinals (saving 50,000 gallons per year per urinal) in all new construction and renovation projects.  Additionally, certain campus buildings utilize dual-flush toilets: using .8 and 1.6 gallons per flush depending on the requirement, ultimately saving 25,000 gallons per year per stall.  Overall, these low-flow appliances use an average of 30% less water than conventional fixtures.

The college also partners with St. Petersburg City utilities to use reclaimed water for irrigation at all college sites and all irrigation systems are constantly checked for broken components or leaks.  Also, watering schedules are programmed by electronic controllers that react to alterations in season or weather conditions.  

In addition, St. Petersburg College has implemented a xeriscape/indigenous landscaping policy throughout all campus green spaces.  These native plants easily handle the shifts between dry and wet heat that occur in Florida allowing the college to further conserve water resources.

energy | sustainable design | education | carbon neutrality | recycling/waste | water