Germ Wars
Feb 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Kris Alderson
Lessons in handwashing begin with smart washroom planning.
Upgrading older facilities
To save water and update the look of a facility, education institutions should replace old sinks, toilets and urinals with more efficient models in restrooms and locker rooms. By removing stained or cracked china lavatories and replacing them with solid-surface lavatory systems, restrooms can be more attractive — and functional. These systems require fewer connections and rough-ins, reducing labor costs.
Other features that save money and keep restrooms tidier include built-in soap dispensers that drip into a bowl and infrared sensors that shut off flow after use. These also can deter vandalism.
Another way to encourage handwashing is to install classroom sinks in science labs, art rooms and other busy areas.
Budget issues
Whether building new facilities or upgrading existing space, budget is critical, so it is important to include efficient, energy-saving fixtures into planning and layouts:
- Green elements
Carefully planned restrooms and locker rooms afford ideal opportunities for containing and even reducing utility costs — especially if schools incorporate elements found in green buildings. This means a building that uses a minimum of nonrenewable energy and reduces pollution. Today's restrooms have a variety of eco-friendly technologies that cut water and energy consumption, and minimize use of natural resources.
One of the newest touchless technologies to become available is a light-powered handwashing fixture. This specialized technology uses photovoltaic cells to convert restroom lighting to energy, activating the flow of water to the lavatory system.
- Low-flow fixtures
By specifying low-flow fixtures, metered faucets and waterless urinals, schools can reduce water consumption by more than 30 percent. This can translate to major cost savings in water and sewer bills, as well as energy costs for heating water. Newer fixtures as part of a restroom renovation also mean less maintenance and greater resistance against vandalism.
Lavatories with tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and are concealed within the lavatory system's pedestal. Handwashing fixtures with tankless heaters require only a cold water source. Only the water needed at the faucet is heated, rather than requiring a hot-water tank in a distant area of the building.
Alderson is a senior marketing manager for Bradley Corp., Menomonee Falls, Wis., a USGBC member and manufacturer of locker room products, plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, partitions and emergency fixtures. She can be reached at (262)532-1096 or kris.alderson@bradleycorp.com.
Notable
22 million
Estimated number of school days that are lost every year because of colds suffered by students and faculty.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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