Water
Long-term drought and water scarcity in the landscape is a major threat to us. Masaryk University is therefore planning and taking measures to responsibly manage this precious resource.
USE OF RAINWATER ON THE CAMPUS OF THE MASARYK UNIVERSITY IN BRNO BOHUNICE
Drainage of the Bohunice University Campus (UKB) complex and subsequent use of rainfall solves the problem of accelerated surface runoff and overloading of the existing sewer system during heavy rainfall. The soakage culverts achieve approximately 51 % reduction of rainfall discharged to the sewer.
The amount of stormwater that falls on the site during the growing season is sufficient to provide irrigation for existing trees and grasses as well as road maintenance. The rainfall potential is up to 6 700 m3 from roofs and 5 200m3 from paved areas. This is equivalent to 4 filled Olympic swimming pools. The underground tank with capacity of 76 m3 has been implemented to capture rainwater from the large arched roofs of the B09 pavilion. As a result, this captured water from the underground tank can be used by UKB for supplementary irrigation of the greenery and possibly road maintenance.
The other pavilions have green roofs that capture and evaporate the water themselves, with the remainder flowing into adjacent retention tanks where further evaporation occurs, resulting in the fact that less than half of the rainfall and other wastewater is discharged to the sewer.
USE OF RAINWATER IN THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University, located in the middle of the city in the Art Nouveau district of Veveří, entered the E.ON Energy Globe competition with the project Ecological measures in the Botanical Garden, which included five different measures. One of them was the construction of an underground reservoir to collect rainwater.
When the botanical garden's greenhouses were built in 1995, a tank was constructed, which can hold about 18m3 of water. The temperature of the water should ideally be the same as the air temperature. Measurements have shown that on average 1,000 l of water per day is used for watering the greenhouses. An underground tank of 30 m3 was built in 2020 outside under the pergola and is connected to the original indoor tank, giving us space to capture 48m3 of rainwater. The entire water transfer system is automatic and controlled by a central control panel the size of an electrical box. The return on investment has been estimated at 7.5 years, with 85% of the cost paid for by the Operational Environment Programme.
Savings measures under the #MUNIsaves campaign
Data from savings studies:
- A full-flow battery consumes up to 8 litres per minute more than when used economically.
- With a two-level flush, consumption is up to 6 litres less drinking water per flush on economy.
- In the extreme case of a malfunction, over 600 litres of drinking water per hour will flow through the toilet.
Organisational recommendation:
- Do not run taps at full flow unless necessary.
- Check for leakage when the tap is turned off.
- Use economy on dual flush toilets.
- In the event of a leaking toilet or urinal, report the fault to the operations staff immediately.
Development of drinking water consumption at MU in 2019 - 2023
Our objectives
In its long-term strategic plan for 2021-2028, Masaryk University commits to responsible water management with the following goals and measures.
Main strategic objective
- In accordance with the principles of sustainable development, manage energy resources, water and waste and strengthen informed management enabling the efficient use of the built premises as well as property management.
Key results
- Energy, water and waste management strategies implemented and their measurable effects
- Creation and implementation of strategies for energy, water and waste management.
- Implementation of systemic measures to reduce the volume of non recyclable waste produced, to increase the share renewable energy sources used, for saving water, the use of rainwater and the use of grey water
- Establishing a training system for employees and students for the efficient and environmentally responsible operation of the university
- Producing clear principles of efficient and responsible management of energy and water and motivation of students and employees to comply with them
Implementation and plans at MUNI
Done
Water management in the Bohunice University Campus
A very specific example of environmental responsibility is the ever-growing Bohunice Campus of Masaryk University (UCB), where most of the roofs are green and there are other measures to manage rainwater. As an example of good practice, the decentralised drainage system of the UKB is also mentioned on the website www.pocitamesvodou.cz under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment.
Given the size of the UCB, this specific system was already a unique concept at the time of its implementation, not only for dealing with localised flooding, pollution of rivers by diluted sewage, but also for reducing the intensity of soil erosion in some places. In addition, the system of detention basins and planted greenery in the university campus improves microclimatic conditions, the retained water evaporates into the surroundings, humidifies the environment and thus reduces temperature and dust. According to the latest feasibility study for further use of rainwater on the UKB campus, the construction of 22 remotely controlled underground storage tanks with an estimated volume of 460 m3 is planned.
Lokni filtered water dispensers
Filtered water dispensers by Lokni are now available at five faculties of Masaryk University. They provide an easy and environmentally friendly way to access clean water, with options for both still and sparkling variants. Activation of the dispenser is possible through a QR code in the accompanying app, which also offers consumption summaries and tracks the number of saved plastic bottles. Lokni dispensers are currently available at the Faculty of Economics and Administration, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Social Studies, and newly at the University Campus in Bohunice.
Practical tips for everyone
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Recommendations
Involvement of students and staff
Students and staff on campus, including residence halls and canteens, can make a significant contribution to water conservation through their responsible actions.Basic recommendations from the university's water conservation plan:
"Love water. Let's use double flush toilets, the difference is up to 6 litres of potable water consumption per use. Don't run taps at full flow unless necessary, the difference in potable water consumption is up to 8 litres per minute."
Share your experience
Inspire others. Write to us about your projects or experiences with sustainable water management at your faculty or workplace.
