CHANGING TIDES AT DALHOUSIE UNIVERISTY
Date
2008-04
Authors
Clarke, Joanna
Lambert, Megan
Lynn, Maryn
Sharew, Alemayehu
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Abstract
As a leading Canadian university in research and educational experience, the
Greening the Campus Movement presents Dalhousie University with the opportunity to
make new name for itself. Dalhousie has embarked on some initiatives including a
campus sustainability office, low flow toilet technology and is home to a dedicated
campus greening society, SustainDal. The Changing Tides at Dalhousie University
research project was carried out in order to determine if it would be socially and
economically acceptable to put dual-flush toilets in a new residence at Dalhousie
University. The objective of this research is to compare the water consumption and costs
of Dalhousie’s Flushometer to that of alternative dual-flush toilets. Simultaneously,
research regarding the social acceptance and knowledge of dual-flush toilets was carried
out. Information was collected about student’s toilet practice and their perception of
water-use in both conventional and dual-flush toilets. This data was gathered through
surveys, and taken from the student population in Risley Hall residence during peak times
of the day. This information was then used to asses the level of education that students in
residence have about dual-flush toilet technology. The results strongly recommended that
Dalhousie University install dual-flush toilets in future residences. If the project’s
recommendation does follow through and Dalhousie implements dual-flush toilets in a
new residence, this will save money, lessen environmental degradation and have a very
reasonable payback period. Through the use of dual-flush toilets, Dalhousie University
has the potential to be one of the model university’s in North America for water
conservation.
Description
ENVS 3502 Environmental Problem Solving II: The Campus as a Living Laboratory Final Report