You have the option of using an alternative compliance path through process-water equipment other than that named in the credit language. In order to do this, you need to demonstrate a 20% reduction of process water use from a baseline case. The baseline case is usually an industry standard, which can be obtained from your mechanical engineer or kitchen consultant.
Ice machines must not only meet water-efficiency requirements, but they must not be water-cooled. This is part of the credit language, athough it is easy to overlook.
Research process equipment that meets the water usage requirements for this credit. Find out what is on the market and what makes the most sense for your project. Most projects find compliant products relatively easy to find, but it may require some flexibility.
Refrigeration equipment that uses once-through cooling with potable water must be eliminated. Discuss this with your project’s mechanical engineer and kitchen consultant to determine the availability of compliant refrigeration equipment. Generally, this is an easy requirement to meet.
Determine whether composting service with curbside pickup is available, or if the school is interested in onsite composting. Schools may also choose to throw away food scraps (or donate to pig farmers, if in the area) instead of using garbage disposals to meet this credit, but composting is the environmentally preferred method for managing food waste.
Determine where your school uses most of its process water and examine the feasibility of purchasing appliances that meet the credit requirements for water use reduction.
Research process equipment that meets the water usage requirements for this credit. Find out what is on the market and what makes the most sense for your project. Most projects find compliant products relatively easy to find, but it may require some flexibility.