We have an Elementary project confused whether to specify low-flow on Classroom faucets and 'hand wash' faucet in Cafeteria prep area.
Classroom sinks would only be for hand washing, maybe craft time but rarely used. Or is it process water?
Also, under v2009, Hand washing sinks located in commercial kitchen areas that do not pass through a grease interceptor should be included in the water use calculations under the kitchen sink category (November 1, 2011 Addenda). Is this still true for v4 or v4.1, or is it process water?
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
December 20, 2023 - 9:54 am
It is my experience that hand washing sinks that are rarely used are considered 'process water' and can be excluded. Provide a narrative to explain that the hand washing is a result of crafts, and not restroom use. There was a spa project with quite a few hand washing sinks throughout, but since they were not associated with restroom use the GBCI allowed me to exclude them.
Regarding the commercial kitchen application, I had a similar-ish factory project. When a factory employee came to work they would get changed into their factory gear in the locker room. Prior to entering the factory they were required to wash their hands; when leaving the factory they were required to wash their hands. GBCI allowed me to include or exclude these handwashing stations at my discretion.
Commercial kitchens are similar since employees must wash their hands before working. My guess is that these fixtures are allowed to be excluded.
Hope this helps!