With energy-consuming equipment, such as water heaters and refrigerators, we have good data on energy consumption and can set clear standards accordingly. In some product categories—clothes washers, for example—Energy Star standards were adopted because those standards provide a high enough threshold to represent just the very top segment of the product market (less than 10%). In other product categories—e.g., refrigerators and dishwashers—we set a higher threshold than ENERGY STAR: for example, exceeding those standards by 10% or 20%. With lighting and lighting control equipment, certain generic products qualify, such as compact fluorescent lamps and occupancy/daylighting controls, while in other categories only a subset of products qualify. In some cases, products that meet the energy efficiency requirements are excluded, because of evidence of poor performance or durability. Microturbines are included here because of the potential for cogeneration (combined heat and power) that they offer.
Eco-Performance Commercial Showerheads
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All toilets and most showerheads today meet the federal water-efficiency standards, but not all of these products perform satisfactorily. With toilets and showerheads, we include products that meet or exceed WaterSense standards, which includes performance requirements—although we go beyond WaterSense where there are issues not adequately addressed by the program. We also look for other products that conserve potable water, such as rainwater catchment and graywater recovery and reuse systems.
Moen’s Eco-Performance low-flow showerheads use 1.75 gallons per minute (gpm), below the EPA’s WaterSense 2.0 gpm standard. Like other low-flow fixtures, these showerheads reduce water consumption and the energy required to heat the water. Made for commercial use, the Eco-Performance line contains a variety of fixture designs, including models with full spray and massage settings, and come in colors including brushed or antique nickel, bronze, brass, chrome, pewter, and wrought iron. Note: not all Eco-Performance models meet GreenSpec standards of 1.75 gpm.
Water efficiency, as well as quality and comfort of the shower, are important in selecting any showerhead, but durability is also a critical factor in commercial showerheads.
WaterSense has developed a specification that includes water efficiency, spray force, and spray coverage criteria. The first criterion is designed to reduce water use; the last two are aimed at maintaining superior shower performance even as less water is being used.
After doing field research in 2008, WaterSense developed tests that measure performance in spray force and spray coverage. Other factors not directly included in the WaterSense criteria is wetting performance (though spray coverage is closely related) and heat retention, which is a function of droplet size. When showerheads atomize water into very small droplets, those droplets cool off very quickly
To go beyond WaterSense, consider other aspects that are more relevant in public and commercial settings. As these showerheads might see more abuse and adjusting than a residential showerhead, be sure to consider durability—solid brass showerheads are among the more durable options available on the market. Some models cannot be adjusted and are designed to be installed at angles so that nothing can hang from them. Further, select vandal-resistant models and coatings, and look for showerheads that can be repaired before they need to be replaced.
GreenSpec lists showerheads that use no more than 1.75 gallons per minute (gpm)—below WaterSense’s limit of 2 gpm—and are WaterSense labeled to address spray force and coverage. There is no commonly adopted standard for durability in showerheads, but GreenSpec notes a product’s durability when there is evidence when a product is engineered with that in mind.
LEED Credits
WEc1: Water Use Reduction
WEc3: Water Use Reduction
WEc3.1-3.2: Water Use Reduction
WEp1: Water Use Reduction—20% Reduction
WEp1: Minimum Indoor Plumbing Fixture and Fitting Efficiency
WEp1: Water Use Reduction
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