TITLE: Choosing Between Energy Efficiency Or Water Savings For Green Building Points?
I totally get the frustration with low-flow showerheads. There’s a fine line between saving water and just making daily life annoying. I’ve seen some “eco” fixtures that honestly feel like they’re punishing you for trying to do the right thing. But prepping for future water systems during a reno is such a smart move—future-proofing is underrated, especially with how unpredictable water costs and restrictions can get.
I keep running into this dilemma with clients: do you focus more on energy efficiency or water savings when you’re aiming for green building points? It’s not always clear-cut. Sometimes, the most efficient appliances use more water, or vice versa. And then there’s the comfort factor—nobody wants to freeze in the shower or wait forever for hot water just to save a few gallons.
Curious if anyone’s found a sweet spot between the two. Have you prioritized one over the other, or tried to balance both? I’ve seen some creative solutions, like recirculating hot water systems or greywater reuse, but those aren’t always practical for every project. Sometimes I wonder if we’re overcomplicating things by chasing points instead of focusing on what actually works for the people living there.
Has anyone regretted going all-in on one side? Or maybe found a fixture or system that actually delivers on both fronts without sacrificing comfort?
Sometimes I wonder if we’re overcomplicating things by chasing points instead of focusing on what actually works for the people living there.
- Had a project last year where we went heavy on water savings—super low-flow everything. Clients ended up hating the shower so much they swapped it out after a month.
- Now I always ask: “Would you want this in your own house?” Comfort matters.
- Lately, I’ve been leaning towards high-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines—they hit both water and energy savings without making life harder.
- Recirc hot water loops are awesome but not always possible, especially in older homes. Sometimes simple upgrades (good insulation, smart thermostats) make a bigger impact than chasing every single point.
Choosing Between Energy Efficiency Or Water Savings For Green Building Points?
Had a similar situation with ultra-low-flow toilets—clients were not thrilled about needing two flushes half the time. It’s easy to get caught up in the checklist, but if it doesn’t work for daily life, what’s the point? I’ve found that focusing on envelope improvements and appliances usually gives better results without sacrificing comfort. Sometimes those “simple” upgrades really do offer the most bang for your buck.