Arizona State University
IN-27: Innovation D

ASU is collaborating with a variety of institutions from around the globe: Enhancing Campus Sustainability: Hot Water Reduction Program Washing hands in warm or hot water is a common practice in cities worldwide. Despite the scientific evidence showing that hot water does not significantly reduce bacteria, many countries’ building regulations require the provision of it on a basis of comfort. The misconception that hot water is an essential component in handwashing hygiene and perception that it is a ‘social norm’ perpetuate this practice. The potential for reduced carbon emissions and energy savings, since cold water usage requires less energy than warm or hot water, point to the need for policy and behavioral change. Project partners worked together to reduce or eliminate unnecessary hot water use across three campuses, King’s College London, UK; Dublin City University, Ireland; and Arizona State University, USA with the goal to change outdated and ill-informed regulations that require provisioning of unnecessary hot water in public buildings. Partners are developing a ‘toolkit’ of good practices and methods that can be applied to other waste-water-energy issues in a broader societal context. As of early 2018 the study is currently underway with water being shut off in a variety of buildings and surveys being conducted.