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Water

Our goal is to use 50% less water than similar facilities, and we will reduce our wastewater levels as well by thoroughly treating grey and black water on site so it can be reused for irrigation.

Accommodation facilities typically have high water consumption and predictable highs and lows in water use throughout the day. At The Headwaters Eco Lodge we are incorporating a number of water saving strategies to meet our water targets and better manage the way water is used across the whole site. 

Water Network

Living in harmony with the surrounding environment means we need to consider our overall impact on Glenorchy’s groundwater reserves. Rainwater capture, and the mindful use, storage, reuse and disposal of water will help us meet our objectives and preserve precious natural resources. We will manage our stormwater impacts by using permeable hard landscaping and driveways, swales and rain gardens around the perimeter of the site. Soak pits will help absorb and handle the discharge of any excess stormwater back to the natural water table.

Rainwater

Rainwater will be collected from all roofs and stored in underground tanks.

It will then be treated  through natural processes to drinking-water quality standards and be routed to sinks, hand washing basins and showers throughout the site. Water from municipal supplies will only be used when rainwater tanks are low.

Water Efficiency

Low flow fittings and water-efficient appliances will be installed throughout the site, minimising the water used by taps, showers, dishwashers and washing machines. There will also be timed showers in the public bathrooms.

Native and drought-tolerant plants will be used throughout the site landscaping to reduce water required for irrigation, a crucial factor in achieving our 50% water conservation target.

Composting Toilets

Odour-free, waterless composting toilets will be installed in all new buildings to be used by both guests and staff. In addition to significantly reducing the need for flushing, this well-tested and proven design will generate nutrient-rich compost for our native plants instead of entering the municipal sewage system as black water.

Blackwater

Blackwater (wastewater from all sinks and dishwashers within the common building kitchens, and the liquid from the composting toilets) will be treated using an innovative aeration system to a level of purity that can be safely released into the ground.

By treating wastewater before it is released to the ground, we mitigate risks to Glenorchy’s groundwater reserves.

Wetlands

Wastewater from bathroom sinks, showers, and washing machines will be treated on-site using a constructed greywater wetland system. These wetlands harness the natural functions of certain types of plants and micro-organisms that treat wastewater without chemicals, removing sediment and pollutants without being piped to a sewage centre for treatment.

Following treatment, water will be diverted to an underground storage tank for use in irrigating the gardens and orchards.

NET ZERO ENERGY RESULTS

The Headwaters Eco Lodge’s performance will be measured by a site-
wide monitoring system that records and shows our energy generation and consumption in real time.

Beauty
Beauty can be expressed in many forms and is a very personal experience.
Celebrating design that uplifts the human spirit
Energy
The Headwaters Eco Lodge has been designed to achieve Net Zero Energy Building Certification (NZEB) 
in accordance with the requirements of the Living Building Challenge
Harnessing energy from the sun for operation
Equity
The Headwaters Eco Lodge seeks to foster a healthy relationship with the entirety of its surrounding environment.
Supporting a just equitable world
Health & Happiness
Human health, comfort and happiness are deeply affected by many aspects of our environment, including the air we breathe, the surfaces we touch, the noises we hear, and the views we see.
Creating spaces that optimise health and wellbeing
Materials
The building industry is a significant user of chemicals and products which are considered “worst in class” for their impact on human and environmental health.
Using products that are safe for all species through time
Place
The site will feature a variety of elements that are designed to reduce effects on our local environment – including the air, waterways and soil.
Restoring a healthy relationship with nature
Water
The Headwaters has been designed, built and operated to allow us to provide for our own water needs as much as possible.
Operating within the local water balance