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Pitch

Simple proposal to reduce energy by using cold water for washing in restrooms


Description

Summary

Most sinks in the USA have 2 taps, left for hot water and right for cold water. Also, it is estimated that 90% of the people are right handed.

When right handed people wash their hands, they open the tap on the left with their left hand and reach turn on the hot water by default even when it is not required or undesired.

Further since it takes a few seconds for water flow to be hot, we not only waste the energy used to heat the water but not even get the benefits.

Instead, I propose that the default tap, which is easily reachable by right-handers be the cold water tap which is placed on the left side. If they really require hot water, they will reach out to the tap on the right side.

If there are 300 million hand washes by right-handers every day and each utilizes half a liter 150 million liters of water are spent for hand wash daily in the US.
Assuming 2/3 rds of the people don't really require hot water for a quick hand wash, it is energy required to heat 100 million liters to approx 80 degree C, that is being wasted every day in the US. This energy can be easily saved by the change I propose with little or no cost and no change required in lifestyle.


What actions do you propose?

Change building code (or convention) in USA and the rest of the world world to have hot water tap on the right.


Who will take these actions?

Building code revision of organizations involved at state and federal levels. A start can be  made from government buildings which can then percolate to private and other sectors.


Where will these actions be taken?

All over the world where the convention is to have hot water tap on the left side.


How much will emissions be reduced or sequestered vs. business as usual levels?

My conservative estimate is that about 100 million liters (approx 25 million gallons) of water is used for hand washes daily.

To heat 100 million liters of water to around 20 degree C to 80 degree C, it takes about 5 mega watt hour which can be saved everyday (more accurate calculations required)

In addition many kitchen sinks have also have hot water tap on the left which can add to savings in power.


What are other key benefits?

Less usage of power for heating water


What are the proposal’s costs?

Little over 0; no negative side effects


Time line

Change all building code today to have cold water on the left.

I would expect a majority of the water lines exchanged for hot and cold water in the next 10-15 years


Related proposals


References