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GBlist: Re: Greywater & Lighting in NYC
amos,
Greywater systems are very expensive to install as part of a retrofit
because you essentially have to put a second set of pipes in the walls
running from the showers/sinks/laundry to the toilets (unless, of
course, you don't mind exposed pipes). The other issue is, of course,
regulations. I don't know what the regs regarding the use of greywater
are in NYC, but you should find out before you get deep into the
planning.
Lighting is one of the biggest expenses in the day to day operation of
most modern buildings. I don't know how much you plan on spending to
modify the existing structure, but daylight is the best source of
light. Daylighting won't work in all areas of the city (if you happen
to be in the shadow of a skyscraper, or not on one of the top floors
for example). Daylighting would also require major structural changes
to the building (the installation of more windows).
Failing the above, four fairly common technologies that should be
available are: 1) using electronic ballasts instead of magnetic, 2)
using "T-8" flourescent tubes instead of T-12 "Cool Whites", 3) using
compact flourescent lamps instead of incandescent, and 4) using motion
sensors to control whether lights are on or off. The first two
suggestions are only if you have overhead flourescent lights (which I
doubt, but is possible). The third and fourth can work anywhere.
Good Luck
Ken
Nothing can be foolproof because fools are so *&#!@ ingenious.
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