At TIIAME National Research University, sustainability is embedded in the way we design, construct and operate our campus. Our Water-Conscious Building Standards translate this commitment into concrete technical requirements that minimise water use, protect local water resources and support the achievement of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. These standards apply to both new buildings and major renovations, ensuring that the entire campus progressively shifts towards more efficient, climate-resilient infrastructure.

The standards are fully in place by 2024 and are aligned with the national regulatory framework of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Internal water supply and building drainage systems follow SHNQ 2.04.01-22, while external sewers and stormwater infrastructure are designed and operated in accordance with QMQ/KMK 2.04.03-19. Discharges to the municipal sewer system comply with VMQ №11 (03.02.2010), which regulates pretreatment and the acceptance of industrial and institutional effluents. All measures are further guided by the Law O‘RQ-784 (2022) on drinking-water supply and wastewater disposal, and potable water quality is monitored in line with O‘zDSt 950:2011.

   Within buildings, TIIAME prioritises water-saving fixtures and fittings as a mandatory design feature. Low-flow, sensor-based taps are installed across teaching blocks, administrative buildings and residence halls to reduce consumption at washbasins; these units are specified to operate at or below a defined flow rate, with automatic shut-off to prevent wastage (Figure 1). Urinals are equipped with cistermiser devices that control flushing frequency, significantly reducing unnecessary water use in high-traffic sanitary zones (Figure 2). Throughout the campus, low-flush toilets are installed as standard (Figure 3), further contributing to the reduction of water use in restrooms without compromising hygiene and user comfort.

The plumbing systems that support these fixtures are designed for reliability, safety and efficiency. All potable water and wastewater pipelines use certified plastic materials (for example uPVC and PP-R), selected and installed in line with SHNQ 2.04.01-22 to ensure durability and prevent leakage. Hot and cold water systems are configured with appropriate temperature controls: hand-washing points are kept at safe, comfortable temperatures (around 37 °C), while hot water circuits in food service and sanitation areas are maintained at higher temperatures (around 65 °C) to support hygiene and disinfection. Wastewater from campus buildings is collected, pre-treated where required (for example via grease traps in kitchens and proper segregation of laboratory wastes), and then discharged to the municipal network, in full compliance with QMQ/KMK 2.04.03-19 and VMQ №11.

Rainwater and stormwater are managed through a system of engineered channels, drains and inlets that protect the campus from waterlogging and structural damage. Seasonal rainfall is directed via reinforced concrete channels and surface drainage elements to existing municipal drainage systems, thereby safeguarding building foundations and paved areas. In line with national standards, these systems help to prevent erosion, reduce localised flooding and maintain a clean and safe environment around academic and residential facilities.

Energy efficiency is also an integral component of the university’s water-related infrastructure. Solar water heating collectors installed on the roofs of facilities such as the Students’ Sports Hall and dormitories (Figures 4 and 5) provide a renewable source of hot water for showers, sanitation and selected heating applications. By reducing the load on conventional boilers, these systems lower both energy consumption and the indirect water footprint associated with energy generation. Buildings are constructed or retrofitted with modern thermal insulation materials—typically with a minimum thickness of 50 mm on roofs and walls—which helps maintain indoor comfort while reducing the energy required for heating and cooling.

Beyond the building envelope, TIIAME’s outdoor spaces are managed with a strong focus on water conservation. The main courtyards and green areas are irrigated using drip irrigation systems equipped with filtration and pressure regulation, ensuring that water is delivered slowly and directly to plant root zones rather than being lost through surface evaporation or runoff. These systems are controlled through scheduled irrigation programmes, typically operating during the cooler evening and early morning hours, and are complemented by the use of drought-resistant, perennial plant species that require less frequent watering. In this way, the campus landscape contributes to biodiversity and aesthetic quality while keeping irrigation demand to a minimum.

To support these engineering measures, TIIAME is progressively integrating smart monitoring and automation into its water infrastructure. Real-time monitoring systems track water use in key buildings and detect anomalies that may indicate leaks or malfunctions. Automated devices such as cistermisers and sensor taps help to maintain consistent performance without relying on user behaviour alone, while metering and logging systems provide the data needed for evidence-based management and continual improvement of water efficiency.

Through this integrated approach—combining national regulatory compliance, water-saving technologies, efficient plumbing, resilient stormwater management, renewable energy use, water-wise landscaping and smart monitoring—TIIAME National Research University is establishing a campus infrastructure that is both resource-efficient and future-oriented. These Water-Conscious Building Standards not only reduce the university’s environmental footprint, but also serve as a practical model for sustainable building practice in the higher education sector of Uzbekistan and beyond.