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BGU researchers have developed and implemented an innovative system to recycle water from the Nano-Fabrication Center labs, using water from cooling systems to irrigate a garden outside the center. The project is an initiative of Eitan Admon, Director of the Organization and Management Unit in conjunction with Gil Kerner and Yehudit Reizner of The Nano-Fabrication Center.  

The project was funded and conducted through the “Green Campus” initiative set up three years ago and focuses on reducing energy and resource consumption, providing new solutions and technology for recycling, encouraging research and teaching on environmental issues and raising awareness and conducting activities in the community and the Negev. 

Nano-fabrication is a technology by which nanometer scale devices are manufactured for a variety of uses, including manufacturing silicon chips. As part of the process, materials are cooled using water pipes and at the end of the process the water enters the drainage system. The Nano-Fabrication Center releases its water into the garden situated close to the Henry and Anita Weiss Family Building for Advanced Research. The filtered water is stored in a special container and is used to irrigate the garden via a pump. 

According to Admon, approximately 0.5 cubic meters of water should be saved each day, which annually reaches savings of approximately 200 cubic meters. Economically, within three years the investment returns itself, while the 'environmental payback' is immediately noticeable."

He stresses that the project involves many individuals, but asks to especially mention Prof. Dan Blumberg, Green Campus Council Chairman and Deputy Vice President and Dean for Research and Development, who helped greatly in supporting and promoting the project.  

At the ceremony dedicating the garden held yesterday on Tu B'Shvat, Vice President and Director-General David Bareket, said that the University’s intention is to implement innovative methods designed to save resources in other areas around campus, including the energy center.

Above: Eitan Admon, David Bareket and Prof. Dan Blumberg plant a citrus tree which will be irrigated using recycled water.