10/21/2026
Today is a landmark moment for water conservation at the Yannell Conservation Habitat!
Our fearless client, Dr. Michael Yannell, Nurture Principal Kelly Moynihan, and Contractor Justin Schutmaat, testified in front of the Michigan State Construction Codes Board on the importance of water reuse and with the implementation of a recirculating shower system.
This was the last step in a long journey with our creative plumbing engineer Ryan VanderWel at WSP, the manufacturer, Orbital Systems, the Michigan State Plumbing Board, and local jurisdictions, to gain the approval of this innovative technology that redefines how water is used in a practical, safe manner while reducing water usage by up to 90%, saving energy by up to 80%, and shifting the perception of how we think about quality and comfort of the daily ritual of a shower.
Orbital Systems was founded in 2012 as a collaboration between NASA and Lund University, as the world’s first circular shower designed for use on Mars was brought to Earth. The recirculating shower system changes “water consumption habits by harnessing the power of innovation, technology, and design… providing sustainable solutions that seamlessly integrate into everyday life, ensuring that customers embrace change for the better, without feeling like they're making sacrifices.”
The State Board granted our team a Certificate of Acceptability, which not only helps us meet our net-zero water and net-positive energy goals of the Living Future Living Building Challenge, but sets a permanent precedent for the use of this water-conserving system in projects throughout the state of Michigan.
We celebrate this victory as a major project milestone, and as an important reminder that advocacy matters. Together, we have a responsibility to educate, build partnerships, and champion new thinking to make significant changes in the built environment that protect our future. 💧🤲
