From schools and office buildings to healthcare facilities and public spaces, commercial properties are under growing pressure to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. For many, that starts with water delivery systems. Drinking fountains might seem like a small detail, but they play a measurable role in both water and energy consumption.

That’s where Elkay stands out. Known for durable, high-traffic hydration solutions, Elkay builds sustainability into all of its designs, but they have some that are truly top of the field when it comes to green sustainability.

Whether you’re outfitting a LEED-certified facility or looking to reduce resource use across your buildings, Elkay offers practical, long-term solutions that support your sustainability goals.

Built with Sustainability in Mind

Elkay drinking fountains are designed to do more than deliver clean, cold water; they’re built to reduce environmental impact from the inside out. Many models feature stainless steel construction with recycled content, helping projects meet material sourcing requirements for green building certifications.
The units are also low-lead compliant and built to last. By using durable components that hold up in high-traffic environments, Elkay reduces the need for frequent replacements. Fewer replacements mean less material waste, fewer emissions from transportation, and lower total lifecycle impact.

For facility teams, this adds up to a reliable, sustainable investment that supports long-term performance without sacrificing environmental responsibility.

Water Efficiency Without Sacrificing Performance

Every Elkay drinking fountain is engineered to deliver water efficiently, helping reduce waste without compromising user experience. Many units use flow regulators and laminar flow spouts that control output and minimize splashing, ensuring water goes where it’s needed - not down the drain.

Elkay’s integrated bottle fillers, like those in the EZH2O® series, take water savings a step further. These stations encourage reusable bottle use, directly cutting down on single-use plastics. These bottle fillers also include real-time bottle counters that show users their impact, reinforcing sustainable behavior.

In high-use environments like schools, airports, and medical facilities, this efficiency adds up fast. Elkay makes it easy to meet hydration needs while aligning with sustainability targets.

Energy-Efficient Operation

Elkay refrigerated drinking fountains are built to keep energy use in check. While all models meet high standards, look for those with the G in the model number for the highest efficiency. And look for the Enhanced bottle filling stations for additional energy-saving features that reduce power consumption during periods of low use.

The Enhanced bottle filling stations, such as the popular LZS8WSLP, have more energy-saving features than the standard bottle fillers, such as the LZS8WSLK. While both bottle filling stations include the Elkay exH2O bottle filler, models ending in “P” are considered enhanced. This means they can be programmed for even greater energy savings. The refrigeration can be scheduled to power off when not in use - nights and weekends, for example, which is pretty handy.

The Greenest Elkay drinking fountains and bottle fillers are differentiated by the “G” (for Green) in the model number. These Green water coolers come with a high-performance compressor as well as additional insulation to ensure that they are the most energy-efficient coolers in their class today. The most popular Green Elkay water cooler is the LZSG8WSLK. This comes with the LZSG8WSL cooler and the ezH2O bottle filler (model number ZLWSR). And it comes in other combinations as well, based on finish options. Or it can come without the bottle filler, as it does in the energy-efficient LZS8GS. All of the Green models are also filtered. Elkay has not yet created a Green version that also uses an enhanced bottle filler. Look for that sometime in the future!

So the “G” is a small detail with a clear signal: this unit meets Elkay’s highest standards for energy and water efficiency. Elkay’s Green water coolers are all GreenSpec listed, which indicates high standards for environmental performance and sustainability in building and construction.
Sensor-activated units help limit unnecessary operation, and most Elkay models are GreenSpec® listed, an indicator of reduced environmental impact without compromise on cooling performance.

For facility managers balancing utility costs and sustainability goals, Elkay offers a practical path forward. These units deliver reliable hydration while helping buildings meet modern energy standards.

Designed to Support Green Building Standards

Elkay drinking fountains are frequently specified in projects targeting LEED, WELL, and other green building certifications. Their use of sustainable materials, water-saving technology, and energy-efficient components makes them a strong fit for environmentally responsible construction and renovation.

Many models contribute to credits in categories like Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Materials and Resources. That makes Elkay a go-to choice for architects, specifiers, and facility planners aiming to meet or exceed certification benchmarks without adding complexity to the build.

For commercial properties with sustainability targets, Elkay delivers a hydration solution that aligns with broader building goals.

Easy to Maintain, Built to Last

Sustainability doesn’t end at installation. Elkay designs its drinking fountains for long-term performance with minimal maintenance overhead. Modular components make routine servicing faster and more efficient, cutting down on repair-related waste and labor.

Durable materials like stainless steel and impact-resistant plastics hold up in demanding environments, reducing the likelihood of early failure. Elkay also supports its products with long-term parts availability, helping facilities extend the life of their investment instead of replacing entire units prematurely.

This focus on longevity not only lowers the total cost of ownership but also reinforces a more sustainable approach to facility management.
Practical Sustainability Choice

Elkay drinking fountains combine durability, efficiency, and thoughtful engineering - making them a smart choice for any facility aiming to reduce its environmental footprint. From water conservation to long-lasting materials, every feature is designed with sustainability in mind.

At Berl’s Commercial Supply, we carry a curated selection of Elkay hydration solutions built for commercial performance and green building compliance. Whether you're upgrading a single unit or outfitting an entire facility, our team is here to help you find the right fit.

Explore our Elkay collection or connect with us for product recommendations that align with your sustainability goals.