Water and energy link in the cities of the future - achieving net zero carbon and pollution emissions footprint

• Published in: Water science and technology Vol. 63; no. 1; pp. 184 - 190
• Main Author: Novotny, V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England IWA Publishing 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Air Pollutants; Carbon; Carbon footprint; Electric Power Supplies; Emissions; Energy; Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Energy management; Environmental impact; Management systems; Net zero; Reclamation; Reduction; Retrofitting; Stormwater; Sustainability; Wastewater; Wastewater management; Water; Water conservation; Water consumption; Water demand; Water flow; Water pollution; Water shortages
• ISSN: 0273-1223; 1996-9732
• DOI: 10.2166/wst.2011.031

This article discusses the link between water conservation, reclamation, reuse and energy use as related to the goal of achieving the net zero carbon emission footprint in future sustainable cities. It defines sustainable ecocities and outlines quantitatively steps towards the reduction of energy use due to water and used water flows, management and limits in linear and closed loop water/stormwater/wastewater management systems. The three phase water energy nexus diagram may have a minimum inflection point beyond which reduction of water demand may not result in a reduction of energy and carbon emissions. Hence, water conservation is the best alternative solution to water shortages and minimizing the carbon footprint. A marginal water/energy chart is developed and proposed to assist planners in developing future ecocities and retrofitting older communities to achieve sustainability.