Sustainable Water Management in Buildings

Case Studies From Europe

verfasst von: Agnieszka Stec

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Water Science and Technology Library

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book expands the body of scientific knowledge on research and solutions for alternative water systems. It addresses a wide variety of water management issues in buildings, ranging from the technical possibilities, hydraulic and financial efficiency, and public acceptance of decentralized water systems, to their impact on sewage systems. Climate changes, population growth, and progressive urbanization are the main causes of the growing interest in alternative sources of water around the world. Decentralized systems are seen not only as solutions that can effectively save water, but also as systems that can operate partially or completely independently of centralized suppliers. With these aspects in mind, the main focus of this book is on showcasing a new approach to water management at the building scale. The findings and insights presented here will support the development of future technical guidelines for using alternative water systems in urban areas – an aspect that is particularly important since, in many European countries, these systems are only very rarely used.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

Currently, the world is facing serious environmental problems resulting from climate changes, population growth, urbanization, and global warming. In addition, the constantly growing demand for various types of raw materials causes excessive exploitation of natural resources.

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Chapter 2. Water Resources

Abstract

Water resources are particularly important among other natural resources available on the globe. Water is the most widespread substance that plays a very important role both for the environment and in human life. It is necessary for all known living organisms to function properly. The most important are the resources of fresh water, which for centuries people have been using for various purposes. For hundreds of years, the human impact on these resources was small and had a more local character. The natural properties of water resources enabling their self-purification and renewal have allowed for a long time keeping them in good quality and quantity. This gave birth to the conviction that water resources were unchanged and not inexhaustible, which in turn caused excessive and unlimited exploitation in combination with minimal activities aimed at protecting their quality (Shiklomanov 1998).

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Chapter 3. Demand for Water in the Building

Abstract

Over the years, water consumption, its structure, and size have undergone constant changes. Since the commissioning of the first water supply systems, water intake has been systematically growing until the 1980s. Such high consumption of water resulted mainly from the lack of its measurement, as well as low environmental awareness of recipients. The further development of water supply systems in the 1990s was characterized by smaller increases in water abstraction rates. This was mainly influenced by the development of installation techniques, an increase inwater prices, introduction of the obligation tomeasurewater consumption, and changing the habits of users of water supply installations. Considering the current and forecasted limitations of accessibility to water sources and the resulting need to save it, it should be anticipated that further development of installation technology will focus on seeking technical solutions that not only ensure high comfort of use but also contribute to a significant reduction in water consumption. This will force the need for alternative sources of water, such as rainwater and gray sewage, which will partly replace tap water.

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Chapter 4. Alternative Water Resources

Abstract

Water resources of the Earth are huge and would be able to satisfy the needs of all humanity. However, their uneven distribution and irrational management by a man mean that in many countries, also European ones, water supply is a very big problem. According to numerous forecasts, mainly concerning climate change, the water shortage may still get worse in the coming years. To counteract this, it is necessary, inter alia, to introduce a sustainable water management strategy that will take into account alternative sources of water. When looking for them, special attention was paid to rainwater, which is characterized by a small degree of pollution and gray water which is available in the building regardless of the climate and weather conditions.

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Chapter 5. Research on the Effectiveness of Systems with Alternative Water Sources for Buildings Located in Selected European Countries

Abstract

Research on the efficiency of using the rainwater harvesting system was carried out at eight different locations in Europe. The simulation model used for the research is based on the daily mass water balance. The model algorithm is based on the YAS (Yield After Spillage) operating rule. In the research, it was assumed that rainwater would be used only for non-potable uses. It was assumed that the harvested rainwater would be used for toilet flushing, washing, and garden watering. In order to determine the optimal tank capacity, the volumetric reliability of the series of rainwater tanks which were assumed in the first step was determined. The tank capacity was considered optimal when a further increase in this capacity resulted in changes in volumetric reliability of 1% or less.

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Chapter 6. Research on the Financial Effectiveness of Alternative Water Supply Systems in European Countries

Abstract

Currently, the financial criterion is a decisive criterion in the process of making investment decisions. Taking this into account, a financial analysis was carried out for various variants of sanitary installations in single-family buildings located in selected cities in Europe. The research was carried out using the Life Cycle Cost methodology.

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Chapter 7. The Impact of Rainwater Harvesting on a Drainage System and a Catchment

Abstract

The use of RWHS not only protects natural water resources, brings financial benefits resulting from the lower consumption of tap water, but also by reducing the outflow of water from the catchment, it also has a positive effect on the functioning of sewerage systems. Taking the above into account, the research was conducted to determine the impact of RWHS application on the volume of rainwater outflow from the catchment and on the functioning of the sewage system. A real urban catchment was selected for the study, for which a hydrodynamic model was developed in the stormwater management Model (SWMM).

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Chapter 8. Awareness and Acceptance of the Public Regarding Alternative Water Sources

Abstract

In recent years, there have been publications presenting the opinions of various communities regarding their adoption and implementation of centralized and decentralized rainwater harvesting and graywater recycling systems, but this was mainly for countries outside Europe. Considering the above, the research was carried out in selected European countries whose aim was to determine the factors influencing society’s reluctance to use gray water and rainwater. The analysis of the results allowed determining the level of awareness about water shortages, water-saving behavior, and the attitude of respondents to alternative water sources. The analysis also took into account demographic and external factors such as geographical location and climate, which may affect the results.

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Chapter 9. Summary and Final Conclusions

Abstract

Water is one of the most important resources of the natural environment that underpins human existence. However, over the years, freshwater resources have been overexploited as a result of anthropogenic activities.

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Titel: Sustainable Water Management in Buildings
verfasst von: Agnieszka Stec
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-35959-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-35958-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35959-1