Related EU Projects

The aim of this project was to understand current household water use behaviour and water use patterns in Harbin, North of China, to improve the efficiency of household water use, and encourage the sustainable use and conservation of water resources.

The top level objectives of this study were: 

1. To investigate household water use behaviour and water appliance characteristics; 
2. To analyse household behaviours and appliance characteristics to water consumption;
3. To estimate household water consumption and pattern;
4. To examine the reliability of the research results;
5. To compare the results of this research with other Chinese cities;
6. To analyse any water-saving potential for the residential sector.

In more detail the research explored the following:

Household water usage behaviour:

Personal water usage habits, including appliance use frequency and the corresponding average duration e.g. shower use frequency and duration of each shower.

Characteristics of water appliances:

Water flow rates associated with different appliances e.g. showerheads and taps; Common types of water use appliance at home; The percentage of people who owned water efficient appliances e.g. dual flush toilet

Water use patterns:

Analysis of survey results and classification of water use patterns (low/moderate/high consumption); The impact of the identified patterns  

Comparison analysis of water pattern:

Identification of any differences in water use patterns between Harbin and other countries or Chinese cities, and the underlying causes of these differences.

Lu, T. (2007). Research of domestic water consumption a field study in Harbin, China. Master of Science. Loughborough University.

The project was commissioned to achieve the following objectives:

Broaden baseline data by investigating the causes of high water consumption in the residential sector.

Determine the potential for water saving opportunities in such homes.

Promote positive behavioral change and help Abu Dhabi residents appreciate the real value of water resources, reduce wastage and increase end use efficiency.

The project targeted residents of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain living in villas and Shaabbias whose consumption was in the red band (greater than 7000L/day).

The project consisted of the following stages:

Phase 1: involved recruiting 45 participating homes from a pre-selected list of high water consuming properties in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Phase 2: involved conducting detailed surveys and water use audits for the 45 participating homes. The surveying and auditing exercised comprised the following activities:

- Irrigation and landscape audit
- Consumer behavioral survey
- Plumbing audit

Phase 3: involved analysing the gathered information and generating statistics on household water usage estimates and patterns.

Phase 4: the data analysis phase provided better understanding on water usage in the studied homes and determined the potential for water saving opportunities. Summary reports on current water use breakdown in the studied homes, together with water saving recommendations were provided to the residents to encourage the adoption of Waterwise measures in their homes.

Results can be obtained from the following link:

http://www.waterwise.gov.ae/en/research/research-studies/in-home-water-use-audit-project.html

The whole Mediterranean area is characteriszed by a strong need of new solutions able to provide sanitations services while reducing water use and wastewater discharge. The SWMED project focuses on optimising the per capita water consumption at household and urban level through the implementation of water saving devices, reuse of treated wastewater, rainwater harvesting, and a pool of technologies collectively known as Sustainable Water Management (SWM). The project has achieved the stated objectives primarily by the installation of Sustainable Water Management (SWM) in demonstration houses during house visits.

https://www.keep.eu/keep/project-ext/10834/SWMED?ss=3d3626826ba7d857bdc4d38ea697aef2&espon

The European Commission has identified labelling as a means of encouraging consumers to opt for water efficient products. A common water label at the European level would help countries achieve water efficiency in a cohesive way. This paper examines some of the water labelling schemes currently implemented in countries around the world in order to draw together a knowledge-base of water labelling best practice. Mandatory labels are shown to be most effective at encouraging consumer uptake, while additional supportive information (such as product performance data and potential financial savings) would help inform consumer purchase decisions. Consideration of national implications, economic impact, regulation and enforcement and establishing impact indicators, are all shown to be vital components of an effective water labelling scheme.

Practical application:

A Europe-wide water label would help promote the uptake of water-efficient products by providing consumers with information about the water consumption characteristics of products at the point of sale. It is intended that the water labelling best practice presented here is used by policy makers and regulators to help inform future initiatives in introducing a Europe-wide water label. Incorporating lessons from best practice will help ensure that such an initiative will achieve its full water saving potential by encouraging consumer purchasing, and pushing market development, towards highly water-efficient products and, ultimately, reducing household water consumption.

Kelly, D. (2015). Labelling and water conservation: A European perspective on a global challenge. Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, [online] 36(6), pp.643-657. Available at:

Link

[Accessed 29 Jan. 2018].

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme (WELS), introduced in July 2006, is a key program in the suite of options recently implemented by government agencies and water utilities to address water scarcity. WELS primarily influences water consumption by providing consumers with information about the water efficiency of all washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, urinals, taps and showers sold in Australia – thus enabling consumers to consider water efficiency as a factor in their purchase decisions.

However, the WELS program is not without costs. Governments, suppliers, retailers and consumers of WELS‐products potentially incur costs due to WELS activities and requirements. The Department of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts, in its capacity as the WELS Regulator, commissioned the Institute of Sustainable Futures to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of WELS in contributing to the overarching objective of water security, compared to other urban water management options. Consistent with the regulatory impact statement conducted in 2003, this analysis uses a time horizon of 2005‐06 to 2020‐21.

The study found that WELS was significantly more cost-effective to achieve water security, when compared to the current or planned demand and supply options in Australia. In comparison to other water security options, WELS was found to have a relatively good cost-effectiveness. As a result, it is likely that WELS is part of a package of options to achieve water security in Australian jurisdictions. The study also suggests that at least theoretically, mandatory labelling can enable water users to respond to increases in water prices.   

Chong, J., Kazaglis A. and Giurco D. 2008, Cost effectiveness analysis of WELS – the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme. Prepared for the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts by the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney.  

The purpose of this study, commissioned by Environment Australia, was to examine the potential for, and impacts of, introducing a national mandatory water efficiency labelling (WEL) scheme and minimum water efficiency standards (WES) for appliances, fixtures and fittings as a method of reducing urban water consumption. One example of such a scheme is the National Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Program (NAEEEP) where labelling and water performance requirements are specified in relevant Australian Standards, given effect by regulation and managed by government agencies.

The regulatory framework for implementation was outside the scope of this study. However, the study’s conclusions are based on the assumption that whatever framework is adopted, it would be no less effective in enforcing minimum product performance standards and mandatory labelling at the point of sale, than is the current State-based framework for energy labelling and standards.

The study suggested that mandatory labelling for water efficient products should be applied to shower heads, toilet suites (i.e. cisterns) and washing machines as the potential water savings are high, therefore being the most cost-effective. It was noted that water efficiency labelling was the most cost-effective for shower heads and washing machines. The study also recommends that mandatory labelling will also be introduced for dishwashers as their water consumption is rising, even though the potential water savings are lower.

George Wilkenfeld and Associates Pty Ltd (2003). A Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme for Australia. [online] Available at:

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.472.1367&rep=rep1&type=pdf [Accessed 29 Jan. 2018].

This paper outlines some of the actions being pursued in Portugal with a view to improve water efficiency in buildings and products. One such action is the AveiroDOMUS House of the Future which will be used to study various efficiency solutions for resources’ use in buildings, and to assess their economic and environmental value. The house has an advanced design and its main objective is to be built in accordance with sustainable building standards, ensuring proper interaction with local ecosystems and a good interior environment (air quality, absence of noise, comfortable temperature and humidity). Moreover, the house also aims to reduce the consumption of essential resources by choosing the appropriate materials, use renewable energy sources and optimize the water cycle. The hydrological cycle was optimized by incorporating sustainability principles such as water recycling and reutilization, the installation of low-flow fixtures and the use of rainwater, groundwater and salt water, the latter being abundant in the area where the house is to be built – the Aveiro Salt Lagoon. The house is used as a permanent research and development laboratory, open to both industry and the public. It is divided in three parts, one part is open to visitors, another part is inhabited and another one is under study. It is projected that the latter will support the study and development of a possible model for the certification of water efficiency of buildings in Portugal. Another initiative is that taken by universities and firms in the sector. This has led to the formation of an association (ANQIP – National Association for Quality in Building Installations) to decide on the implementation of a voluntary water-efficiency certification and labelling system for products.

Silva-Afonso, A. and Rodrigues, C. (n.d.). Water efficiency of products and buildings: the implementation of certification and labelling measures in Portugal. [online] Available at:

https://www.irbnet.de/daten/iconda/CIB11855.pdf [Accessed 29 Jan. 2018].

EcoWater addressed the development of meso-level eco-efficiency indicators for technology assessment through a systems' approach. The effort focussed on enhancing the understanding of the interrelations of innovative technology uptake in water use systems, and their economic and environmental impacts. Research addressed a selection of indicators appropriate for the assessment of system-wide eco-efficiency improvements, the integration of existing tools and assessment methods in a coherent modelling environment, and the analysis and characterisation of existing structures and policies. The foreseen development of an analytical framework was to support:

1. Systemic environmental impact assessments,

2.  Economic assessments,

3.  Analysis of value chains and actor interactions,

4. Technology implementation and uptake scenarios.

Four Case Studies assessed meso-level eco-efficiency improvements from innovative technologies in water systems for the textile industry, for energy production, for dairy production and the automotive industry. The main outputs included a validated and tested methodological framework that supports the four points mentioned above, an integrated toolbox for systems' eco-efficiency analysis, and policy recommendations for technology uptake and implementation. To ensure wide dissemination and applicability, the project organised activities to address different target audiences and to develop operational science-industry-policy links at the level of Case Studies and at wider EU and international scale.

Deliverables:

Deliverable 1.1: Review and selection of eco-efficiency indicators to be used in the EcoWater Case Studies – Report

Deliverable 1.2: Technology inventory design and specifications – Report and Technology Inventory

Deliverable 1.3: Populated Technology Inventory – Report and Populated Technology Inventory

Deliverable 1.4: Review of existing frameworks and tools for developing eco-efficiency indicators - Report

Deliverable 1.5: Finalized Systemic Environmental Analysis Tool (SEAT) – Report

Deliverable 1.6: Finalized Economic Value chain Analysis Tool (EVAT) – Report

Deliverable 2.1: Value Chain Mapping of the Agricultural Water Systems – Report

Deliverable 2.2: Baseline eco-efficiency assessment for the analysed agricultural water systems - Report

Deliverable 2.3: Innovative Technologies for Eco-Efficiency Improvement in Agricultural Water Use - Report

Deliverable 2.4: Technology assessment and scenario analysis – Report

Deliverable 3.1: Value Chain Description of the Analysed Urban Water Systems - Report

Deliverable 3.2: Baseline eco-efficiency assessment in urban water systems – Report

Deliverable 3.3: Innovative technologies for eco-efficiency improvement - Report

Deliverable 3.4: Technology assessment and scenario analysis - Report

Deliverable 4.1: Description of value chains for industrial water use - Report

Deliverable 4.2: Description of value chains for industrial water use – Report

Deliverable 4.3: Innovative technologies for enhancing the eco-efficiency of water use in industries – Report

Deliverable 4.4: Technology assessment and scenario analysis - Report

Deliverable 5.1: Step-wise consolidated guidelines for the development of meso-scale eco-efficiency indicators - Report

Deliverable 5.2: Cross-comparison of Case-study Outcomes - Report

Deliverable 5.3: Functional design of the meso-scale eco-efficiency toolbox - Report

Deliverable 5.10: Finalized guidelines for the use of the EcoWater Toolbox - Report

Deliverable 5.11: Finalized guidelines for the use of the EcoWater Toolbox - Report

Deliverable 6.1: Synthesis report from the 1st Round of Case Study Events - Report

Deliverable 6.2: Synthesis report from the 2nd Round of Case Study Events – Report

Deliverable 6.3: Proceedings of the 1st targeted event Research links – Report

Deliverable 6.4: Report from the 2nd targeted event (Policy links) - Report

Deliverable 6.5: Report from the 3rd targeted event (Policy links) - Report

Deliverable 6.6: Conference Proceedings

Deliverable 6.7: Project Web Site - Report

Deliverable 6.8: Project Factsheet – Report

Dissemination:

Deliverable 6.10: 1st EcoWater Newsletter

Deliverable 6.11: 2nd EcoWater Newsletter

Deliverable 6.12: 3rd EcoWater Newsletter

Deliverable 6.13:  4th EcoWater Newsletter

Deliverable 6.14: EcoWater Science-Policy Briefs

Deliverable 6.15: Ecowater Product Fliers

Water consumption and water conservation are significant issues in Australia. In contrast with many schools across Australia that are already engaged in water education and water conservation programs, the early childhood education sector has been slow to respond to this challenge.

The study comprised two parts; the first part was a statistical analysis to investigate reductions in water usage in the seventeen centres engaged in the program and the second was a qualitative analysis exploring the ‘quadruple bottom line’ benefits (social, environmental, educational and economic) that stemmed from engagement in Rous Water’s Water Aware Centre Program.

Statistical analysis results were inconclusive. From the data available it was not possible to show measurable reductions in water consumption across all centres, as there were too many variables that prevented a valid calculation of reductions. The qualitative findings were compelling in determining the impact of the program, which provide the primary focus for this report.

The qualitative results showed important ‘quadruple bottom line’ benefits that arose from participation in the program. These included but were not limited to:

- Child leadership and advocacy for water conservation (social benefits);

- Uptake by teaching staff of sustainability education pedagogies (educational benefits);

- Improved water conservation and other resource management practices (environmental benefits);

- More efficient use of water resources (economic benefits).

Correlations between awareness and action, and action and consequence were noteworthy in these results, with positive changes to practices, intentions and ideals at centre level transferring to home and community contexts. Numerous centres made physical changes to their water infrastructure such as large scale redevelopments of centre grounds, while others made substantive efforts to purchase and install water-saving devices. One surprising element of the results was the extent to which children influenced the adults around them in relation to water conservation practices. Both teachers and parents were compelled to make changes to their own water use habits because of the children’s advocacy for water-conserving alternatives, a direct consequence of what they had learned in the Water Aware Centre Program.

The results reveal that even a relatively small-scale sustainability education program can provide considerable social, environmental, educational and economic benefits. To date, the early childhood education sector has been an ‘untapped’ resource in addressing sustainability issues of water use and water conservation. This study demonstrates clearly the potential of sustainability education investments in early years’ education.

ROUS Water (2008). The Impact and Potential of Water Education in Early Childhood Care and Education Settings.

In this article, several studies which were commissioned to assess the effectiveness of campaigns after their implementation are discussed. In order to be more effective, the article also discusses the role of construction and planning of water conservation campaigns. The role of ongoing evaluation when developing public information programs as demand management tools is also pointed out.

For the purposes of this article, public information campaign evaluations are defined as having an identifiable component of information or persuasion. Other policy evaluations pertaining solely to legislation for water-efficient appliances or introduction of pricing policies have been omitted, although technology and price included in water conservation “packages” have been discussed as appropriate. It is acknowledged, however, that the implementation of any new demand strategy imparts new information to the consumer as a matter of course.

Syme, G., Nancarrow, B. and Seligman, C. (2000). The Evaluation of Information Campaigns to Promote Voluntary Household Water Conservation. Evaluation Review, 24(6), pp.539-578.