In the quest to decarbonize the construction sector, a new study published in the ‘E3S Web of Conferences’ (translated to English as ‘Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development Web of Conferences’) sheds light on the often-overlooked role of water. The research, led by Tahir Furqan from the Environmental Science and Engineering Program at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), offers a life cycle perspective on water use in construction, revealing significant opportunities for reducing carbon footprints and environmental impacts.
The construction industry is a major consumer of freshwater resources, with the energy-intensive water cycle—encompassing raw water treatment, distribution, consumption, and wastewater treatment—further exacerbating environmental challenges. This is particularly acute in regions like the Gulf, where renewable water resources are scarce, and reliance on desalination is high. “Desalination is energy-intensive and poses environmental, economic, and social challenges,” explains Furqan. “Our study highlights the need for more sustainable water strategies in the construction sector.”
The research employed life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the carbon and water footprints of concrete and steel usage, two of the most widely used materials in construction. The findings were striking: implementing greywater reuse in the construction sector significantly reduces carbon footprints and other environmental impacts. This suggests that water management strategies can play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the construction industry.
The study also underscores the need for region-specific building rating systems, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), that incorporate water conservation criteria. “Current rating systems may not fully address the unique water challenges faced by regions like the Gulf,” notes Furqan. “By tailoring these systems to local contexts, we can drive more effective water conservation practices.”
Moreover, the research highlights the potential of enhancing desalination efficiency through national research initiatives. By reducing the energy and resource intensity of desalination, the construction sector can lower its water use and associated environmental impacts. This could have significant implications for the energy sector, as improved desalination technologies could reduce the overall energy demand for water production.
The insights from this study offer a roadmap for policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop sustainable water strategies. By integrating water conservation criteria into building rating systems and investing in desalination research, the construction sector can make significant strides towards decarbonization. As Furqan concludes, “This research provides a foundation for future developments in sustainable water management in the construction industry.”
The study, published in the ‘E3S Web of Conferences’, serves as a call to action for the industry to prioritize water management in its decarbonization efforts. By doing so, the construction sector can not only reduce its environmental impact but also contribute to the broader goal of achieving a sustainable future.