Water efficiency in buildings: assessment of its impact on energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions

Nowadays humanity uses about 50% of existing drinking-water, but in the next 15 years this percentage will reach 75%. Consequently, hydric stress risk will rise significantly across the entire planet. Accordingly, several countries will have to apply efficient hydric measures in the water-supply sector, including at the building level. These measures, in addition to reducing water consumption, will contribute towards increasing energy efficiency and decreasing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), especially CO2 emissions. This paper is focused on the study of a region in the center of Portugal (Aveiro). Its aim is to assess the impact of the implementation of efficient devices in water consumption facilities in the global urban water cycle, as well as the increase of energy efficiency and the decrease of GHG emissions.