When we think of cities, one of the first things we probably think of is that image of sprawling built-up concrete landscape with tall buildings. The sponge city concept naturally comes with some drawbacks, including costs associated with the urban redesign and the implications of an oil spill were to occur on a more porous road surface.
Water footprint refers to the volume of water used from all sources both directly in terms of consumption and indirectly in terms of what is required in the global production of goods.
With water making up around 70% of the earth's surface, you might not think that water shortage would be a problem affecting us anytime soon. However, a worrying report from the World resources Institute (WRI) released last year revealed that around one-quarter of the global population face living in conditions of extremely high water stress.
To build a water efficient society, we need to change the way we use and manage water. This is especially the case for businesses, as around 88% of the global water supply is used for commercial purposes. Companies looking to implement a sustainable water strategy should not underestimate the strength of getting their communications right, to ensure that their message reaches the necessary people in the right way. Engaging and informing stakeholders about the strategy and efforts on water management can strengthen the measures and enforce the saving potential.
Have you ever wondered why water drops have that circular form instead of, for example, a squared one? The answer is simple, circular shape allows molecules to hold the liquid together by occupying minimum surface area, resulting into spherical drops, as we already know.
We are all aware that water is our planet’s most valuable resource. Without enough of it, the human race would cease to exist. Which is why recent research predicting that there won’t be enough water to meet global demands by 2040 is deeply concerning. However, although current freshwater levels are depleting while the global population continues to grow, the looming crisis is not one that cannot be averted.
For many years, sustainable water management was not a top priority for real estate companies. Sustainable construction was considered expensive and nothing more than a way to comply with the regulations. Today, however, sustainability has become a key aspect in the sector and an opportunity to create added value. Sustainable buildings are more profitable, and not only for the obvious reasons.
