On December 22, 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed March 22 as “World Water Day”, with the main objective of raising awareness of the importance of caring for the planet’s water resources. The theme of World Water Day 2024 is “Water for Peace”, recognizing the fundamental role that this resource plays in promoting peace and stability around the world.
The United Nations underscores the importance of cooperating on water, stressing that when we work together to protect and sustainably manage our water resources, we create a positive impact that benefits communities, ecosystems and the planet as a whole.
In the context of World Water Day, it is essential to consider how the real estate industry can contribute to the sustainable management of this resource.
The challenge of water in the real estate sector in Spain
The real estate sector accounts for 30% of global freshwater consumption.
In Spain, average household water consumption was 133 liters per capita in 2020.
In this context, the real estate industry in Spain is faced with the challenge of efficiently managing this crucial resource, especially in a scenario of urban and tourism growth.
How can the real estate industry help reduce its water footprint?
The water footprint, which measures the total volume of water used directly or indirectly in the production of goods and services, is a key indicator for reducing water consumption in the real estate sector.
- Water reserve awareness: Real estate developers must consider water availability when planning new projects.
It is essential to understand local water supplies and design buildings that minimize water consumption. - Reuse of water resources: Water reuse is an effective strategy for conserving water.
Implementing technologies that allow the collection and treatment of water for non-potable uses, such as garden irrigation or toilet flushing, can significantly reduce the demand for potable water. - Sustainable policies and certifications: Real estate companies can adopt policies that promote water efficiency and sustainability in their projects.
Obtaining environmental certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, which evaluate responsible water use, can demonstrate companies’ commitment to sustainable water management. - Measuring and controlling consumption: Implementing building management systems that monitor water consumption in real time can help identify areas for improvement and reduce water waste.
This includes leak detection and optimization of water use in facilities such as irrigation systems and faucets. - Technological innovation: Investing in innovative technologies, such as rainwater harvesting and graywater treatment systems, can improve water efficiency in the real estate sector.
Companies should be open to adopting new solutions that minimize the environmental impact of their operations.
How does the real estate industry contribute to the SDGs through water management?
In addition to addressing water challenges from a real estate industry perspective, it is important to consider how these initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN.
In particular, several SDGs are closely related to sustainable water management and the role of the real estate industry.
- SDG 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation”: focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
- The real estate industry can contribute directly to this goal by adopting water management practices that reduce pollution and promote equitable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities”: seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
- Efficient water management in real estate projects contributes to the creation of more sustainable communities by reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of life of residents.
SDG 13 “Climate Action”: Sustainable water management is key to addressing climate change and its impacts.
- By reducing water consumption and promoting water reuse, the real estate industry can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and increase the resilience of communities to extreme weather events.
SDG 17 “Partnerships to Achieve the Goals”: This goal highlights the importance of cooperation between different actors to achieve the SDGs.
- Collaboration between the public sector, the private sector and civil society is essential to implement effective water management solutions and promote sustainability in the real estate sector.
The real estate industry’s commitment on World Water Day
On World Water Day, it is imperative that we reflect on the fundamental role that water plays in our lives and in the sustainable development of our communities.
The Spanish real estate industry has the responsibility and opportunity to lead the shift towards more sustainable practices, integrating efficient water management throughout its operations and thus contributing to a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
Sustainable water management can contribute to climate change mitigation and resilience to natural disasters, thus strengthening peace and security worldwide.
