This event, organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), seeks to highlight the importance of water conservation, an essential resource for life on our planet.
In a global context marked by the water crisis, it is essential to explore the notion of water footprint and to adopt rainwater harvesting and reuse practices as key measures for the preservation of this vital resource.
The urgent global water crisis
Water availability faces significant challenges, especially in regions where access is limited.
Approximately 4 out of every 10 inhabitants suffer from water scarcity problems.
According to data provided by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO):
- 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, exposing them to a high risk of disease and mortality.
- 4.5 billion people lack access to safe sanitation, contributing to the spread of infectious diseases and unsanitary conditions.
- 340,000 children under the age of five die each year from diarrheal diseases preventable with adequate access to safe water and sanitation.
- 1.8 billion people drink water contaminated with feces, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal diseases and other infections.
These data highlight the urgent need to address water management as a global priority.
Water scarcity and lack of adequate services represent not only infrastructure problems, but also issues of equity, human rights and sustainable development.
The water footprint in the real estate sector
In the context of World Water Week 2024, it is very important to examine different sectors, including the real estate sector, impact water use and management.
In Spain, a country with drought-prone areas and limited water availability, the water footprint of the real estate sector is very relevant.
Each phase of a real estate project, from construction to ongoing use, involves considerable water consumption:
- Materials manufacturing: the production of concrete, bricks and other building materials requires large quantities of water.
- Irrigation of green areas: the creation and maintenance of gardens and green areas consumes water.
- Pool maintenance and daily needs: water use in swimming pools, as well as in the daily activities of residents and workers, adds pressure on water resources.
Solutions for a sustainable real estate industry
- Water-efficient design and construction: Incorporating technologies that maximize water efficiency is essential.
This includes the installation of water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and graywater reuse.
These measures not only benefit the environment, but can also translate into significant long-term savings for owners and developers. - Green infrastructure: implementing green roofs, vertical gardens and permeable pavements helps manage rainwater, promoting infiltration into the soil and aquifer recharge.
In addition, these solutions improve the quality of life in cities, creating healthier and more attractive environments. - Sustainability certifications: adopting environmental certifications such as BREEAM, LEED or VERDE, which include water efficiency criteria, is becoming increasingly relevant.
These certifications ensure that buildings are more sustainable and can increase their value in the market, attracting buyers and investors interested in sustainability. - Wastewater management and reuse: developing wastewater treatment and reuse systems for irrigation or cleaning reduces the demand for potable water and reduces pressure on local water resources.
- Education and awareness: Real estate companies have the opportunity to educate residents about the importance of water conservation by promoting responsible habits.
Awareness programs and smart technologies that monitor water consumption can be effective in reducing waste.
Towards responsible water management
World Water Week 2024, under the theme “Overcoming Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future,” underscores the urgent need to address the global water crisis.
Water scarcity affects millions of people, with serious consequences for health and development.
It is essential that we adopt sustainable practices such as efficient water use and wastewater reuse.
These actions not only help conserve water, but also offer economic benefits and improve quality of life.
This week invites us to reflect and act to ensure a future in which water is an accessible and secure resource for all.
Overcoming frontiers in water management requires a collective effort and a firm commitment to sustainability.
