Partner for progress

The climate footprint of the water sector

WWF5 Istanbul March 2009

Jos Frijns, Adriana Hulsmann

Climate change: adaptation ánd mitigation

Effects of global warming: first visible in the water sector

Climate adaptation measures: substantial effort expected from the water sector

Implementation adaptation measures: in the interest of the water sector

Water sector first mover: towards a climate neutral water cycle

Leading by example

Attributable emissions a) Scope of the water sector

Small water cycle: water system-drinking water- waste water- water system

Drinking water: production and distribution

Sewerage: collection and transport of waste water

Waste water: wastewater treatment systems

b) Contribution to global warming

1) Energy consumption Electricity: 0,59 kg CO2 / kWh, gas: 1,80 kg CO2 / m3 Drinking water: 0,47 kWh / m3 Wastewater treatment: 26,6 kWh / p.e. Compensate for energy production (biogas)

2) Direct emissions CO2: no, short-cycle CH4: 21 GWP (Global Warming Potential)

- De-gassing ground water en process emissions in treatment N2O: 310 GWP

3) Indirect emissions Chemicals (embedded carbon): yes Materials: no Organisation (offices and travel): yes

Result

The climate footprint of the Dutch water sector is: 1,67 million tonnes CO2-eq. / yr

Wastewater treatment has the largest share of the GWP

w aste w ater 67%

sew erage 7%

drinking w ater 26%

GWP per type CO2-eq. of water cycle

GWP of water cycle mainly caused by electricity consumption, but also to a large extent by direct emissions

energy use56%

direct emissions

36%

indirect emissions

8%

Relevance of the GWP of the water sector

Total GWP Netherlands (2005): 212 million tonnes

Contribution water sector: 0,8%

Relevant? Yes, setting an example.

Contribution to domestic GWP

GWP contribution of water cycle to households: 1,55 kg CO2eq / m3

Households: 107 m3/yr water = 165 kg CO2-eq. = 3,3% of total domestic GWP-energy

This is exclusive of energy added to drinking water

Contribution to domestic GWP of energy added to drinking water

Household use of gas for heating water: 385 m3/yr

385 m3 gas equals 693 kg CO2-eq. 50% for bathing 15% for clothes washing 15% for dishwashing 15% for cooking and coffee/tea

Household total energy use 5000 kg CO2 eq./yr

Heating water 14% of total domestic GWP

GWP contribution of domestic premises

Domestic water cycle Drinking water production and supply Sewerage Waste water treatment

–3.3% of total domestic GWP Domestic water cycle

Hot water for bathing Clothes washing Dish washing Cooking and coffee/tea

–14% of total domestic GWP

Domestic water saving

Energy saving works three fold Upstream less energy for less water production

and supply At consumer less energy for less water consumed

and heated Downstream less energy for less waste water

collection and treatment.

SO……………………………………...

WATER SAVING WORKS

As does energy savingLow (zero) energy houses

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION