Water-Positive Buildings and Cities

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research

What it is

Water-positive buildings and cities are designed to harvest, treat, and reuse water within their boundaries, reducing reliance on external water sources and generating a surplus of clean water that can replenish local aquifers or be used for other purposes. This approach involves integrating water-saving technologies, on-site water treatment systems, and innovative water management strategies to create a closed-loop system that minimizes water waste and promotes sustainable urban development.

Impact on climate action

Water-Positive Buildings and Cities revolutionize urban landscapes by optimizing water usage, minimizing waste, and maximizing reuse. This innovation significantly reduces water consumption, lessening the strain on local water sources and ecosystems. By conserving water resources, it fosters sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change, advancing global climate action.

Underlying
Technology

Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces, storing it in tanks or cisterns, and utilizing it for non-potable purposes like irrigation, toilet flushing, or laundry.
Greywater Recycling: Treating wastewater from showers, sinks, and washing machines to a level suitable for non-potable reuse, reducing freshwater demand and minimizing wastewater discharge.
Blackwater Treatment and Reuse: Implementing advanced treatment systems to purify wastewater from toilets and kitchens to a level that can be safely used for irrigation or even potable reuse in certain cases.
Green Infrastructure: Incorporating green roofs, permeable pavements, and bioswales into urban landscapes to absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and promote natural groundwater recharge.
Smart Water Management Systems: Utilizing sensors, data analytics, and automation to monitor water consumption, detect leaks, and optimize water usage in buildings and city infrastructure.

TRL : Varies depending on the specific technology or approach, generally ranging from 7-9.

Prominent Innovation themes

Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD): An integrated approach to urban design that considers the entire water cycle, incorporating green infrastructure, water harvesting, and sustainable drainage systems to manage stormwater runoff and enhance water quality.
Building-Integrated Water Recycling Systems: Designing buildings with built-in greywater and blackwater treatment systems, enabling on-site water reuse and minimizing reliance on external water sources.
Net Zero Water Buildings: Buildings that strive to achieve a balance between water consumption and on-site water generation, effectively becoming self-sufficient in their water needs.
Water-Positive Communities: Developing neighborhoods and communities with integrated water management systems that collect, treat, and reuse water, creating a surplus that can benefit the surrounding ecosystem.

Other Innovation Subthemes

Rainwater Harvesting Solutions
Innovative Greywater Recycling
Integration of Green Infrastructure
Smart Sensors for Water Management
Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
Building-Integrated Water Recycling
Net Zero Water Buildings
Water-Positive Communities
Sustainable Stormwater Management
Decentralized Water Treatment Systems
Urban Rainwater Harvesting Strategies
Greywater Reuse Technologies
Closed-Loop Water Systems
Resilient Water Infrastructure

Related Innovations

Sample Global Startups and Companies

Epic Cleantec:
- Technology Focus: Epic Cleantec likely specializes in water treatment and recycling technologies tailored for buildings and urban environments. Their focus might include innovative filtration systems, rainwater harvesting solutions, and wastewater treatment technologies.
- Uniqueness: Epic Cleantec stands out for its commitment to creating water-positive infrastructure, going beyond mere sustainability to actively contribute to water conservation and restoration efforts.
- End-User Segments: Their target segments could include commercial and residential real estate developers, municipal governments, and urban planners seeking to integrate water-positive solutions into their projects.
Hydraloop:
- Technology Focus: Hydraloop specializes in residential and commercial water recycling systems designed to reduce water consumption and wastewater generation. Their technology may involve advanced filtration, purification, and reuse processes.
- Uniqueness: Hydraloop distinguishes itself through its compact and scalable water recycling systems, which can be easily integrated into existing buildings or incorporated into new construction projects.
- End-User Segments: Their target segments likely include homeowners, property developers, hotels, and commercial buildings looking to minimize water usage and maximize sustainability.
The Sustainable City, Dubai:
- Technology Focus: The Sustainable City, Dubai, is a real estate development project aimed at creating a fully sustainable and environmentally friendly community. Their focus is on integrating various technologies and design principles to achieve water positivity, energy efficiency, and overall sustainability.
- Uniqueness: The Sustainable City, Dubai, sets itself apart by being a comprehensive sustainable development, encompassing not only water-positive buildings but also renewable energy generation, green spaces, and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
- End-User Segments: Their target segments include residents, businesses, and organizations looking to live or operate in a sustainable environment, as well as policymakers and urban planners seeking models for sustainable urban development.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD):
- Technology Enhancements: SUTD researchers are pioneering the integration of advanced water recycling and purification technologies into building design and urban planning. They are developing innovative systems for rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and decentralized wastewater treatment to minimize water consumption and maximize efficiency.
- Uniqueness of Research: SUTD’s approach involves a holistic consideration of water use efficiency in the context of tropical urban environments. They are leveraging computational modeling and simulation tools to optimize the design and operation of water systems in buildings and cities, taking into account factors such as climate variability, population dynamics, and infrastructure constraints.
- End-use Applications: The research at SUTD has implications for sustainable urban development, especially in water-stressed regions. By implementing water-positive strategies in buildings and cities, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and water-efficient appliances, communities can reduce their reliance on freshwater resources and enhance resilience to droughts and water scarcity.
University of California, Berkeley:
- Technology Enhancements: UC Berkeley researchers are focusing on developing smart water management solutions for buildings and cities using Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, and data analytics. They are designing intelligent systems that monitor water usage in real-time, detect leaks and inefficiencies, and optimize water distribution and treatment processes.
- Uniqueness of Research: UC Berkeley’s research integrates principles of environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic prosperity into the design of water-positive buildings and cities. They are exploring innovative financing mechanisms, policy frameworks, and community engagement strategies to promote the adoption of water-efficient technologies and practices.
- End-use Applications: The research at UC Berkeley has implications for a wide range of stakeholders, including building owners, municipal governments, and water utilities. By implementing water-positive strategies, such as decentralized water recycling systems, green infrastructure, and water-efficient appliances, cities can enhance water resilience, improve public health, and reduce environmental impact.
Delft University of Technology:
- Technology Enhancements: Researchers at Delft University of Technology are pioneering the development of integrated water management solutions for urban environments. They are exploring the use of nature-based solutions, such as green roofs, wetlands, and constructed wetlands, to enhance water retention, filtration, and purification in buildings and cities.
- Uniqueness of Research: Delft University’s research combines expertise in water engineering, urban planning, and landscape architecture to create innovative solutions for water-positive buildings and cities. They are exploring synergies between water management, biodiversity conservation, and urban development to create more livable and resilient urban environments.
- End-use Applications: The research at Delft University has applications in urban regeneration, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. By integrating water-positive strategies into urban design and planning, cities can enhance their resilience to climate change, mitigate flood risk, and improve water quality for residents and ecosystems alike.

Commercial Implementation

Water-positive building and city concepts are being implemented commercially in various parts of the world. Green building standards, like LEED and BREEAM, encourage the integration of water-saving technologies and on-site water reuse systems. Municipalities are adopting water-sensitive urban design principles in new developments and retrofitting existing infrastructure to enhance water resilience.

Click Here...