A proposal for effective promotion of the rational use of water in school buildings

Abstract

The implementation of actions and practices in schools must be considered a priority in the establishment of strategies to promote the rational use of water, mainly in urban areas. The steps of a proposal for effective promotional of the rational use of water in school buildings were defined identifying key factors summarized in a conceptual map and the systematization of water management indicators. Afterwards, these steps were validated by consulting 524 Brazilian school administrators and community members through the application of a standardized semi-structured questionnaire containing 40 questions. The results showed that the continuous monitoring on a daily basis and the sharing of water consumption in schools is the starting point to reinforce the positive perception and willingness to adopt practices that contribute to the rational use of water. Right after the implementation of step 1 actions and water consumption decreased in 68% of the cases. Despite users' behavior and constructive characteristics of school buildings being very diverse worldwide, it is expected that the adoption of some steps or at least actions proposed by the program can effectively contribute to the balance of the urban water cycle.