Abstract
Improving water and energy efficiency in buildings is one of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines various energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction measures, including the use of water efficient showerheads and shower drain water heat recovery, in order to distinguish the significance of user influence on the water usage of a shower. The probability of taking a hot shower and the number of showers taken by an occupant per day, which can be evaluated from open literature data, are used as the parameters of user responses to water conservation measures in this study. A Monte Carlo model of water consumption and CO2 reduction for showering is adopted to determine the contributions of user responses. The results demonstrate that the influence of users on CO2 reduction is significant and compatible to the influence of water efficient showerheads. This study can be used as a reference to enhance water and energy incentives and to facilitate continuous improvement in building water systems.
Highlights
Scientific understanding of global warming is increasing [1]
The Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established a global framework for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions and noted that global warming should be limited to 1.5 ◦ C [2]
The probability of taking a hot shower Psh and the number of showers taken by an occupant per day Ns,j are the parameters of user responses to water conservation measures in this study
Summary
Scientific understanding of global warming is increasing [1]. Climate model projections indicated that, during the 21st century, the global surface temperature is likely to rise further by 0.3 to 1.7 ◦ C in the best case scenario and 2.6 to 4.8 ◦ C in the worst case scenario [1]. The Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established a global framework for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions and noted that global warming should be limited to 1.5 ◦ C [2]. Studies have quantified the carbon reduction potential due to a reduction of potable water usage [3]. In Australia, a study showed that the average energy consumption from hot showers ranged between 2.9 and 4.5 GJ ps−1 yr−1 , corresponding to CO2 emissions ranging between 160 and 245 kg CO2 ps−1 yr−1 [6]. In Hong Kong, over 40% of domestic water consumption is used for showers for bathing [7], while about 19% of residential energy consumption in 2013 was used to provide hot water for showers and baths [8]
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