Methodology for Determining Sustainable Water Consumption Indicators for Buildings

Abstract

The objective of this study was the definition and determination of sustainable water consumption indicators for activity categories, as well as the evolution of water consumption in commercial buildings. These indicators were determined through statistical analyses using Shewhart charts. Within a broader scope, the research proposed a methodology to automate sustainable management of water consumption in building operation using BIM–IoT–FM integration. The scientific rigor of the methodology was based on the precepts of design science research. The methods proposed for the construction of functionalities and the application of the reference indicators provided an optimized analysis of water consumption and the detection of excess consumption and leaks. The methodology, implemented in an online prototype, AquaBIM, could deliver a significant advance for building management. A conceptual test of AquaBIM evaluated the consumption indicators and validated our methodology through its application in a commercial building. The building consumption analyses showed a potential for approximately 15% savings. In addition, five requirements of the international sustainability certification AQUAHQE were met. The results of our research provide an innovative approach for the automation of sustainable building management and could be expanded to monitor and report on the consumption of other critical resources such as electricity and gas.