Water footprint assessment of food-water-energy systems at Kathmandu University, Nepal

Abstract

An interconnected approach for the quantitative analysis of different sectors including energy, water, and food for their footprints is important for promoting a balance between these sectors at a community scale. In this study, a conceptual analytical framework on water footprint (WF) is developed to assess the interaction of energy, food, and water resources in Kathmandu University (KU), Dhulikhel, Nepal. The total WF of KU is found to be 628,375.55 m3/yr and the per-capita total WF is calculated to be 513.19 L/day. The analysis results reveal that food consumption within KU is the key sector contributing to the high WF (65% of the total WF). The residential sector of the university has the highest direct WF of 28,800 m3/yr indicating high water usage in the residential buildings. The WF associated with electricity was found to be 155,764.80 m3/yr, which was the highest among all the energy source types. Possible scenarios for WF reduction measures that include installing water-efficient technologies, operation of a wastewater treatment plant, promotion of responsive behavior towards food consumption, collection of all the food waste for energy generation from anaerobic digestion and prioritizing the development of alternative sources of energy has been discussed. The findings could serve as a reference for other institutions that will help to plan and operation of sustainable universities and campuses.