Toward near-zero water consumption grade labelling and evaluation benchmarks for residential buildings

Abstract

Mitigating global warming and climate change has become a crucial mission for sustainable development all over the world. This research focus on the feasibility of development near-zero water consumption buildings. The water saving motivation is necessary to be raised by a clear measurement basis for the rational water use of buildings and encourage more efforts to improve building water-use efficiency.A water conservation benchmarks and grade labelling assessment system for residential buildings had been established. We concluded a simplified and reliable building water evaluation method for implementation in residential buildings. Meanwhile, this study investigated the actual water consumption data of existing buildings in Taiwan, analyzed the water consumption intensity per unit area of residential buildings, and grasped a reasonable and precise benchmark for building water consumption. The water consumption intensity per building area was analyzed to verify the theoretical water consumption estimation method. Eventually, we summarized the annual average benchmark and graded labelling system of domestic water consumption for individual residential building evaluations. Furthermore, this study integrated Taiwan’s green building labeling system and carbon reduction evaluation system with water-saving technology, which was anticipated to target the development of near-zero water consumption buildings.