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Understanding the water-energy-carbon nexus in urban water utilities: Comparison of four city case studies and the relevant influencing factors

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  • Venkatesh, G.
  • Chan, Arthur
  • Brattebø, Helge

Abstract

Although it is not at once evident, water supply and sanitation services provided by urban water and wastewater utilities consume a considerable amount of energy. Energy is an operational sine qua non in water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment prior to disposal. How does the urban environment influence the water-energy-carbon nexus? The authors have tried to answer this question by referring to four case studies – based on the cities of Nantes (France), Oslo (Norway), Turin (Italy) and Toronto (Canada). Climate, technology and geography, inter alia, play important roles in shaping the water-energy-carbon nexus in different parts of the world. On the basis of an understanding of these differences and their influences, the authors have attempted to provide directions for process, program and policy interventions. For instance, Nantes needs to make an effort to restrict the use of herbicides and pesticides in order to improve the quality of water in the river Loire and thereby reduce the energy demand for treating raw water. Turin is a part, would do well to invest in more efficient wastewater treatment facilities, thus reducing the energy burden significantly on the upstream, while incurring a higher demand on the downstream.

Suggested Citation

  • Venkatesh, G. & Chan, Arthur & Brattebø, Helge, 2014. "Understanding the water-energy-carbon nexus in urban water utilities: Comparison of four city case studies and the relevant influencing factors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 153-166.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:75:y:2014:i:c:p:153-166
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.06.111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Venkatesh, G. & Brattebø, Helge, 2011. "Energy consumption, costs and environmental impacts for urban water cycle services: Case study of Oslo (Norway)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 792-800.
    2. Maria R. C. De Sousa & Franco A. Montalto & Sabrina Spatari, 2012. "Using Life Cycle Assessment to Evaluate Green and Grey Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategies," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 16(6), pages 901-913, December.
    3. Ashlynn S. Stillwell & David C. Hoppock & Michael E. Webber, 2010. "Energy Recovery from Wastewater Treatment Plants in the United States: A Case Study of the Energy-Water Nexus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(4), pages 1-18, April.
    4. Sima, Laura C. & Kelner-Levine, Evan & Eckelman, Matthew J. & McCarty, Kathleen M. & Elimelech, Menachem, 2013. "Water flows, energy demand, and market analysis of the informal water sector in Kisumu, Kenya," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 137-144.
    5. Siddiqi, Afreen & Anadon, Laura Diaz, 2011. "The water-energy nexus in Middle East and North Africa," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(8), pages 4529-4540, August.
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