IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i5p1959-d1599287.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Urban Water Management: Scenarios Analysis for Mitigation

Author

Listed:
  • Intae Shim

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajung-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)

  • Eunju Kim

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Sook-Hyun Nam

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Jae-Wuk Koo

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Juwon Lee

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajung-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)

  • Jeongbeen Park

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajung-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)

  • Homin Kye

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Yonghyun Shin

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Tae-Mun Hwang

    (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, 283 Goyangdar-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University of Science & Technology, 217 Gajung-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Urban water systems are essential infrastructure but significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through their operation. This study analyzed the greenhouse gas emissions of Incheon’s water system and proposed effective reduction strategies. In 2021, total greenhouse gas emissions from Incheon’s water system are 410,407 tCO 2 eq, with the sanitation sector accounting for 82.1% and water supply for 17.9%. N 2 O from wastewater treatment contributes 59.2% of total emissions, followed by CO 2 (36.6%) and CH 4 (4.2%). Sensitivity analysis using system dynamics identified per capita water consumption (LPCD) reduction as the most impactful mitigation strategy, surpassing widely adopted strategies such as renewable energy adoption. Scenario analysis showed that an aggressive policy could reduce emissions by 28.8% by 2050 compared to the baseline scenario. These findings provide a decision-making policy for carbon-neutral urban water management, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to water management, emphasizing water demand reduction, energy efficiency, and sludge management.

Suggested Citation

  • Intae Shim & Eunju Kim & Sook-Hyun Nam & Jae-Wuk Koo & Juwon Lee & Jeongbeen Park & Homin Kye & Yonghyun Shin & Tae-Mun Hwang, 2025. "Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Urban Water Management: Scenarios Analysis for Mitigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1959-:d:1599287
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/5/1959/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/5/1959/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hernández, Francisco & Jaime, Marcela & Vásquez, Felipe, 2024. "Nudges versus prices: Lessons and challenges from a water-savings program," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    2. Wang, Hongtao & Yang, Yi & Keller, Arturo A. & Li, Xiang & Feng, Shijin & Dong, Ya-nan & Li, Fengting, 2016. "Comparative analysis of energy intensity and carbon emissions in wastewater treatment in USA, Germany, China and South Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 873-881.
    3. Mukhammad Jamaludin & Yao-Chuan Tsai & Hao-Ting Lin & Chi-Yung Huang & Wonjung Choi & Jiang-Gu Chen & Wu-Yang Sean, 2024. "Modeling and Control Strategies for Energy Management in a Wastewater Center: A Review on Aeration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-24, June.
    4. Strazzabosco, A. & Kenway, S.J. & Conrad, S.A. & Lant, P.A., 2021. "Renewable electricity generation in the Australian water industry: Lessons learned and challenges for the future," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    5. Strazzabosco, A. & Conrad, S.A. & Lant, P.A. & Kenway, S.J., 2020. "Expert opinion on influential factors driving renewable energy adoption in the water industry," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 754-765.
    6. Liana Kemmou & Elisavet Amanatidou, 2023. "Factors Affecting Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Review," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-26, September.
    7. Veli Süme & Rasoul Daneshfaraz & Ali Kerim & Hamidreza Abbaszadeh & John Abraham, 2024. "Investigation of Clean Energy Production in Drinking Water Networks," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 38(6), pages 2189-2208, April.
    8. Zihan Gui & Heshuai Qi & Shiwu Wang, 2024. "Study on Carbon Emissions from an Urban Water System Based on a Life Cycle Assessment: A Case Study of a Typical Multi-Water County in China’s River Network Plain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-18, February.
    9. Nigel Twi-Yeboah & Dacosta Osei & William H. Dontoh & George Adu Asamoah & Janet Baffoe & Michael K. Danquah, 2024. "Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Resource Recovery in Wastewater Treatment Plants," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-23, June.
    10. Adam Masłoń & Joanna Czarnota & Paulina Szczyrba & Aleksandra Szaja & Joanna Szulżyk-Cieplak & Grzegorz Łagód, 2024. "Assessment of Energy Self-Sufficiency of Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Case Study from Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-19, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Gyumin Lee & Hyunjung Kim & Kyoungwon Min & Taemun Hwang & Eunju Kim & Juwon Lee & Doosun Kang, 2025. "Carbon Emission Reduction Strategies in Urban Water Sectors: A Case Study in Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-23, February.
    2. Strazzabosco, A. & Gruenhagen, J.H. & Cox, S., 2022. "A review of renewable energy practices in the Australian mining industry," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 135-143.
    3. Yan, Guoxin & Kenway, Steven J. & Lam, Ka Leung & Lant, Paul A., 2024. "Water-energy trajectories for urban water and wastewater reveal the impact of city strategies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 366(C).
    4. Renata Toczyłowska-Mamińska & Mariusz Ł. Mamiński, 2022. "Wastewater as a Renewable Energy Source—Utilisation of Microbial Fuel Cell Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-14, September.
    5. Zhou, Yuzhou & Zhao, Jiexing & Zhai, Qiaozhu, 2021. "100% renewable energy: A multi-stage robust scheduling approach for cascade hydropower system with wind and photovoltaic power," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    6. Maktabifard, Mojtaba & Al-Hazmi, Hussein E. & Szulc, Paulina & Mousavizadegan, Mohammad & Xu, Xianbao & Zaborowska, Ewa & Li, Xiang & Mąkinia, Jacek, 2023. "Net-zero carbon condition in wastewater treatment plants: A systematic review of mitigation strategies and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    7. Hamed, Mohammad M. & Mohammed, Ali & Olabi, Abdul Ghani, 2023. "Renewable energy adoption decisions in Jordan's industrial sector: Statistical analysis with unobserved heterogeneity," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    8. Adam Masłoń & Joanna Czarnota & Paulina Szczyrba & Aleksandra Szaja & Joanna Szulżyk-Cieplak & Grzegorz Łagód, 2024. "Assessment of Energy Self-Sufficiency of Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Case Study from Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-19, March.
    9. Ihsan Hamawand & Anas Ghadouani & Jochen Bundschuh & Sara Hamawand & Raed A. Al Juboori & Sayan Chakrabarty & Talal Yusaf, 2017. "A Critical Review on Processes and Energy Profile of the Australian Meat Processing Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-29, May.
    10. Zhao, Yuhuan & Shi, Qiaoling & li, Hao & Qian, Zhiling & Zheng, Lu & Wang, Song & He, Yizhang, 2022. "Simulating the economic and environmental effects of integrated policies in energy-carbon-water nexus of China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(PA).
    11. Jabeen, Gul & Ahmad, Munir & Zhang, Qingyu, 2021. "Perceived critical factors affecting consumers’ intention to purchase renewable generation technologies: Rural-urban heterogeneity," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    12. Xinna Zhao & Li Guo & Zhiyuan Gao & Yu Hao, 2024. "Estimation and Analysis of Carbon Emission Efficiency in Chinese Industry and Its Influencing Factors—Evidence from the Micro Level," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-15, February.
    13. Chenxi Pang & Xi Luo & Bing Rong & Xuebiao Nie & Zhengyu Jin & Xue Xia, 2022. "Carbon Emission Accounting and the Carbon Neutralization Model for a Typical Wastewater Treatment Plant in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-15, December.
    14. Ana Belén Lozano Avilés & Francisco del Cerro Velázquez & Mercedes Llorens Pascual del Riquelme, 2019. "Methodology for Energy Optimization in Wastewater Treatment Plants. Phase I: Control of the Best Operating Conditions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-27, July.
    15. Yan, Peng & Shi, Hong-Xin & Chen, You-Peng & Gao, Xu & Fang, Fang & Guo, Jin-Song, 2020. "Optimization of recovery and utilization pathway of chemical energy from wastewater pollutants by a net-zero energy wastewater treatment model," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    16. Kamali Saraji, Mahyar & Aliasgari, Elahe & Streimikiene, Dalia, 2023. "Assessment of the challenges to renewable energy technologies adoption in rural areas: A Fermatean CRITIC-VIKOR approach," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    17. Ding, Qian & Huang, Jianbai & Chen, Jinyu & Luo, Xianfeng, 2024. "Climate warming, renewable energy consumption and rare earth market: Evidence from the United States," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).
    18. Aparisi-Cerdá, I. & Ribó-Pérez, D. & García-Melón, M. & D’Este, P. & Poveda-Bautista, R., 2024. "Drivers and barriers to the adoption of decentralised renewable energy technologies: A multi-criteria decision analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 305(C).
    19. Negi, Rajhans & Chandel, Munish K., 2024. "Embodied energy and greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater reuse strategies in Indian Himalayan region," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    20. Rosa M. Llácer-Iglesias & P. Amparo López-Jiménez & Modesto Pérez-Sánchez, 2021. "Energy Self-Sufficiency Aiming for Sustainable Wastewater Systems: Are All Options Being Explored?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-20, May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1959-:d:1599287. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.