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(2024·湖南衡阳·一模)The water systems within the world’s building and facilities are a major source of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the global climate crisis, according to a new white paper released by WINT Water Intelligence.
While the availability of clean water has been recognized as an urgent worldwide concern, carbon emissions associated with the production, treatment, and distribution of clean water have often been overlooked. Highlighting the amplifying effect of waste and chronic inefficiency — approximately 25% of all water in the built environment is ultimately wasted, driving up water-related energy use and associated greenhouse emissions, the paper “The Carbon Impact of Water” details the immediate and long-term consequences of our current water infrastructure.
Though greenhouse emissions vary based on the source and distribution method, the research finds that every cubic meter of water consumed generates 10.5 kg of carbon emissions, or 85 pounds for every 1,000 gallons. For some local U. S. governments, where such information is readily available, water and wastewater can account for 30-40% or more of public energy consumption. Moreover, potable water ends up in sewage treatment processes that are not only energy-intensive but also release powerful greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and methane, which are many times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Unfortunately, inefficiencies are rampant in buildings. Approximately 25% of the water in the built environment is ultimately wasted through leaks, outdated technology, malfunctions, and human error. As a simple example, a leaking toilet continuously flows at 100-150 gallons per hour, wasting more than 1 million gallons a year and accounting for some 4.5 tons of greenhouse emissions — identical to the total annual emissions from a passenger car. In facilities with multiple restrooms, such as office buildings, sports stadiums