THE PROBLEM
Designers, owners, urban planners and users have been requiring reliable models and tools to optimize and invest in water efficiency of buildings, namely in rainwater harvesting systems. Research in this field has already proven that the efficiency of these systems must be addressed through accurate models, using local long series of precipitation data and real water consumption patterns, for each type of building. Yet, this know-how is not easily available.
ABOUT
EVIDENCE is a research project promoted by IST-ID from Portugal and SINTEF from Norway.
The project is funded by EEA Grants - European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2014-2021.
OBJECTIVES
- To provide a user-friendly tool for rainwater harvesting simulation, validated for different type of climate and different type of buildings.
- To make it evident for all stakeholders how rainwater harvesting systems may minimize potable water consumption and contribute to water savings globally.
STRATEGY
The project will:
- Study rain patterns in two complementary climates in Europe, the Mediterranean climate of Portugal and the Northern one of Norway.
- Evaluate water consumption in different type of buildings, namely residential and office buildings.
- Research models on snow melting, to allow including snow’s contribution as additional available water for harvesting in colder climate.
- Develop a user-friendly tool to perform detailed and accurate rainwater harvesting modelling to estimate expected water savings.
