Search Results (113)

The lack of cultural spaces and the inadequate preservation of architectural heritage hinder the development of ecotourism in Ollantaytambo. This research aims to propose an architectural design for green infrastructure that supports the growth of ecotourism at the Ollantaytambo archeological site, located in the Urubamba Province, Peru. The study consists of three main phases: a literature review; a site analysis focusing on climate, flora, and fauna; and the development of a comprehensive architectural proposal. The process is supported by digital tools, including Google Earth Pro 2024, OpenStreetMap 2024, SketchUp 2024, Lumion 2024, Photoshop 2024, and 3D Sun-Path 2024. The resulting design includes the implementation of a sustainable cultural center, conceived to ensure seasonal thermal comfort through the use of green roofs and walls, efficient irrigation systems, and native vegetation. The proposal incorporates elements of Cusco’s vernacular architecture by combining traditional earth-based construction techniques, such as rammed earth, adobe, and quincha, with contemporary materials, such as bamboo and timber, in order to improve the energy and environmental performance of the built environment. Furthermore, the project integrates a rainwater-harvesting system and a photovoltaic lighting system. It includes 30 solar-powered luminaires with an estimated monthly output of 72 kWh, and 135 photovoltaic panels capable of generating approximately 2673 kWh per month. In conclusion, the proposed design blends naturally with the local environment and culture. It adheres to principles of sustainability and energy efficiency and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 6, 7, 11, and 15 by promoting heritage conservation, environmental regeneration, and responsible ecotourism. Full article

The efficient use of energy is a sign of conscious environmental responsibility. Sustainable management also refers to water resources, where emphasis is placed on the possibility of retaining rainwater at the point of the precipitation occurrence. This article focused on the reuse of runoff from a rest area (RA) along the expressway, wherever drinking water quality is not required. The runoff from RAs can be significantly contaminated due to the traffic-related issues. The objective of this article was to evaluate the energy efficiency of preliminary treatment of raw meltwater from a selected rest area using electrodialysis for Cl⁻ and Na⁺ removal. The treatment was carried out under various conditions, including different solution temperatures (20 °C and 30 °C) and electric voltages (10 V, 20 V, 30 V). The energy efficiency assessment was preceded by a characterization of runoff quality and the analysis of pollutant removal efficiency in the electrodialysis process. The most energy-efficient variant was characterized with the 0.097 Wh/(mg/L) energy expenditure ratio and 93% efficiency removal for Cl⁻ and 0.147 Wh/(mg/L) and 90% for Na⁺. In this variant, the permissible Cl⁻ and Na⁺ concentrations limits were achieved after 27 min with an energy consumption of 57 Wh. In general, the observed highest energy efficiency occurred at the beginning of the electrodialysis process and decreased over time. Full article

Manmade detention ponds have historically been impacted by anthropogenic activities such as rainwater runoff, car emissions, and drainage from infrastructures, which can lead to complications for pond ecosystems. Sediment samples collected from the northern, southern, western, and eastern regions of a small pond on a suburban high school campus on Long Island, NY, were analyzed for potential chemical changes resulting from an inundation of water by a broken water main. Incorporating synchrotron X-ray techniques, sediment was analyzed using Submicron Resolution Spectroscopy, Tender Energy X-ray Spectroscopy, and X-ray Powder Diffraction to examine heavy metals, light elements, and minerals. Results include a Zn:Cu ratio increase from 4:1 to 10:1 in the eastern zone and a higher heavy metal presence in the western zone for all elements examined, with greater distribution throughout the pond post-inundation. Lighter elements appear to remain relatively unchanged. The appearance of diopside in the eastern zone post-inundation samples suggests contamination from the water main break, while the presence of carbonate minerals in the western zone is consistent with erosion of asphalt material from the adjacent parking lot. Full article

Water stress is a significant issue in many countries, including Portugal, which has seen a 20% reduction in water availability over the last 20 years, with a further 10–25% reduction expected by the end of the century. To address potable water consumption, this study aims to identify the optimal rainwater harvesting (RWH) system for a commercial building under various non-potable water use scenarios. This research involved qualitative and quantitative methods, utilizing the Rippl method for storage reservoir sizing and ETA 0701 version 11 guidelines. Various scenarios of non-potable water use were considered, including their budgets and economic feasibility. The best scenario was determined through cash flow analysis, considering the initial investment (RWH construction), income (water bill savings), and expenses (energy costs from hydraulic pumps), and evaluating the net present value (NPV), payback period (PB), and internal rate of return (IRR). The energy savings obtained were calculated by sizing a hybrid system with an RWH system and a photovoltaic (PV) system to supply the energy needs of each of the proposed scenarios and the water pump, making the system independent of the electricity grid. The results show that the best scenario resulted in energy savings of 92.11% for a 7-month period of regularization. These results also demonstrate the possibility for reducing potable water consumption in non-essential situations supported by renewable energy systems, thus helping to mitigate water stress while simultaneously reducing dependence on the grid. Full article

This study aimed to assess the impact of climatic alteration on food security in Saudi Arabia. Date productivity, temperature, and precipitation represent the data which were collected from various sources linked to the study subject and cover the period from 1980 to 2023. The Engle–Granger two-step procedure, the VECM, and forecast analysis were applied to test the long-term relationship, short-term integration, and forecasting, respectively. Moreover, qualitative analysis was used to reveal the influence of climatic change on food security. The results discovered long-term co-integration between date productivity and temperature. Additionally, the results revealed that there has been long-running co-integration between date productivity and the precipitation series. Temperature and precipitation negatively and significantly impacted date productivity during the study period. With reference to forecast results, the graph was validated using various forecast indicators: the Alpha, Gamma, Beta, and Mean Square Error equivalents were 1.0, 0.0, 0.0, and 5.47, respectively. Moreover, the growth rates of date productivity were equal to 0.82 and 0.08 for the periods from 1980 to 2022 and 2023 to 2034 (forecast), respectively, indicating that there is a decrease in the growth rate of date productivity (0.08) during the forecast period. From these results, the conclusion is that climatic change (temperature and precipitation) negatively impacts date productivity. In addition, the growth rate during the forecast period decreased, indicating that climatic change is affecting food security currently and will continue to do so in the future. This study recommended specific policy interventions and innovations in agricultural practices, including developing and implementing a national framework focused on climate-smart agriculture, balancing productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. This could be aligned with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. Additionally, this could include investing in research and development by increasing public–private partnerships to support agricultural R&D in arid regions, with a focus on heat- and drought-resistant crop varieties and water-efficient farming systems. Regarding agricultural innovations, these could include the use of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, the expansion of rainwater harvesting infrastructure, recycling treated wastewater for agriculture, and reducing reliance on groundwater sources. Full article

This review provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary overview of recent advancements in solar tracking systems (STSs) aimed at improving the efficiency and adaptability of photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The study systematically classifies solar trackers based on tracking axes (fixed, single-axis, and dual-axis), drive mechanisms (active, passive, semi-passive, manual, and chronological), and control strategies (open-loop, closed-loop, hybrid, and AI-based). Fixed-tilt PV systems serve as a baseline, with single-axis trackers achieving 20–35% higher energy yield, and dual-axis trackers offering energy gains ranging from 30% to 45% depending on geographic and climatic conditions. In particular, dual-axis systems outperform others in high-latitude and equatorial regions due to their ability to follow both azimuth and elevation angles throughout the year. Sensor technologies such as LDRs, UV sensors, and fiber-optic sensors are compared in terms of precision and environmental adaptability, while microcontroller platforms—including Arduino, ATmega, and PLC-based controllers—are evaluated for their scalability and application scope. Intelligent tracking systems, especially those leveraging machine learning and predictive analytics, demonstrate additional energy gains up to 7.83% under cloudy conditions compared to conventional algorithms. The review also emphasizes adaptive tracking strategies for backtracking, high-latitude conditions, and cloudy weather, alongside emerging applications in agrivoltaics, where solar tracking not only enhances energy capture but also improves shading control, crop productivity, and rainwater distribution. The findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate tracking strategies based on site-specific factors, economic constraints, and climatic conditions, while highlighting the central role of solar tracking technologies in achieving greater solar penetration and supporting global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Full article

Rainwater harvesting has been widely discussed globally due to major concerns regarding climate change and water scarcity. This paper aims to analyse and evaluate rainwater harvesting in buildings and its relationship with the water–energy nexus. Five types of buildings were analysed: public, industrial, commercial, single-family houses, and multi-family residential buildings within the Cubatão do Norte river watershed in Joinville, Brazil. Using simulations in the Netuno programme, the potential for potable water savings was calculated. This potential was compared to the energy consumption for potable water treatment by the municipality. The average potential for potable water savings was the following: 28.18% for public buildings, 50.83% for industrial buildings, 34.12% for commercial buildings, 23.12% for single-family houses, and 18.55% for multi-family residential buildings. After analysing the energy savings for the entire watershed, the average savings were 245 kWh/day for all public sector buildings, 209 kWh/day for all industrial sector buildings, 8 kWh/day for all commercial sector buildings, 25 kWh/day for all single-family houses, and 15 kWh/day for all multi-family residential buildings. Over a year, energy savings can range from 135,426 kWh to 240,900 kWh in all the buildings studied in Joinville. Finally, further studies on the water–energy nexus are needed to make cities more resilient and sustainable in terms of using resources. Full article

Traditional conservation strategies often prioritize minimizing water use; nevertheless, water can also enhance thermal comfort by incorporating a water-to-air heat exchanger (WAHE) alongside non-direct evaporative and radiant cooling techniques. A WAHE can be installed in features such as ponds, water tanks, or rainwater cisterns. This article assesses the cooling potential of two prototypes of roof ponds and a green roof connected to a WAHE, and the results are compared to a baseline unit featuring a roof that meets California’s energy code standards. Several testing units, measuring 1.35 × 1.35 × 1.35 m, with identical heat characteristics, excluding the roof, were constructed and tested. In the first system, the heat that the green roof could not absorb was transferred to a water reservoir and then dissipated to the outside. The first roof pond prototype features a 0.35 m deep water pond topped with a 0.03 m thick insulating panel and a spray system. The second roof pond variant has an aluminum sheet with a 0.10 m air gap above a 0.25 m deep water pond. The results suggest that combining a WAHE with different roof configurations offers promising benefits while keeping water consumption limited. Notably, when the WAHE is operating, the green roof increase its performance by 47%, the insulated roof pond by 22%, and the roof pond with an aluminum sheet by 13%. Full article

This study compares the technological routes of concrete production in Panama from an environmental perspective, focusing on water, energy, and CO₂ flows per process to identify opportunities for improvement. It addresses a critical gap found in the literature where flow diagrams and production processes are presented as being standardized across concrete plants, offering an in-depth qualitative analysis of resource flows. Data from 20 concrete plants revealed significant variability in resource use and potential environmental impacts due to differences in technology, location, and resource availability. Flow diagrams and similarity dendrograms highlight the similarities and differences in the technological routes. The key findings include variability in water sources and energy consumption patterns, with some utilizing rainwater harvesting and water recycling and most plants relying on grid electricity and diesel. The best practices include the implementation of environmental indicators and water recycling systems. CO₂ injection, already adopted by two plants, shows promise; however, its potential additional energy demands should be assessed. Covering aggregate storage areas for temperature control reduces water spraying needs and could support rainwater harvesting, with opportunities to integrate solar panels. Regular maintenance of concrete trucks also enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact due to diesel consumption. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies to improve water and energy efficiency, aligning with national and international initiatives such as “Reduce tu Huella” (Reduce your Footprint) and the 2030 Agenda. These findings provide actionable insights to support the development of a more sustainable concrete industry in Panama and beyond. Full article

The rising demand for water and energy is driving the overuse of natural resources and contributing to environmental degradation. To address these challenges, the focus has shifted to low- and zero-emission technologies that utilize alternative sources of water and energy. Although such systems are commonly applied in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities along transportation routes generally depend on grid connections. This study aimed to enhance operational independence and reduce environmental impacts by modernizing the Rest Area Stobierna (RAS) along Poland’s S19 expressway, part of the Via Carpatia road. A comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental analysis was conducted using HOMER Pro software (3.18.3 PRO Edition) and a simulation model based on YAS operating principles. The proposed Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) incorporates photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS). Two configurations of the HRES were evaluated, a prosumer-based setup and a hybrid-island mode. Optimization results showed that the hybrid-island configuration was most effective, achieving a 61.6% share of renewable energy in the annual balance, a 7.1-year return on investment, a EUR 0.77 million reduction in Net Present Cost (NPC), and a 75,002 kg decrease in CO₂ emissions over the system’s 25-year lifecycle. This study highlights the potential of integrating renewable energy and water systems to improve sustainability, reduce operational costs, and enhance service quality in road infrastructure facilities, offering a replicable model for similar contexts. Full article

Islas Huichas, located in Chile’s remote Aysén region, has long faced water scarcity due to a lack of natural sources. The community relies on rainwater collection pools managed by the Rural Drinking Water Committee (RDWC), which face increased pressure during the summer tourist season, leading to frequent shortages. In 2014, a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant with a 240 m³ daily capacity was installed to address the issue. While the RO plant helps alleviate summer shortages, it has high energy costs and maintenance challenges, exceeding the financial capacity of the RDWC. This study evaluates various scenarios to reduce the plant’s operational costs and emissions reduction. Full article

This study examines the relationship between climate mitigation, adaptation strategies, and water management practices in Portugal from 2015 to 2021. Utilizing climate and water resource data from 2015 to 2021, including meteorological data (emperature, rainfall), wastewater treatment volumes, and energy efficiency metrics, the data are sourced from national agencies such as IPMA, ERSAR, APA, and Eurostat. The methodology employs correlation analysis to assess the relationships between climate variables (e.g., temperature, rainfall) and water resource indicators (e.g., reclaimed wastewater, energy efficiency). Despite notable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in wastewater treatment efficiency, water resource stability remains a complex issue, particularly with regional disparities such as severe droughts in the Algarve. Additionally, the study evaluates the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems, reclaimed wastewater, and infiltration facilities, revealing a decline in reclaimed wastewater efficiency despite increased wastewater treatment. Rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) offer resilience, but their broader adoption is hindered by high costs and public perception challenges. Key recommendations include the development of resilient infrastructure, enhanced support for reclaimed water use, and increased investment in research to address water management challenges amid climate variability. Full article

Rainwater penetration into building facades results in multiple issues, including material and structural degradation, reduced energy efficiency, and health-related concerns among occupants. Currently, the watertightness performance of building facades is assessed based on standardized tests, which simulate generic water supplies and pressure differentials that do not reflect the specific exposure conditions of each facade. Consequently, practitioners’ decisions regarding facade design often rely on qualitative and imprecise criteria that do not align with the actual climatic loads. In this article, a comprehensive approach to facade design for preventing rainwater penetration is described, incorporating specific methodological refinements for reliable and practical implementation across various Spanish regions. In this approach, the parameters surpassed during any watertightness test (defined by the magnitude and duration of the water supplies and pressure differentials) are correlated with the recurrence of equivalent climatic exposures at the facade (determined by the climatic conditions of the site, facade height, and surrounding environment), thereby quantitatively characterizing the facade watertightness performance. The findings used to refine this method for implementation in Spain are illustrated and validated using selected case studies, and a comprehensive database is provided to enable its application at 360 locations distributed across various regions of the country. Full article

Groundwater and surface water have been the primary sources of our public water supply around the world. However, rapid population and economic growth, as well as global climate change, are posing major threats to the quality and quantity of these water resources. Treated wastewater (reclaimed water) and stormwater are becoming more important water resources. Use/reuse of these unconventional water resources can enable a truly sustainable, closed-loop, circular water system. However, these two sources are not usually mixed with each other. In this study, we propose the use of combined excess urban stormwater and reclaimed water as a source of potable water supply. One of the most pronounced benefits of this proposed scheme is the possible elimination of costly and energy-intensive processes like reverse osmosis. Reclaimed water tends to have high concentrations of dissolved solids (>500 mg/L) and nitrate-N (>10 mg/L), which can be lowered by blending with stormwater or rainwater. Despite technical and engineering challenges, this approach can benefit various communities—small, medium, large, upstream, downstream, urban, and rural—in diverse climates. Our study suggests that this new holistic approach is feasible, enabling the combined water to be directly used as a sustainable drinking water source. Full article

This research explores the application of digital twin technologies to progress the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the water-energy-food-environment (WEFE) nexus management in urban refugee areas. The study in Irbid Camp utilizes a detailed 3D Revit model combined with real-time data and community insights processed through advanced machine learning algorithms. An examination of 450 qualitative interviews indicates an 80% knowledge level of water conservation practices among the community but only 35% satisfaction with the current management of resources. Predictive analytics forecast a 25% increase in water scarcity and an 18% surge in energy demand within the next ten years, prompting the deployment of sustainable solutions such as solar energy installations and enhanced rainwater collection systems. By simulating resource allocation and environmental impacts, the digital twin framework helps in planning urban development in line with SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This investigation highlights the capacity of digital twin technology to improve resource management, increase community resilience, and support sustainable urban growth, suggesting its wider implementation in comparable environments. Full article