Water footprint analysis in building and

construction materials

Presented by Group 10
MED 1
Department of Architecture, University of Lagos

2023/2024 SESSION
Course code: ARC 833

Course title: Advanced building materials and construction

Lecturer: Dr. Enitan Oloto

The construction industry’s water footprint _

GROUP 10 MEMBERS

1. Salaam Mujibah ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……170501007

2. Akinkahunsi Sunshine………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..170501016

3. Babajide Busayo…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………239051061

4. Adenodi Happiness Abidemi……………………………………………………………………………………………………239051043

5. Obitade Mayowa Victor………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…239051023

6. Nurat F. Hammed…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......239051002

7. Aboyeji Tunde Williams……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..219051011

The construction
A bit industry’s water footprint _
of background_
71% of the Earth’s surface is water, which can seem like a lot
But the actual volume is less than 1000 times smaller

than the Earth

Of which, only 3.5% is freshwater
 Most of the freshwater we use is extracted from underground reservoirs that have taken
several thousand years to fill up. These reservoirs are recharged naturally by a process
known as the water cycle and so is considered a renewable resource meaning we can never
run out, right ?

Wrong,
Our consumption of water today far exceeds the rate of recharge and if nothing changes we
run the risk of running out all together.

This vital natural resource is being impacted by human activities, of which the CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY has

been a major contributor.

Many of the world’s ground water resources are already severely stressed

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND WATER

The construction
Water footprint industry’s water footprint _
in construction_
What does water footprint mean?

Water footprint refers to the amount of water consumed or polluted over the lifecycle of a product or process. This calculates
how much freshwater is used or polluted in during extraction, processing, transportation, use and disposal or recycling. This
includes direct water use and indirect water use.
Construction industry water footprint

▪ The water footprint of a building involves analyzing the

processes as well as the individual components that make
up the structure.

▪ This analysis helps in understanding the environmental

impact of building materials and enables stakeholders to
make informed decisions to minimize water consumption
and improve sustainability.

▪ According to the United Nations Environment Program

(UNEP), the construction sector accounts for approximately
30% of the world’s global fresh water consumption.

▪ The water footprint of building materials varies

significantly, depending on the type of material and the
specific production methods used.
The
Howconstruction industry’s water footprint _
it’s determined_
Methodology of water footprint analysis

• For a building, quantification of the water footprint in ▪ Indirect water use: Also called Virtual Water, this covers the
construction is usually performed through life cycle amount of water incorporated into building materials, from
assessment (LCA) and environmental impact assessment the extraction of raw materials to the manufacture,
methods. transport and assembly of building elements.

• These approaches consider water use at all stages of the ▪ Building life cycle: The water footprint also takes into
construction process, from the extraction of materials to account water consumption during a building's use and
the building's demolition, and provide a comprehensive maintenance phase, including the use of potable water,
view of the water consumption associated with wastewater treatment systems, and the operation of related
construction. The water footprint of building materials equipment.
varies significantly, depending on the type of material and
the specific production methods used. Some of the main ▪ Blue water footprint: Measures freshwater consumption.
elements considered in the quantification are:
▪ Greywater footprint: Measures resulting water pollution.
• Direct water use: This involves measuring the amount of
water consumed at the construction site for activities such
as mixing concrete, cleaning, irrigation, and providing
drinking water for workers.
Methodology of water footprint analysis

1. Life cycle assessment

This is a holistic and systematic method that
can capture the direct and indirect water use
and pollution of a product or system
throughout its life cycle. It can also account
for the spatial and temporal variability of
water availability and quality, and the trade-
offs and synergies between water and other
environmental impacts, such as climate
change, land use, or biodiversity.

By using LCA for water footprint, you can

identify the hotspots and improvement
opportunities of your product or system,
compare different scenarios or alternatives,
and communicate your results to
stakeholders and customers.
Methodology of water footprint analysis

1. Goal and scope definition: A Water Footprint Assessment can be tailored to meet the goals and scope of the study. The
goal of the Water Footprint Assessment clarifies what you will do in the subsequent steps: accounting, sustainability
assessment and response formulation. The scope of the assessment defines the spatial and temporal scale of the study, for
example whether the focus will be global or within a single catchment, whether it will span one year or multiple years,
whether it will include some or all of the value chain, address one product or a facility or an entire company. Together, the
goal and scope indicate which data will be used, how each subsequent step of the assessment will be approached and the
level of detail required to achieve the desired results.

2. Inventory analysis: One must collect and calculate the data on the blue, green, and grey water use and pollution of your
product or system in each life cycle stage. You can use databases such as Ecoinvent or WFN or tools such as AWARE to
assist with this process.

3. Life cycle impact assessment: One should apply the water footprint indicators and methods to your inventory data to
quantify the potential environmental impacts of your product or system on water resources. You can use software or tools
such as SimaPro, OpenLCA or WULCA to support this assessment.

4. Interpretation and presentation of results: One must analyze and report your results highlighting the main findings,
limitations, uncertainties and recommendations for your water footprint assessment.
Methodology of water footprint analysis

2. Environmental impact assessment

This is a four-phase process that quantifies

and maps green, blue and grey water
footprints, assesses the sustainability,
efficiency and equitability of water use and
identifies which strategic actions should be
prioritized in order to make a footprint
sustainable.
Methodology of water footprint analysis

1. Goals and Scope: A Water Footprint Assessment can be tailored to meet the goals and scope of the study. The goal of the
Water Footprint Assessment clarifies what you will do in the subsequent steps: accounting, sustainability assessment and
response formulation. The scope of the assessment defines the spatial and temporal scale of the study, for example whether
the focus will be global or within a single catchment, whether it will span one year or multiple years, whether it will include
some or all of the value chain, address one product or a facility or an entire company. Together, the goal and scope indicate
which data will be used, how each subsequent step of the assessment will be approached and the level of detail required to
achieve the desired results.

2. Accounting: Once the goal and scope of the Water Footprint Assessment have been defined, the data are collected to
calculate the footprint of the relevant processes for the study.

3. Sustainability Assessment: Water Footprint Assessment is used to assess whether water use is environmentally sustainable,
resource efficient and equitably allocated. In the sustainability assessment step, we are assessing whether water use is
balancing the needs of people and nature, if our limited water resources are being used to the greatest benefit and how
fairly we are sharing the waters we use.

4. Response Formulation: Using the information gained in the accounting and sustainability assessment steps of Water
Footprint Assessment, response strategies that reduce the water footprint and improve its sustainability can be prioritised
for implementation.
The construction
Water footprint industry’s
assessment water footprintbuilding
of common _ materials_
 Assessing common building materials

7 Concrete

6.062 Concrete pavement

6
Rebars ▪ The bar charts to the left illustrate the
5 Galvanized steel water footprint per kilogram of different
building materials.
Fill, soil and dirt
4
m3 freshwater

Gravel (fill)
3
Rockfill

2 Granite ▪ Depending on what method is used in

the calculation of this footprint.
Bitumen
1
PP-plastic
0 Aluminium

Figure 1. Water footprint per kilogram of the different construction materials with the ▪ Calculating a water footprint can be used
LCA method.
as a part of declaring environmental
0.02
performance in a project by including it in
0.019
Concrete
0.018
Concrete pavement
0.016 an EPD, a GRI-report or by setting up an
Rebars
0.014
Galvanized steel Environmental Profit and Loss (E P&L)
m3 freshwater

account for water

0.012 Fill, soil and dirt
0.01 Gravel (fill)

0.008 Rockfill

0.006 Granite ▪ It can also be used to identify and assess

0.004 Bitumen
risks related to water use.
0.002 PP-plastic

0 Aluminium

Figure 2. Water footprint per kilogram of the different construction materials with the
WFN method.
Galvanized steel

▪ Galvanization is a manufacturing process where a

coating of zinc is applied to steel or iron to offer
protection and prevent rusting.

▪ Galvanized steel is among the most popular steel

types because of its extended durability, having the
strength and formability of steel plus the corrosion
protection of the zinc-iron coating.

▪ The ‘shine’ that galvanized steel provides gives it a

contemporary feel and is popular in modern
architectural designs. Also, it isn’t just used for
large structural pieces but things like fencing,
gutters, rails, tubing, poles, and much more
Galvanized steel

Galvanized steel is clearly the material where most water is needed in the production of one kilogram. The steel production
chain includes six steps; mining raw materials, processing, iron ore reduction, air separation, ferroalloy production and steel
production.

The process of making galvanized steel demands a high temperature, which in turn demands a lot of cooling water. A lot of this
water can however be recycled, and according to the WFN method the water footprint of steel is not as large in comparison to
other products.
Galvanized steel

▪ Steel is the material to be careful with when it comes to water, since this is both a high consumer and often imported from
all over the world.

▪ However, it is important to note that most of the water in modern steel production is used and not consumed, and it is
possible to recirculate most of the water. In a long-term perspective a solution would be to demand that all the suppliers
have water efficient systems when producing steel.

▪ If someone wants to react to the results now and get the water footprint down, the easiest solution would probably be to
buy the material from a country where water is abundant.

▪ Another way to reduce water footprint of steel (and probably any material in general) is to re-use and/or use recycled
material
Glass

▪ The construction industry is very important for the

glass industry where flat glass is applied in new
buildings and for replacing old glass.
Glass

Soda-lime float glass, which is commonly used, has a water consumption of 5.8 liters per kilogram of glass produced. This is for
glass using soda ash from the Solvay process. In addition, the production process for this type of glass generates a graywater
amount of 1,300 liters per kilogram of glass, suspended solids being the critical pollutant found in this water.

It is important to highlight that the Solvay process, responsible for the production of sodium carbonate, requires a large amount
of water and the effluent from this process has high concentrations of heavy metals (and suspended solids and can have a high
pH)
Bamboo

▪ Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that grows

much faster than traditional hardwoods, making it
an environmentally friendly choice for building
materials.
▪ It has a low water footprint because it typically
requires minimal irrigation, relying mainly on
natural rainfall.
▪ Bamboo is versatile and can be used in various
construction applications, such as flooring,
furniture, and even structural elements in buildings.
▪ Its strength-to-weight ratio is comparable to that
of steel, making it suitable for structural
applications while also being lightweight.
▪ Bamboo also has natural resistance to pests and
diseases, reducing the need for chemical
treatments during cultivation.
Recycled glass

▪ Using recycled glass in building materials, such as

countertops or insulation, can help reduce water
usage significantly compared to the production of
virgin glass.
▪ The process of melting and reshaping recycled
glass typically requires less water than extracting
and processing raw materials for new glass
production (approximately 1 to 2 liters of water per
kg)
▪ It adds aesthetic appeal to buildings, as recycled
glass products often exhibit unique colors and
textures
▪ Incorporating recycled glass into construction
projects helps divert waste from landfills,
contributing to sustainability efforts and circular
economy principles.
The construction
Case study _ industry’s water footprint _
Introduction and methodology

A study conducted to assess the water footprint associated with the

The overall water footprint (WF TOTAL) was
production of construction aggregates and aggregate derived products
calculated using the following equation:
in Qatar with the aim of shedding light on the water footprint associated
with different types of aggregates and areas where water conservation
WF TOTAL = WFD+WFF+WFE+WFT
measures can be implemented.
Where;
WFD= Direct water usage (sourced from
groundwater aquifers or desalination plants)

WFF= Indirect water usage associated with fuel

or electricity consumption

WFE= Indirect water usage embodied in the

building components or materials

WFT= indirect water usage associated with

transportation
Findings

▪ Water footprints of aggregate products: The study reveals that the water footprints associated with different aggregate
products vary significantly. The water footprints range from 2.8 liters per ton (l/t) for recycled aggregates to 469 l/t for
Portland cement C40 concrete. This indicates that the production of certain aggregate-derived products, such as concrete
mixtures, has a much higher water consumption compared to others.

▪ Significance of binders: The findings highlight the significant contribution of binders, particularly Portland cement, to the
overall water footprint of aggregate products. The water footprint analysis indicates that the contribution of Portland cement
outweighs the contribution of aggregates themselves. This underscores the importance of considering the impact of binders
in water management strategies and exploring alternatives to reduce water consumption associated with binders.

▪ Impact of polymer-modified asphalt: The study identifies that the use of small fractions of polymers in asphalt also has a
significant impact on the water footprint. Both concrete and polymer-modified asphalt have water footprints at least an
order of magnitude higher than aggregate products alone. This suggests that careful consideration should be given to the
composition of construction materials to minimize water usage and promote more sustainable alternatives.

▪ Reduction potential through alternative materials: The analysis demonstrates that substituting Portland cement with cement
replacement materials, such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), can lower the water footprint of concrete
products. This finding suggests that incorporating alternative materials into construction practices can contribute to reducing
water consumption and promoting sustainable water management.
The
Howconstruction industry’s
can we reduce water footprint
the construction _
industry’s water footprint in our

own practice?
Material selection

▪ By selecting materials that have lower water

consumption and use per kilogram, the overall
water footprint of the construction project can be
reduced.
▪ Choosing construction materials with lower water
intensity and implementing efficient waste
management practices indirectly reduced water
footprint.
▪ Using recycled or reclaimed materials and
implementing construction waste recycling
programs minimized water consumption
associated with material extraction and production.
▪ The outcomes include reduced water demand,
decreased environmental impact, and resource
conservation.
Local sourcing

▪ The case study highlights that fill material was used

in large quantities in construction projects, is often
produced locally. This reduces the water footprint
associated with transportation and importation.

▪ Therefore, promoting the use of locally sourced

materials helped to reduce the overall water
footprint.
Water efficient technologies

▪ Implementing water-efficient technologies and

practices during construction can significantly
reduce water consumption.

▪ For example, using efficient plumbing fixtures,

water recycling systems, and rainwater harvesting
techniques helped the contractor to minimize the
need for freshwater supply and reduce the overall
water footprint.

▪ By installing water-efficient fixtures, construction

projects can cut down on the excessive
consumption that characterizes traditional building
practices.
Collaboration with stakeholders to reduce waste

▪ Collaboration among project stakeholders,

including contractors, architects, engineers, and
suppliers, is crucial in implementing water footprint
reduction strategies.

▪ By involving all relevant parties, it becomes

possible to identify opportunities for water
conservation and implement effective measures
throughout the construction project.
Monitoring and recording

▪ Regular monitoring and reporting of water

consumption and footprint can help identify areas
of improvement and track the effectiveness of
implemented strategies.

▪ It enables project teams to make data-driven

decisions and adjust their practices to achieve
better water footprint outcomes.
The construction
Challenges facedindustry’s waterfootprint
during water footprintreduction_
_
Lack of awareness and knowledge

▪ There is currently limited knowledge within the

industry on how to address water footprint issues
for many practitioners

▪ Overcoming this lack of awareness and providing

education and training to professionals in the
construction industry is crucial for successful
implementation of water footprint reduction
strategies.
Complex supply chains

▪ Construction projects involve various suppliers and

subcontractors, making it challenging to track and
manage the water footprint throughout the supply
chain.

▪ Ensuring cooperation and coordination among all

stakeholders can be a challenge.
Cost considerations

▪ Implementing water-efficient technologies and

practices may require upfront investments, which
can be a barrier, especially for smaller construction
projects or companies with limited financial
resources.

▪ Balancing the cost implications with the long-term

benefits of water footprint reduction can is a
challenge.
Regulatory and policy landscape

▪ Compliance with existing regulations and policies

related to water usage and environmental impact
can present challenges for construction projects.

▪ Keeping up with changing regulations and

ensuring adherence to environmental standards
can be demanding.
The construction
Conclusion: industry’s
Impacts water
of water footprint
footprint _
in building and construction_
Environmental Impacts

1. Water Scarcity: Construction materials like cement and steel require substantial water inputs for production, exacerbating
water scarcity issues in regions already facing water stress

2. Ecological Damage: Extraction of raw materials such as sand, gravel, and timber can lead to habitat destruction, loss of
biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems, affecting aquatic and terrestrial life

3. Pollution: Water used in manufacturing processes often becomes contaminated with pollutants such as heavy metals,
chemicals, and sediments, posing risks to water quality and aquatic ecosystems

4. Energy Consumption: Water-intensive manufacturing processes contribute to energy consumption, leading to increased
greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change
Social Impacts

1. Community Displacement: Large-scale water extraction for construction materials can displace local communities,
particularly in regions where water resources are scarce, leading to social unrest and conflict over access to water resources

2. Health Concerns: Water pollution from construction activities can contaminate drinking water sources, leading to health
issues such as waterborne diseases and respiratory problems from air pollution

3. Labor Conditions: Water-intensive industries often rely on cheap labor, leading to poor working conditions, low wages, and
limited access to basic amenities for workers, particularly in developing countries where regulations may be lax

4. Cultural Impact: Construction projects, especially large-scale infrastructure developments, can disrupt cultural heritage sites
and traditional livelihoods tied to water resources, leading to loss of cultural identity and social cohesion
Economic Impacts

1. Cost Overruns: Water scarcity and pollution-related regulations can lead to increased costs for water-intensive construction
projects, affecting profit margins and project timelines

2. Resource Depletion: Overexploitation of water resources for construction materials can lead to resource depletion, driving
up prices and impacting the availability of materials for future projects

3. Market Volatility: Dependence on water-intensive materials like concrete and steel can make construction industries
vulnerable to fluctuations in water availability and pricing, leading to market instability

4. Regulatory Compliance: Stringent regulations on water use and pollution control can increase compliance costs for
construction companies, affecting their competitiveness and profitability