Can rainwater harvesting within Glasgow Avenues Project area lead to potable water savings and carbon footprint reduction?

Rainwater harvesting as a non-potable water resource for Avenues residents

Tesis de Máster , 2020 , 100 Páginas , Calificación: 2.1

Ingeniería - Ingeniería civil

This research will present opportunities and limitations of rooftop rainwater harvesting within Glasgow Avenues Project area. Potential potable water savings will shed light on other environmental benefits, such as greenhouse gasses emissions and energy consumption. All findings of conducted research will be detailed within subsequent chapters of this paper.

Estimations predict that, due to current freshwater shortages, water will replace petroleum as the liquid gold of the 21st century. Even though some regions, such as Scotland, have an abundance of water, it can be argued that due to the trends of growing population, which inevitably leads to greater consumption, and the relentless increasing of the Earth's temperature, which translates into triggering more rapid evaporation rates, this situation may not be sustainable in the future. Supplying water leads to many environmental changes, such as decreasing groundwater levels in aquifers or air pollution from water collection, treatment and pumping over long distances. Air pollution significantly contributes to the global climate change, which in turn will intensify the water shortage problem. Rainwater harvesting as a capture, storage and supply of rainwater at the point of use may be a viable solution for these issues. Properly designed and supplied by renewable energy these systems may enhance the city’s resilience to climate change and help tackle environmental issues.
In urbanised areas, the least contaminated rainwater can be collected from the rooftops. Rainwater contamination impacts on the system's efficiency and longevity, which is important in financial and maintenance aspects. Rainwater collected at the building rooftop can be utilised for non-potable purposes within that building, and any excess water can be stored for future use during dry periods. No water treatment is required for such use of water; thus, energy is saved and carbon emissions reduced. In situ rainwater harvesting also precludes energy consumption for transportation. However, a certain amount of energy is needed for pumping rainwater from the main storage tank to the points of use.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. INTRODUCTION
• 1.1 Background
• 1.2 Importance of this study
• 1.3 Aim and objectives
• 1.4 Sample Methodology
• 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
• 2.1 Rainwater harvesting
• 2.1.1. Rainwater harvesting from the rooftops
• 2.1.2 Roofs in the research area
• 2.1.3 Frequency use of the system
• 2.2 Components of a rooftop rainwater harvesting system
• 2.3. Rainwater harvesting systems
• 2.3.1 Gravity Feed Systems
• 2.3.2 Pump Feed Systems
• 2.4. Rainwater harvesting system to be considered for Glasgow Avenues Project area
• 2.5. Summary
• 3 METHODOLOGY
• 3.1 Theoretical study
• 3.2 Glasgow Avenues Project as a Case Study
• 3.3 Computer programs
• 3.3.1 Google Earth
• 3.3.2 Microsoft Excel
• 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
• 4.1 Water used by residents living in the study area
• 4.2 Water end-uses by residents in Glasgow
• 4.2.1 Based on Scottish Water emailed data
• 4.2.2 Based on the Scottish Government data
• 4.2.3 Total water end-uses
• 4.3 Rainfall data
• 4.3.1 Short-term analysis for 2010 (1 year)
• 4.3.2 Short-term analysis for 2011
• 4.3.3. Long-term analysis (10 years)
• 4.4 Rainfall catchment area
• 4.5 Potential potable water savings
• 4.5.1 Short-term potable water savings for 2010
• 4.5.2 Short-term potable water savings for 2011
• 4.5.3 Long-term potential (10 years)
• 4.5.4 Short- and long-term drinking water savings comparison
• 4.6 Potential operational carbon footprint reductions
• 4.6.1 Potential carbon footprint reductions in a short-term of 2010
• 4.6.2 Potential carbon footprint reductions in a short-term of 2011
• 4.6.3 Potential carbon footprint reductions in a long-term
• 4.6.4 Operational carbon footprint comparison
• 4.7 Discussion
• 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• 5.1 Summary of key findings
• 5.2 Recommendation for future research
• 5.3 Recommendation for future practice
• REFERENCES

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research aims to establish if rooftop rainwater harvesting within the Glasgow Avenues Project area can lead to potable water savings, which could potentially result in a reduction of energy consumption and support a downturn trend in greenhouse gas emissions.

• The potential for potable water savings through rainwater harvesting in urban environments.
• The impact of rainwater harvesting on carbon footprint reduction.
• The feasibility of implementing rainwater harvesting systems in urban areas.
• The role of renewable energy in maximizing the environmental benefits of rainwater harvesting.
• The need for comprehensive research and planning to effectively implement rainwater harvesting systems.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The dissertation provides a comprehensive overview of rainwater harvesting, focusing on its potential within the Glasgow Avenues Project area. It begins by examining the historical background of rainwater harvesting, discussing its evolution from ancient civilizations to modern applications.

Chapter 2 delves into the components and types of rainwater harvesting systems, specifically focusing on rooftop collection systems. It analyzes the suitability of various roof materials, considering factors such as contamination and water quality. Different rainwater harvesting systems are compared, including gravity-fed and pump-fed systems, to determine the most energy-efficient option for the Glasgow Avenues Project area.

Chapter 3 outlines the methodology used to assess the feasibility of rainwater harvesting in the Glasgow Avenues Project area. The study combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including a case study approach. Data collection methods involve analyzing existing statistical data from Scottish Water, SEPA, and conducting a Google Earth rooftop survey to determine the available catchment area.

Chapter 4 presents the results of the study, analyzing rainfall data, water consumption, and water end-uses in the Glasgow Avenues Project area. It calculates potential potable water savings and carbon footprint reductions based on different time scales. The chapter also discusses the energy requirements and carbon footprint associated with pumping rainwater, considering both conventional and renewable energy sources.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Rainwater harvesting, non-potable water, Glasgow Avenues Project, potable water savings, carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable drainage systems, blue-green infrastructure, climate change resilience, urban environment.

• Universidad: University of Strathclyde (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
• Calificación: 2.1
• Autor: Anna Treder (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2020
• Páginas: 100
• No. de catálogo: V968778
• ISBN (Ebook): 9783346382580
• ISBN (Libro): 9783346382597
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: glasgow, avenues, project, rainwater