Connecting the Dots of Water and Energy

Contributed by Mary Ann Dickinson, President and CEO, Alliance for Water Efficiency

We have all heard that water and energy are connected. But what exactly does that mean? And in California -- the epicenter of the water-energy nexus --what do you need to know about this issue as a green building professional?

The good news is that there is a conference on March 20 that will explain all of this to you. The Northern California Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC-NCC), East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) and PG&E are teaming up to present their annual Water Conservation Showcase, a day filled with presentations and information on the close connection between water and energy. Learn how 49% of the nation’s water withdrawals go toward providing cooling water to generate electricity, and how so much energy is needed to pump and treat drinking water and wastewater that it forms nearly 15% of the country’s carbon emissions. Learn how 19% of California’s electric energy load is related to the pumping, treatment, and end use of water and wastewater, and how 32% of California’s gas load is related to the heating of hot water by consumers. Conference presentations will explore various ways in which saving water saves energy – often more cost effectively then through direct energy efficiency programs.

The Alliance for Water Efficiency is extremely interested in this issue, and will be speaking at the Showcase on March 20. Last year, the Alliance partnered with the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy on a project to explore the needed actions related to the water-energy connection. Over 75 stakeholders gathered in Washington DC to brainstorm about how to combine efforts on water and energy. Called the Blueprint for Action, the final report from that workshop documents eight needed areas of research, coordination, and policy -- and the tasks that are required to make forward progress in these important key areas. The Blueprint for Action was distributed to Congress and is viewed as an important milestone in the national discussions on water and energy. Prominent in the Report’s recommendations are developing better methods of integrated water and energy into LEED, green codes, stretch codes, and whole building rating systems.

Don’t miss the Water Conservation Showcase on March 20 to hear all about these important water issues!