Sustainable water- and energy systems in buildings : A qualitative study on how water- and energy systems can be designed sustainably in new buildings, using BREEAM certificaiton as a tool.

Abstract: There is an immense need for sustainability due to global warming.  The Paris agreement drafted in 2015 and signed by 191 parties aims to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are required to be adopted and operational by 2030.  The 17 SDGs seek to bring stability, development, and improved lives and opportunities to all countries. The construction and real estate sector in the EU accounts for 36% of all CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, and 1/3rd of all potable water usage.  Sustainability must be prioritized in all aspects of a building project and process, from concrete selection to HVAC system operation hours. This study investigates how energy and water systems can be designed sustainably and improve awareness to make more informed decisions about water and energy systems during the design process of the construction project. The results of this study are retrieved from the information gathered using the three research methods, literature- and case study, and interviews. The literature study examined current studies on sustainable water and energy systems. The case study took place at SPOR X, a construction site in Drammen, Norway, where Vestaksen Properties owns a soon-to-be BREEAM Outstanding solid wooden building. The interviews took place during the design stage with key personnel. The results from all three methods are matching. In order to achieve sustainability, the most important categories are material, transportation, and efficient equipment.  The other result from the studies is that using BREEAM certification will contribute to sustainability and reach the UN SDG. This study’s key result is that tap water, kitchen equipment, and irrigation all need effective water use to achieve sustainability in water system design. Key results regarding energy can be divided into two, the loss of energy and the utilization of energy. The building envelope must be airtight and well-sealed to reduce energy loss, and the use of water and energy must be efficient. More research for implementing water and energy systems in the integrated energy design is necessary for broader mapping of how water and energy can be integrated into the early stages of energy design. This study can be viewed as a contribution to this mapping. The study alone is not sufficient for giving all the answers regarding water and energy sustainability. However, it contributes by providing some possible answers in an increasingly important field of work having a significant effect on the future - an effect for the individual country and the world united by UNs SDG.