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Optimal Rainwater Harvesting System for a Commercial Building: A Case Study Focusing on Water and Energy Efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Douglas Alves

    (ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000−801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Rita Teixeira

    (ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000−801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • José Baptista

    (ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000−801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Power and Energy Systems Centre (CPES-INESC-TEC), UTAD’s Pole, 5000−801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Ana Briga-Sá

    (ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000−801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Chemistry Centre (CQ-VR), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000−801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Cristina Matos

    (ECT—School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000−801 Vila Real, Portugal
    CIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Douglas Alves & Rita Teixeira & José Baptista & Ana Briga-Sá & Cristina Matos, 2025. "Optimal Rainwater Harvesting System for a Commercial Building: A Case Study Focusing on Water and Energy Efficiency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4584-:d:1657783
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Izabela Zimoch & Ewelina Bartkiewicz & Joanna Machnik-Slomka & Iwona Klosok-Bazan & Adam Rak & Stanislav Rusek, 2021. "Sustainable Water Supply Systems Management for Energy Efficiency: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-20, August.
    2. Katarzyna Wartalska & Martyna Grzegorzek & Maciej Bełcik & Marcin Wdowikowski & Agnieszka Kolanek & Elżbieta Niemierka & Piotr Jadwiszczak & Bartosz Kaźmierczak, 2024. "The Potential of RainWater Harvesting Systems in Europe – Current State of Art and Future Perspectives," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 38(12), pages 4657-4683, September.
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