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Exploring awareness, implementation, and future use of urine diversion systems in U.S. university buildings

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Listed:
  • Khara Grieger

    (North Carolina State University
    North Carolina State University
    Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center)

  • Matt Scholz

    (Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center
    Arizona State University)

  • Christopher L. Cummings

    (United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE))

  • Lucas Crane

    (Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center
    Arizona State University)

  • Treavor Boyer

    (Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center
    Arizona State University)

Abstract

Urine diversion systems, which include waterless urinals and urine-diverting flush toilets, offer opportunities to conserve water, recover nutrients, promote circular economies, and improve sustainability. While technical development of these systems is critical, understanding stakeholder perceptions is equally important for their successful innovation, implementation, and adoption. This study conducts an exploratory analysis of stakeholder perceptions at U.S. academic institutions regarding how urine diversion technologies fit within the broader array of water conservation technologies and factors that influence decision-making related to urine diversion in buildings. We surveyed 65 stakeholders, including executive leaders, administrators, facilities managers, building managers, and sustainability professionals—key groups responsible for the adoption and maintenance of such systems but underrepresented in prior research. Participants reported a high level of awareness of water conservation technologies and varying degrees of implementation. Across all technologies, low-flush fixtures had the highest rate of implementation and waterless urinals had the highest rate of implementation and subsequent removal due to maintenance and infrastructure challenges. Participants also indicated that compliance with plumbing codes was the most critical factor when considering the implementation of urine diversion systems, followed by efficacy and cost-savings, and water conservation and nutrient recovery were among the least important factors. Future studies should focus on aligning urine diversion systems with building codes and regulations, mitigating clogging and odors to improve acceptance and adoption, and estimating costs and benefits when deciding on their implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Khara Grieger & Matt Scholz & Christopher L. Cummings & Lucas Crane & Treavor Boyer, 2025. "Exploring awareness, implementation, and future use of urine diversion systems in U.S. university buildings," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 45(2), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:45:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10669-025-10011-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-025-10011-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ariane Krause & Franziska Häfner & Florian Augustin & Kai M. Udert, 2021. "Qualitative Risk Analysis for Contents of Dry Toilets Used to Produce Novel Recycling Fertilizers," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 1(3), pages 1107-1146, November.
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