From Net Zero Energy to Net Zero Water: A New Frontier in Sustainability

Building off the principles of net zero energy and climate neutrality, Net Zero Water (NZW) is concept that aims to change the way water resources are managed by making water resource planning decisions based on local conditions. Rather than going out and securing water supplies to meet historical demand patterns, a net zero water approach looks at local precipitation patterns and tries to maintain consumption at or below that available local supply. And, rather than allowing water quality impacts from stormwater runoff in developed areas to flow downstream, a net zero water approach looks to treat runoff on-site. NZW, or being water neutral, means using only as much water as falls on your site and eliminating all water quality impacts from the site.

To pilot the concept of NZW, Brendle Group (a sustainability engineering and planning firm) led the development of a building-scale NZW Planning Toolkit that walks users through the process of understanding their water footprint and taking action to reduce consumption and improve water quality whether they are a building owner, company, school campus, or community.

To launch this groundbreaking initiative, a user-friendly Microsoft Excel®-based analysis tool and companion guidebook (NZW Planning Toolkit) have been developed with the help of a project team, sponsors, and a technical advisory group. The NZW Planning Toolkit is designed to help users quantify their water footprint, evaluate reduction strategies, and recognize financial and environmental benefits from reducing their water use and water quality impacts. It is anticipated to be used widely across the public and private sectors and is intended to standardize and simplify water analysis and planning, while maximizing economic returns and environmental benefits.

The building-scale Toolkit is currently available for free download. Subsequent phases will focus on modules for the building portfolio, campus, district/neighborhood, and community scales.