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Reuse of resources in the use phase of buildings. Solutions for water

2019; IOP Publishing; Volume: 225; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1088/1755-1315/225/1/012050

1755-1307

Carla Pimentel-Rodrigues, Armando Siva-Afonso,

Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Circular economy can be considered not only in relation to building construction materials, but also in relation to resources that are used in the use phase of buildings, such as water, energy or even nutrients. On the other hand, some constructive solutions are becoming increasingly important in the current scenario of climate change, taking into account the need to increase the resilience of the urban environment and the mitigation of emissions. This is the case, for example, of green roofs and living façades, which are an alternative to traditional grey infrastructure, offering many benefits to both citizens and cities. Beyond the ability to improve environmental conditions and quality of life, they can augment the energy efficiency of buildings, reduce flood risks in urban areas and be combined with rainwater harvesting systems. So, taking into account these trends for constructive solutions in the future, this paper analyses the possibilities of a circular use of water in buildings, aiming to create in the future "zero water" buildings. Particular attention is given to the compatibility between new green roofing solutions and rainwater harvesting systems in buildings, but the reuse of grey water and the possibility of nutrient recovery in buildings, such as urine (phosphorus) - which can be used in the building itself on green roofs - living facades or urban agriculture, are also referred to.