Did you know Rainwater Harvesting reduces carbon emissions?
16/05/2023
First things first, happy Water Saving Week from us all here at Stormsaver!
Rainwater Harvesting is not a new concept, but the technology behind rainwater harvesting systems has progressed rapidly in the past two decades, meaning greater water and carbon savings can be achieved. The nature of rainwater harvesting means that it is often forgotten about as rainwater tanks are located underground, but it is an important tool to protect our environment. We are going to be using this week’s blog as a guide to the carbon saving potential of rainwater harvesting.
Many people within the construction and facility management industries are talking about tackling Scope 3 carbon emissions. Scope 3 carbon emissions refers to emissions that are produced indirectly and not by the organisation itself. These carbon emissions can be associated with products that are purchased, manufactured, and maintained by your supply chain.
The good news is that by using rainwater harvesting, Scope 3 emissions can be reduced. The process of transporting, treating and purifying mains water to a drinking water standard is incredibly carbon intensive. Without a rainwater harvesting system, perfectly clean rainwater which can be reused locally within the building will be treated in the same way as mains water.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems which are sized, manufactured, and maintained correctly can offer continuous carbon and water savings throughout the system’s lifespan.
Stormsaver has collected 20 years’ worth of data which shows for every 1000m3 of rainwater used over mains water, there is a carbon saving of 285 KgCo2e.
Any remaining carbon emissions which are associated with the production and maintenance of the rainwater harvesting system can be offset through combining renewable energy. Solar panels work together with rainwater harvesting to make for better use of a building’s roof area. Truly sustainable buildings will consider many green technologies which can work together to protect our environment.
Construction contractors can also utilise rainwater harvesting during the building process to reduce scope 3 carbon emissions. Our StormStation rainwater harvesting system is designed to be a mobile, self-contained system which can be easily connected to site welfare cabins.
Learn more
As the market leaders for rainwater harvesting systems, we are proud to design, manufacture and maintain all our rainwater harvesting systems. Over the past 20 years, we have maintained all types of systems and have developed knowledge of what works and what could work better. Learn more about our rainwater harvesting systems here.
Written by Matt
Water Reuse Specialist
Water Reuse Specialist
My role as a Water Reuse Specialist means I get to keep up to date with all things water conservation. My favourite water saving tip is to turn taps off when brushing your teeth! I think rainwater harvesting and the water reuse industry is exciting, and I love sharing updates with our customers. View Matt’s Stormsaver profile here.
