Smarter Water Use: Reducing Construction Site Waste Through Innovation

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
With 42% of water used being wasted each year, the project aims to address this critical issue through innovative approaches. By implementing efficient practices and leveraging advanced technologies, it demonstrates leadership in sustainability and inspires positive change in the construction industry.
The project targets four key areas of water waste on construction sites: vehicle cleaning, tool cleaning, prevention of accidental leaks, and prevention of domestic leaks. By introducing filtered water systems for vehicle cleaning and utilizing compressed air for tool cleaning, significant water savings and cost reductions can be achieved. Additionally, the project proposes the systematic detection of network pipes and the installation of smart meters to prevent accidental and domestic leaks, ensuring efficient water usage and reducing potential damages.

The intended goals of the project to address water wastage on construction sites are as follows:
A) Reduce water wastage: The project aims to decrease the amount of water wasted on construction sites, which currently stands at approximately 42% of the total water used.
B) Improve cleaning efficiency: By implementing innovative solutions such as continuous water filtration for vehicle cleaning and compressed air nozzles for tool cleaning, the project intends to enhance the efficiency of cleaning processes while minimizing water consumption.
C) Prevent accidental water leaks: The project seeks to prevent accidental damage to underground or overhead network pipes during construction activities. Through the use of non-intrusive detection methods, including georadar, probes, and acoustic detection, along with the implementation of sensors and an algorithm, the aim is to create a safer working environment and reduce water loss resulting from these incidents.
D) Mitigate domestic leaks: The project proposes the installation of smart meters on construction sites to detect and alert consumers of abnormal water consumption caused by leaks. This measure helps to address water losses due to both wear and tear of pipes and user negligence, while promoting water conservation through increased awareness of consumption patterns.

2. IMPORTANCE: This effort is crucial as water scarcity continues to be a global concern.

3. IMPACT AND REACH: By addressing water waste in the construction industry, the project conserves a valuable resource, reduces environmental impact, and demonstrates sustainable leadership. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for collaboration among major construction companies and insurance providers, making it financially feasible and mutually beneficial. By successfully implementing these measures, the project not only contributes to a more sustainable future but also inspires other industry players to adopt similar practices and promote positive change.

4. COLLABORATIONS:

The project targets major construction companies as potential financiers and highlights the interest of insurance companies in supporting the initiative to prevent losses due to accidents. The project’s location could be most of construction site.
The potential clients for this initiative could be construction companies, both large and small, who are interested in reducing water wastage and improving sustainability practices on their construction sites.

5. YOUR ROLE WELL DEFINED:

A) Cleaning of vehicles: My contribution involves proposing a solution to save water while cleaning vehicles more efficiently on construction sites. I suggest filtering the water continuously and implementing a system with a rotoluve, which includes a water tank and a waste water recovery system. My contribution focuses on designing and implementing this water-saving system for vehicle cleaning.
B) Tool cleaning: I propose a solution for tool cleaning on construction sites by suggesting the use of multi-channel compressed air nozzles instead of water. My contribution involves advocating for the adoption of this more economical and ecological method of tool cleaning. Additionally, I raise awareness about the benefits of compressed air cleaning and question why it is not applied more frequently in the industry.
C) Prevention of accidental leaks: My contribution involves proposing a solution to prevent accidental water leaks during construction projects. I suggest systematizing the detection of network pipes on construction sites using detection methods such as georadar, probes, and acoustic detection. I also propose equipping tools with sensors and developing an algorithm to ensure the safety of pipes. My contribution focuses on designing and implementing this system for preventing accidental leaks.
D) Prevention of domestic leaks: My contribution involves advocating for the systematic installation of smart meters on construction sites. This installation aims to quickly alert consumers if there is abnormal water consumption due to leaks. My contribution includes promoting the use of smart meters for detailed monitoring of water consumption and encouraging users to be more attentive to their water usage.