The project seeks to address the issue of urban water stress through an innovative strategy focused on effectively reducing drinking water consumption at Gazit Mall. Located in a densely populated urban area, Gazit Mall faces significant challenges related to the availability and sustainable use of water resources, compounded by frequent periods of drought and high temperatures that further compromise local water supplies.
The mall’s intense commercial activity requires large quantities of water, primarily for sanitation, general maintenance, cleaning, and irrigation of green spaces. The mall’s current water use relies almost exclusively on drinking water from municipal sources, a practice that is not sustainable in the long term given the growing climatic and demographic conditions.
To address this challenge, the project will implement advanced systems to capture, treat, and reuse wastewater and stormwater, leveraging advanced technologies to ensure high quality standards for reused water. This initiative will significantly reduce pressure on the local water resource.
The project is defined with a clear methodological approach based on Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting (VWBA) criteria, aimed at measuring and ensuring the additionality and effectiveness of the volumetric water savings generated by the implemented actions. This framework guarantees the transparency, traceability, and verifiability of the achieved water impact, becoming a replicable model for other urban infrastructures facing similar challenges.
The urban-commercial context presents a high demand for potable water, primarily for secondary uses such as irrigation of green areas, cleaning, general maintenance, and sanitation operations. This excessive dependence on potable water considerably exacerbates the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts and extreme heat events, which have already repeatedly affected local water supply capacity.
The lack of sustainable technological alternatives, limited infrastructure for efficient rainwater management, and a shortage of adequate facilities for the reuse of treated wastewater further exacerbate the situation. This combination of factors places significant pressure on municipal and natural water resources, increasing the risk of water scarcity and compromising the quality and environmental sustainability of the urban environment.
A comprehensive technical solution is proposed that combines advanced systems for capturing, storing, and treating rainwater, along with specific technologies for the effective reuse of treated wastewater in non-essential processes. These solutions meet significant water demands that would normally be met with drinking water, including:
Collection and storage systems with advanced filters and tanks designed to maximize the efficiency and storage capacity of rainwater, ensuring availability during prolonged periods of drought.
Specialized facilities for secondary treatment, including filtration, disinfection, and chemical conditioning processes, guaranteeing high quality standards for reused water in accordance with local and international regulations.
Advanced automation technology and strategically distributed smart sensors constantly monitor the quality and volume of reused water, facilitating real-time adjustments to optimize its efficient use and avoid waste. These integrated systems not only significantly reduce drinking water consumption but also strengthen local water resilience, offering a sustainable and effective solution to the challenges of urban water stress.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: By ensuring the continuous availability of clean water and reducing pressure on municipal systems, the project contributes to improving sanitary conditions and the overall well-being of the community.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The project reduces pressure on natural resources, improves sustainable water management, and contributes to the preservation of local aquatic ecosystems, in addition to raising awareness among users about the importance of water.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: By implementing sustainable and efficient water solutions, the project improves urban resilience to climate change, promoting more sustainable and livable cities.
SDG 12 – Responsible Production and Consumption: The project’s approach encourages the efficient and sustainable use of water, reducing the water footprint and promoting responsible practices in water consumption.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Reducing drinking water consumption and improving water management mitigate the effects of climate change, increasing the region’s climate resilience.
SDG 15 – Life on Land: Reducing pressure on natural water sources contributes to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, helping to maintain their biodiversity and ecological functioning.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The success of this initiative relies on collaboration between government agencies, industries, and environmental organizations. Through multi-stakeholder partnerships, the project fosters knowledge sharing and innovation, ensuring long-term sustainable water management.
The project implementation is structured into several clearly defined stages:
1. Technical Planning and Design: During this phase, specialists will develop a detailed technical project. Specific infrastructure requirements, the required storage capacity (approximately 10,000 m³ per year), the strategic location of rainwater harvesters, and the exact technology for secondary treatment and smart monitoring systems will be clearly defined.
2. Construction and Commissioning: This phase involves the physical installation of all systems. This includes the construction and installation of storage tanks with a minimum capacity of 500 m³ each, collection and distribution networks, advanced treatment systems with an estimated processing capacity of 800 m³ per month, and an integrated network of smart sensors to monitor the system’s operational status in real time.
3. Continuous Monitoring and Auditing: Once operational, a continuous monitoring system will be implemented using approximately 50 strategically distributed sensors to ensure the quality and efficiency of the reused water. Additionally, external audits will be conducted quarterly during the first two years and semiannually in subsequent years, ensuring transparency, effectiveness, and compliance with environmental standards.
4. Training and Communication: Specific training programs will be developed for at least 20 of the mall’s technical staff on the maintenance and management of the implemented system. In parallel, semiannual information campaigns will be launched for mall visitors and employees, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of water reuse and promoting sustainable water consumption practices.
The project focuses on implementing innovative technologies to address water scarcity by substantially reducing drinking water consumption at Gazit Mall. Using a comprehensive approach that incorporates the capture, storage, and treatment of both rainwater and treated wastewater, the project will generate a significant and sustainable environmental impact.
The implementation of smart sensors and continuous monitoring ensures that the quality and volume of reused water remain optimal, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on the mall’s operational needs. The project’s success will be ensured by independent audits, guaranteeing transparency and reliability of the results obtained.
Additionally, the training of technical staff and ongoing public awareness will reinforce the commitment to responsible water management, establishing a role model for other entities and regions facing similar challenges.
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