Malaysia is a tropical country that gets high rainfall throughout the year that can be utilized for various activities including water conservation. Water conservation initiatives in Malaysia are mainly concentrated in commercial and residential buildings but public buildings such as schools have been underutilized. Thus, this study aims to conduct a water conservation initiative in a primary school in Malacca (Malaysia). Water audit were conducted to identify the highest water usage location and the most suitable water conservation method in a school setting. Lastly, the sustainability performance of the rainwater harvesting system was evaluated via the Sustainable Development Analytical Grid (SDAG) assessment tool. Water footprint findings demonstrated that approximately 60% of total water use was due to toilet use. The rainwater harvesting system was selected as this method enables the use of a renewable source (rainwater) and it conveniently fit with the existing building rooftop and plumbing system to engender high sustainability potential and collaboration opportunities. After several months of operation, environmental, social, and economic benefits were observed. Sustainable assessment has indicated that all the six dimensions were well balanced with scores greater than 50% and continued improvements will increase the project’s sustainability in the future. This study approach is generalizable to any school worldwide with a similar water footprint as a water restoration at both local and global contexts to achieve United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Water resources are rapidly declining in Malaysia due to various challenges such as climate change, pollution, urbanisation, and high-water domestic consumption. On the other hand, water conservation initiatives in Malaysia are mainly concentrated in commercial and residential buildings while public buildings such as schools have been underutilized. Water conservation initiatives in Malaysian schools are seen to be able to conserve a significant amount of water and manage water supply responsibly, given the high annual rainfall received throughout the year and the huge rooftop catchment area. Thus, this study aims to assess the performance and sustainability assessment of water conservation initiative in Convent Infant Jesus (1) Primary School in Malacca (Malaysia). Water footprint findings demonstrated lavatory usage accounted for nearly 60% of overall water consumption in the selected primary school. The rainwater harvesting system was selected as this method enables the use of a renewable source (rainwater) and it conveniently fit with the existing building rooftop and plumbing system to engender high sustainability potential. After several months of operation, the rainwater harvesting system at school lavatory has led to significant reductions between 24m3 and 278m3 of water use along with water bill saving of USD285. Sustainable assessment has indicated that all the six dimensions were well balanced with scores greater than 50% and continued improvements will increase the project’s sustainability in the future. This water conservation initiative can be implemented in any school worldwide with a similar water footprint for significant water savings and sustainable water management.
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