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https://theconversation.com/emissions-from-households-water-use-are-on-a-par-with-aviation-the-big-cuts-and-savings-they-can-make-are-being-neglected-221853>
"Why is there such a big gap between people, industries and government agreeing
we need urgent action on climate change, and actually starting? Scope 3
emissions are a great example. These are greenhouse gas emissions that
organisations can influence, but don’t directly control.
Our research has identified the benefits of tackling these emissions in
Australia’s urban water sector. If we consider the energy we use to heat water,
water costs us far more than we think. It’s an issue of cost of living as well
as water supply and energy infrastructure.
In Victoria, for example, water utilities are the largest source (about a
quarter) of scope 1 and 2 emissions from the government sector. Scope 1
emissions come from activities utilities directly control, such as driving
their vehicles. Scope 2 emissions are from the energy they buy.
Our research has found the gains from pursuing scope 3 emissions from the use
of water that utilities supply could be about ten times bigger than their
planned reductions in scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Extrapolating from Melbourne household data suggests domestic water heating
accounts for 3.8% of each person’s share of Australia’s greenhouse gas
emissions – on a par with the 4.1% from aviation. Our research indicates that
in Melbourne alone a city-wide program to retrofit showerheads could, by
reducing water and energy use, have the same impact on emissions as taking tens
of thousands of cars off the road.
Such a program would cost much less than all other renewable energy investments
water utilities are making. It would also save water users money."
We’ve just had our showerhead replaced for free as part of a
government-sponsored scheme, so at least in our area of Melbourne someone is
doing something about it.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
