Assessing circularity of multi-sectoral systems under the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus

C E Nika; V Vasilaki; D Renfrew; M Danishvar; A Echchelh; E Katsou

doi:10.1016/j.watres.2022.118842

Assessing circularity of multi-sectoral systems under the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus

Water Res. 2022 Aug 1:221:118842. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118842. Epub 2022 Jul 9.

Authors

C E Nika¹, V Vasilaki¹, D Renfrew¹, M Danishvar², A Echchelh¹, E Katsou³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, Middlesex, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
² Digital Manufacturing Centre at College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, Middlesex, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
³ Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, Middlesex, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK. Electronic address: evina.katsou@brunel.ac.uk.

PMID: 35949075
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118842

Abstract

The Multi-Sectoral Water Circularity Assessment (MSWCA) is a methodological framework developed for circularity assessment of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus. It involves five methodological steps and includes an indicators list for the selection of case-specific indicators. This study expands the MSWCA to provide a systematic approach for selecting indicators, considering system's circular actions and multi-functionality, the capture of implemented changes, the three CE principles and the sustainable development goals. Furthermore, this study differentiates between benchmark and dynamic circularity assessment and applies the expanded MSWCA in a water system of the HYDROUSA H2020 project. The benchmark assessment indicates that the HYDROUSA system achieves a 75% increase of water circularity, 76-80% increase of nutrients circularity and 14% reduction of operational `carbon footprint compared to the baseline scenario. The dynamic assessment highlights that additional measures can improve the system's circularity performance (e.g. water circularity can reach 94%) and mitigate risks occurring from uncontrollable changes.

Keywords: Circular economy indicators; Multi-sectoral water circularity assessment; Nature-based solutions; Sustainable development goals; Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus.

MeSH terms

Ecosystem*
Food
Water*

Substances

Water