Page 64 - Connecting cities and communities with the Sustainable Development Goals

United for Smart Sustainable Cities
Connecting cities and communities with the Sustainable Development Goals

1 Introduction

1.1 Background
In line with the “Europe 2020” strategy, the European Commission proposed different actions to create a
“resource-efficient” Europe and promote awareness on the sustainable use of water resources. In the recent
37
publication by the European Commission (EC) “A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources” , the
authors clearly recommended the adoption of water-efficiency measures such as pricing policies, which can
result in reducing water consumption, as well as saving energy. In particular, they point out that pricing is a
powerful awareness-raising tool for consumers and combines economic benefits with environmental
aspects, while at the same time stimulating innovation.

1.2 Challenge and response
Studies and tests have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of water demand management (WDM)
policies and determine the role of consumers in it. The key findings showed that savings achieved from WDM
policies can benefit the entire water and wastewater system. However, smart meters may not be effective
unless consumers’ habits or attitudes can be also changed. Combining real-time data derived from social
media and phone applications with information on the socio-demographic and psychosocial profile of the
consumers, can provide the basis to determine target water policy approaches including flexible and accurate
pricing schemes, while educating citizens on their water consumption.

2 The project

2.1 Vision and content

The mission of the SmartH2O project is to develop an ICT platform (as shown in Figure 6-1) to:
ƒ understand and influence consumers’ behaviour, based on historical and real-time water usage data;
ƒ determine how consumer behaviour can be influenced by various WDM policies: water-saving
campaigns, social-awareness campaigns and dynamic water-pricing schemes;
ƒ raise the awareness of water consumers on their current water-usage habits and implications and to
encourage them to decrease their water use.
The SmartH2O platform will enable water managers to close the loop between actual water consumption
levels and desired targets, using information about how consumers adapt their behaviour to new situations:
new regulations, new water prices and appeals to water savings. This feedback will allow WDM polices to be
aptly revised, enabling water and energy-saving goals to be maximised. The SmartH2O project also caters to
38
SDG 6 as it promotes the sustainable consumption of water.

37 EC (European Commission). A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe´s Water Resources. Communication from the
Commission to the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions [COM (2012) 673 final (14.11.2012)]. 2012. Brussels, European Commission.
38 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

58 U4SSC series