Work

Understanding water-energy-carbon nexus in English and Welsh water industry by assessing eco-productivity of water companies

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding the water-energy-carbon nexus in water supply is essential for water regulators and utilities. This study employs a non-radial Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to assess eco-productivity (ecoP) change, a synthetic indicator that integrates carbon emissions, energy costs, and water delivered. It also evaluates its components—eco-efficiency change and eco-technological change—across water companies in England and Wales from 2011 to 2018. The analysis reveals an annual improvement in ecoP of 1.1%, driven by a 2.1% gain in eco-efficiency but offset by a 1.0% decline in technological advancement. The reduction in GHG emissions emerged as the most significant positive contributor, enhancing ecoP by 3.22% annually, while energy costs detracted ecoP by –0.09%. The results underscore the negative impacts of increased water delivery (–1.74%) and the number of connected properties (–1.27%) on ecoP, highlighting the need for demand management policies.

Source: npj Clean Water

DOI: 10.1038/s41545-024-00420-8

Authors: Alexandros Maziotis, Ramon Sala-Garrido, Manuel Mocholi-Arce, Maria Molinos-Senante

Institutions: New York College, Universitat de València, Universidad de Valladolid

Language: English

Topic: Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,590