{"id":6876,"date":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/articles\/to-save-energy-we-must-also-save-water\/"},"modified":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2013-11-01T00:00:00","slug":"to-save-energy-we-must-also-save-water","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/articles\/to-save-energy-we-must-also-save-water\/","title":{"rendered":"To Save Energy We Must Also Save Water"},"content":{"rendered":"

The connection between
\nenergy and water, often referred to as the “energy-water nexus,” is collecting
\nattention from business leaders, policy makers, and citizens alike. In short,
\nthis term refers to the close link between water and energy. Water is used in
\nnearly every aspect of energy production. Saving energy will save water, and
\nsaving water will save energy. When we consider that the demand for electricity
\nis expected to increase significantly in coming decades, it is clear that water
\nconsumption will also increase. This links adequate water supply directly to
\nthe energy security of our country. Clean energy technologies such as biofuels
\nand carbon sequestration actually require large amounts of water to produce; so
\nwhile they cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, they may actually contribute
\nto water pollution and waste. Wind and solar power are the cleanest energy
\nsources in terms of both water and carbon emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Electricity,
\nin particular, has a significant impact on our water supply. Fossil fuel
\ngeneration, nuclear power, and hydroelectricity all consume large amounts of
\nfresh water. It is estimated that fossil fuel generation alone represents about
\n39% of all fresh water withdrawals in the United States, which equals about 136
\nbillion gallons of water per day. When you do the math, it turns out that every
\nsingle kWh of electricity uses about 40 gallons of fresh water. Water is also
\nused intensively for extracting the fuels that generate our electricity. Coal,
\noil, and natural gas all require a significant water supply to acquire and, in
\nmost cases, contribute to fresh water pollution. Hydraulic fracturing, or
\n“fracking,” is one of the most controversial topics currently circulating in
\nthe energy sector. It is a hot topic because chemicals are mixed with water and
\ninjected into rock to release gas or oil. There is still debate over whether or
\nnot this practice seriously contributes to pollution of the water table.<\/span><\/p>\n

On
\nthe other hand, clean water has a sizeable footprint when it comes to
\nelectricity. Electric power is used to treat and pump water supply to homes and
\nbusinesses. In fact, the water industry consumes about 100 million MWH of
\nelectricity per year. This is equal to about 4% of all generated power, and
\nmost of that energy is used by water pumps. The interconnection between water
\nand energy means that conserving one will help conserve the other. By becoming
\nmore energy efficient, we become more water efficient, and vice versa.<\/span><\/p>\n

As
\nenergy efficiency and smart grid initiatives are more commonly adopted across
\nthe world, similar solutions to the problem of water efficiency may follow
\nsuit. The fact is that electricity demand in the United States is rising,
\nespecially in regions typically strained for water supplies, such as the
\nMidwest, which experienced serious drought last year. This means water supplies
\nwill need to be conserved as much as possible going forward and one way to help
\nthis happen is to become more energy-efficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nenergy-water nexus reminds us that our resources are not isolated. We often do
\nnot remember how reliant we are on a good water supply. Water and energy also
\nboth contribute to the operating expenses of business and industry. Enacting
\nenergy conservation methods in these sectors not only conserves resources, but
\ncan save money as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

SIDEBAR<\/u><\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

Insulation’s Importance in
\nthe Energy-Water Nexus<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

The
\nenergy-water nexus refers to the inextricable link between water and energy,
\ndue to the fact that water is used to obtain and produce energy, and energy is
\nexpended in the delivery of water. Insulation is so often mentioned in
\nenergy-water nexus discussions because it offers the opportunity to conserve
\nthese valuable resources. According to the National Institute of Building
\nSciences (NIBS) “more, not less, insulation?” is essential to enhance the
\nlong-term performance of building systems. Studies indicate that pipe
\ninsulation reduces the amount of time needed for water—at the desired temperature—to
\nreach the end user. This conserves water and, in the case of hot water, saves
\nenergy. This leads to lower costs as well as less energy and water waste; it is
\na simple technology that can lead to immense savings. Policy makers and
\nbusiness leaders are taking note of energy-water nexus issues, and upcoming
\nbuilding codes and plans are likely to reflect updates to conserve energy and
\nwater. This may present increased opportunities for insulation professionals as
\nbuilding plans include the use of more insulation. Buildings with better
\ninsulation systems not only provide tremendous financial savings for building
\nowners and tenants, they can also reduce environmental impact by increasing
\nefficiency. Insulation has the potential to help solve these energy, financial,
\nand environmental issues—a fact that will continue to garner attention and
\nconcrete benefits for those in the industry.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The connection between energy and water, often referred to as the “energy-water nexus,” is collecting attention from business leaders, policy makers, and citizens alike. In short, this term refers to the close link between water and energy. Water is used in nearly every aspect of energy production. Saving energy will save water, and saving water<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":[],"featured_media":0,"template":"","categories":[29,28],"class_list":["post-6876","articles","type-articles","status-publish","hentry","category-environmental-control","category-energy-savings"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTo Save Energy We Must Also Save Water - Insulation Outlook Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/articles\/to-save-energy-we-must-also-save-water\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"To Save Energy We Must Also Save Water\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The connection between energy and water, often referred to as the “energy-water nexus,” is collecting attention from business leaders, policy makers, and citizens alike. 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