Urban water‐cycle energy use and greenhouse gas emissions

The water–energy nexus has motivated water industry professionals to maintain water performance goals with less energy input and fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article investigates protocols, methodologies, and tools for energy and GHG emissions control and tracking that are adaptable to or specifically developed for use within the urban water cycle. Although many operational energy‐minimization strategies are available, real‐time or near real‐time tools for monitoring and reporting of energy use and GHG emissions are not yet widely developed for the water sector. Additional study is warranted to obtain a better understanding of process‐specific emission factors and real‐time measurement and control of activity levels associated with emissions. It may also be beneficial for the water industry to consider a continually updated compendium of GHG emission‐estimation methodologies.