Where Water Neutrality Applies

Water neutrality applies across several contexts, making it a versatile approach to sustainable water management. It is especially relevant to new housing developments, existing infrastructure retrofitting, and non-domestic buildings.

Applications in Development

• Housing Projects: Water neutrality is crucial for large-scale developments, such as the OxCam Arc, where high growth potential intersects with water stress. Policies like Dartford Borough Council’s Water Management Policy have demonstrated the importance of incorporating water-saving measures into local planning.

• Non-Domestic Buildings: Commercial buildings, such as supermarkets, have successfully implemented water reuse systems. For example, Sainsbury’s stores have achieved water neutrality through rainwater harvesting and offsetting, saving millions of litres annually.

  
  

Regional Focus

In water-stressed regions like southeast England, neutrality measures have become increasingly important. The Greater Brighton pilot project illustrates a practical example of implementing water neutrality by requiring developers to contribute to offsetting costs.

Sectoral Applications

Beyond housing, industries like cement manufacturing in India and the technology sector in Silicon Valley have adopted water neutrality practices to improve resilience and sustainability. Microsoft’s Silicon Valley campus is a prime example, showcasing innovations in water reuse and efficiency.