Abstract

EcoWater will address the development of meso-level eco-efficiency indicators for technology assessment through a systems' approach. The effort will focus on enhancing the understanding of the interrelations of innovative technology uptake in water use systems, and their economic and environmental impacts. Research will address the selection of indicators appropriate for assessing system-wide eco-efficiency improvements, the integration of existing tools and assessment methods in a coherent modelling environment, and the analysis and characterisation of existing structures and policies. The development of an analytical framework is foreseen, to support: (i) Systemic environmental impact assessments, (ii) Economic assessments, (iii) Analysis of value chains and actor interactions, and (iv) Technology implementation and uptake scenarios. Eight Case Studies will be developed, in different systems and sectors of high economic relevance and environmental impact, addressing water use in agricultural, urban and industrial sectors. Two Case Studies will focus on shifts from rainfed to irrigated agriculture and innovations that can reduce water and energy footprints and production inputs. Two Case Studies will address sustainable and economically efficient water supply and wastewater management in urban areas. Four Case Studies will concern meso-level eco-efficiency improvements from innovative technologies in water systems for the textile industry, for energy production, for dairy production and in the automotive industry. The main outputs include a validated and tested methodological framework, an integrated toolbox for systems' eco-efficiency analysis, and policy recommendations for technology uptake and implementation. For ensuring wide dissemination and applicability, the project foresees activities to address different target audiences and to develop operational science-industry-policy links at the level of Case Studies and at wider EU and international scale.