Water will be the 21st century's oil - a much sought-after but dwindling natural resource. The biggest difference: a world without oil is possible; a world without water is not.

While energy and carbon related issues have dominated our efforts to design more sustainably in recent years, there is an equally serious threat being posed by the global water crisis. Droughts and severe water shortages currently affect over one billion people worldwide, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. If we are not already there, we are collectively fast approaching the time of “peak water”, which has deep implications for “peak food” and consequently "peak population" in the generations to come. What we are doing as architects and engineers in our practice must be seen in this context in order for us to make more responsible decisions regarding water, wastewater and stormwater systems on our projects.

This session will begin with a brief introduction to the global water crisis, looking at how our growing worldwide population, the increasing pressures on our limited water supply and our use (and misuse) of water impact our ability to live sustainably. The session will also look at identifying and overcoming the regulatory, behavioral and technological barriers to water reuse & water independence in buildings as we design for the next decade and those to follow.

Guest Speakers

Jason McClennan, 28.2 ARCADE feature editor and LEED AP,
CEO, Cascadia Region Green Building Council

Scott Wolf, partner, Miller|Hull Partnership, LLP

Send us your questions when you RSVP so Jason and Scott may incorporate them into the session.