Green Infrastructure Approaches in Watershed Planning: The Review

Abstract

The 2024 UNESCO assessment predicts that half of the world\'s population would face water scarcity by 2050. Currently, 3.5 billion people lack basic sanitary facilities, and 2.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water. Over 1.4 billion people have experienced droughts since 2002, and as a result of climate change, the frequency and severity of water shortages are expected to increase. It is predicted that the number of urban dwellers experiencing water shortage will quadruple by 2050, further taxing both natural habitats and cities. In addition to restricting access to energy, these water constraints are contributing to a rise in food insecurity. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the ongoing global energy emergency, which has caused fuel prices to soar to record levels, pushing millions into poverty. Addressing these challenges requires holistic solutions, such as effective efficient water management techniques like rainfall collection and groundwater restoration, coupled with a transition to renewable energy sources. This study explores how these combined approaches can enhance resilience, ensuring reliable access to water and energy for vulnerable populations.

Introduction

I. Context and Importance

The world is facing critical water scarcity and energy insecurity:

• By 2030, there will be a 40% global water demand-supply gap.

• By 2050, energy demand will rise by 50%, largely due to urbanization.

Urban areas:

• Consume 70% of global energy

• Contribute heavily to GHG emissions

To combat this, green building strategies—like rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient designs, and eco-materials—are becoming essential for sustainable development. These solutions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 6: Clean Water

• SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities

• SDG 13: Climate Action

Green building rating systems (e.g., LEED, IGBC) support this by encouraging water and energy efficiency.

II. Techniques for a Water-Self-Sufficient Home

A. Permeable Pavements

• Allow rainwater infiltration, reducing urban runoff and recharging groundwater.

B. Swales & Bioretention (Rain Gardens)

• Shallow, vegetated channels filter and absorb runoff, reducing flood risk and pollution.

C. Cavity Walls with Rainwater Collection

• Conceal rainwater pipes aesthetically within wall cavities, collecting roof runoff into storage tanks.

D. Green Roofs with Modular Retention

• Vegetated roofs store and purify rainwater; aid building insulation and air quality.

E. Greywater Reuse

• Greywater (from laundry, showers, etc.) is treated for reuse in irrigation, flushing, and cleaning.

• Systems like DEWATS (Decentralized Wastewater Treatment) use biological treatment and wetlands.

  • Up to 80% of household water (~58,400 liters/year/person) can be reused.

F. Raintap

• A gravity-powered, electricity-free rainwater filter with a 130-micron mesh.

• Easy to maintain, fits most rooftops, and has 25,000+ global installations.

III. Achieving Home Energy Independence with Hybrid Systems

Hybrid Solar-Wind Systems:

• Solar panels (5kW) can produce 20–25 kWh/day.

• Wind turbines (1.5 kW) can add 4–10 kWh/day depending on wind.

• Combined, a hybrid setup can yield 34 kWh/day, enough for most households (15–30 kWh/day usage).

• Provides consistent, renewable energy—reducing grid reliance and carbon footprint.

Conclusion

These advancements offer not only practical and affordable solutions but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable and inclusive future. By taking collective action and widely implementing these approaches, we can create self-sustaining, eco-friendly homes that support the global mission of realizing the United Nations\' Sustainable Development Goals.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Yashaswini N M, Pragathi B, Revathi M, Gowtham Prasad M E. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.