Water

Water

One of the natural resources most affected by rapid population grow and urbanisation is water. Water is a key driver of economic and social development while it also has a basic function in maintaining the integrity of the natural environment. Cities are dependent on water, because water plays an essential role for their development and operations. Sustainable urban water management should be based on holistic approach considering all aspects of water governance and interlinkages between water conservation and efficiency, water supply, wastewater treatment and stormwater handling.

UBC SCC supports cities in addressing sustainability aspects of water resources management as influenced by climate change, population and economic growth and impacts on ground and surface water quality and quantity by development of strategies and solutions for clean water supply, efficient wastewater treatment and smart stormwater handling. In particular for the latter, UBC SCC promotes the integrated approach, involving a broad array of actors from policy-making and practice into the multilevel dialogue. Integrated Stormwater Management system is seen crucial to apply to ensure sustainable water management system.

Water is one of the core topics followed through the Green City Accord movement, which encourages the acceleration of implementing relevant EU environmental laws. UBC has a supporter status in the Green City Accord and encourages its member cities to join the initiative. One of five core topics for the UBC Sustainability Action Programme 2030 is developing water-smart cities.