Tackling Water Scarcity: Portugal’s AQUA+ Revolution in Building Efficiency

In an era marked by climate change, severe droughts, and increasing water scarcity, finding solutions for more efficient water use is critical. With buildings consuming between 30-50% of water resources, improving their water efficiency offers significant potential savings and environmental benefits.

The Portuguese Energy Agency (ADENE) has introduced AQUA+®, a voluntary Water Rating for Buildings scheme. It aims to address the pressing need for water efficiency, providing a straightforward yet thorough evaluation of water use in buildings. The AQUA+ tool not only assesses water usage but also highlights opportunities for improvements, such as reusing water, cutting energy costs, and minimising waste.

Innovative Approach, Tested Methodology

What sets AQUA+ apart is its pioneering methodology, developed with input from scientific and technological organisations, as well as key industry stakeholders. This approach, though innovative, is rooted in a practical framework that has been validated through pilot projects across Portugal. These pilots, involving households, hotels, and office buildings, ensure that the methodology works effectively in different real-world environments.

Since its launch, AQUA+ has expanded to include not just residential properties but also hotels and office buildings. With over 785 certifications already issued, the project has identified measures that could lead to an estimated 19 million litres of water savings.

An Evolving Approach to Water Management

AQUA+ isn’t just about measuring water use; it aims to shift the focus from traditional supply-side management to a demand-based model. This means encouraging buildings to actively manage their water consumption more efficiently, particularly important in regions like the Algarve, where water resources are under constant pressure.

While the programme has had some successes, such as training over 300 technicians and qualifying 98 auditors to carry out assessments, the challenges remain substantial. Water efficiency in buildings is a complex issue, and achieving widespread adoption will require continued effort and investment.

Integration into Public Policy

AQUA+ has begun making its way into public policy discussions, featuring in documents like the Portuguese Long-Term Strategy for Building Renovation and the Regional Water Efficiency Plan for the Algarve. These endorsements signal growing recognition of water efficiency as a critical aspect of sustainable building design. However, integrating AQUA+ into mandatory regulations remains a work in progress.

The long-term vision for AQUA+ is to complement existing energy audits within the Portuguese building certification system. By aligning water and energy efficiency, the scheme hopes to set a standard for sustainable building practices, ensuring that new constructions adopt better water management solutions from the outset.

A Step in the Right Direction, but More Work to Be Done

While AQUA+ presents a promising approach to improving water efficiency in buildings, its success depends on broader uptake and the willingness of stakeholders to invest in water-saving technologies. As climate change continues to challenge water availability, tools like AQUA+ offer part of the solution, but they are not a cure-all. Collaboration between public authorities, the private sector, and building owners will be key to driving further progress.

In a world where water scarcity is becoming increasingly urgent, AQUA+ is a step towards more responsible and sustainable water management. However, the road ahead requires not only innovation but also commitment to long-term water conservation efforts.

#WaterWiseEU campaign 

This story has been submitted by a partner of the #WaterWiseEU campaign. The EU-wide campaign focuses on water resilience, aiming to change the way we see, use and value water. Find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved.