WaLA, a versatile model for the life cycle assessment of urban water systems: Formalism and framework for a modular approach. (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Loubet, Philippe; Roux, Philippe; Bellon-Maurel, Véronique
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 88(2016)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: LCA -- Modeling -- Urban water system -- Object oriented programming; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.09.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: The emphasis on the sustainable urban water management has increased over the last decades. In this context decision makers need tools to measure and improve the environmental performance of urban water systems (UWS) and their related scenarios. In this paper, we propose a versatile model, named WaLA (Water system Life cycle Assessment), which reduces the complexity of the UWS while ensuring a good representation of water issues and fulfilling life cycle assessment (LCA) requirements. Indeed, LCAs require building UWS models, which can be tedious if several scenarios are to be compared. The WaLA model is based on a framework that uses a "generic component" representing alternately water technology units and water users, with their associated water flows, and the associated impacts due to water deprivation, emissions, operation and infrastructure. UWS scenarios can be built by inter-operating and connecting the technologies and users components in a modular and integrated way. The model calculates life cycle impacts at a monthly temporal resolution for a set of services provided to users, as defined by the scenario. It also provides the ratio of impacts to amount of services provided and useful information for UWS diagnosis or comparison of different scenarios. The model is implemented in a Matlab/Simulink interface thanks to object-oriented programming. The applicability of the model is demonstrated using a virtual case study based on available life cycle inventory data. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A versatile model is developed for the life cycle assessment of urban water systems. The modeling tool adopts a modular approach to build scenario in an interactive way. It includes water technologies, water users and water resources. Life cycle impacts of the urban water system are calculated with a focus on water. The model is implemented in Simulink/Matlab and tested on a virtual case.