Webinar – Demand Management for Urban Water Security: A Practical Approach

In 1956, Doris Stenton published The English Woman in History. According to her, the Norman Conquest of 1066 ended the egalitarian social status of Anglo-Saxon women and ‘introduced into England a military society’ that made women ‘essentially unimportant’ (p. 348).

Date: 20 March 2024
Time: 13:00 SAST

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Abstract:

This webinar presents an in-depth exploration of the various economic and regulatory tools, along with technological innovations, that are pivotal in forging water-secure cities. Participants will be treated to a detailed series of case studies spanning global cities, each showcasing distinct water conservation strategies. Key topics will include the implementation of tiered water pricing systems to promote conservation efforts, the adoption of full-cost recovery principles to ensure the financial viability of water services, and the deployment of incentives aimed at encouraging the uptake of water-saving technologies.

The session will also analyse the critical role of mandatory water efficiency standards, which have been instrumental in the broad-based adoption of water-efficient fixtures and methodologies. Attention will be given to industry-specific water efficiency initiatives and the incorporation of water conservation principles into green building certifications.

An interactive Q&A segment is designed to encourage a lively exchange of ideas, providing an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding, seek personalized advice, and contribute their perspectives.

Biography:

Robert C. Brears is the founder of Our Future Water, an initiative focused on sustainable water resource management. He has authored fourteen books, including Financing Water Security and Green Growth (Oxford University Press), Urban Water Security (Wiley), Blue and Green Cities: The Role of Blue-Green Infrastructure in Managing Urban Water Resources (Palgrave Macmillan), and Nature-based Solutions to 21st Century Challenges (Routledge). Robert is Editor-in-Chief of The Palgrave Handbook of Climate Resilient Societies and The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures, both published by Springer Nature. His role extends to international consulting, where he serves as a sectoral expert on water for the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund and the World Bank, contributing his expertise to global water resource management and sustainability initiatives.