System Dynamics-based Carbon Footprint Assessment of Industrial Water and Energy Use

Investigating links between water, energy, and carbon emissions requires more attention on the path toward economic prosperity. This study aims to develop a framework for modeling water-energy-carbon interdependencies by considering the nonlinear relationships in their dynamic feedback processes. The main contribution of this research is the quantification of the carbon footprint of industrial water use through the development of an Industrial Water-Energy-Carbon (I-WEC) nexus model. It is a system dynamics model that is developed with a scenario-driven framework. The GDP as a representative of economic growth is assessed. The proposed methodology is tested on the Netherlands' industrial sector as a pilot due to the relatively good data structure. Based on policy-based complementary scenarios, the results show a 3% increase in total water use by 2030. Energy use and carbon emissions will fall as much as 10% and 25% that year, respectively. It is concluded that the industrial GDP share could be maintained with a 0.76% loss, which is close to the 0.5% loss projected by authorities. This study presents a unique approach that can be used in other regions.