Development of a novel water efficiency sustainability index framework for analysis and monitoring of water efficiency in schools

Climate change, urbanization and increasing water demand cause serious pressure on water resources. Efficient use of water, planning and sustainable implementation of water efficiency practices are quite important for sustainable water management. The aim of this study is to develop a novel water efficiency sustainability index framework for evaluating and monitoring water efficiency practices in schools. A total of 123 components were defined under the sub-sustainability indexes of Education and Capacity Development (EKG-index) (47 components), Water Consumption Analysis and Monitoring (STA-index) (50) and Audit, Control and Maintenance (DKB-index) (26). The weights of indices and components were determined by the best worst method. The highest weight was calculated as 0.394 for EKG. The weights of the DKB and STA indices were 0.307 and 0.299, respectively. The scores of components were obtained from 35 schools based on field data. The highest and lowest OSVS index scores were obtained as 3.90 and 2.14, respectively. In pilot schools, the scores of the DKB sub-index were higher than those of the EKG and STA indices. This comprehensive framework for water efficiency with a hierarchical calculation methodology is the novelty of this study. This framework will make significant contributions to monitoring water efficiency in schools.