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

Abstract Investigating links between water, energy, and carbon emissions require more attention on the path towards 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 industrial water use carbon footprint through the development of an Industrial Water-Energy-Carbon (I-WEC) nexus model. The I-WEC model has a scenario-driven approach. 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. The results, based on policy-based complementary scenarios, show a 3% increase in total water use by 2030. The energy use and carbon emissions will fall as much as 10% and 25% in that year, respectively. The industrial GDP share could be maintained with a 0.76% loss that is close to the 0.5% loss that was projected by authorities. This study presents a unique approach that can be used in the other regions.