Anuario Brasileiro do Cobre | Brazilian Copper Yearbook 2020

2020 Anuário Brasileiro do Cobre Brazilian Copper Yearbook 36 How copper use can reduce water usage and guarantee energy saving N owadays, high water consumption is one of the main environmental concerns. In developed countries, the industries use 40% of the available clean water in their operations. The necessary renovation of the infrastructure of the water supply system, due to the equipment obsolescence, increases the global cost of water. The prices of water distribution services have risen and exceeded the consumer price index since the early 2000s, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the benefits of water usage reduction in buildings is the decrease of costs due to its characteristics of storage, heating and displacement. Places with low flow installations and efficient water systems also contribute to the economy. Being recyclable and not allowing potentially dangerous contaminants to permeate through or oxidate the tube walls, copper makes water treatment safer. Therefore, due to these properties, it is the metal chosen in nearly 80% of the services for water supply systems. The copper’s characteristics make its utilization extremely attractive for the automation processes inside buildings, such as no-touch faucets. It is present at water treatment systems, closed loop technologies or air refrigeration. Heat exchangers also use copper to reduce water usage and reclaim heat energy, which would otherwise be lost to the heat transfers. Measuring water consumption at installations is essential to reduce the usage. For that, it is necessary to use water counters and plumbing system controls, that require copper alloys in its composition. Another important point is the usage of equipment that uses less water and helps the consumption measurement in new and renovated commercial buildings. The future brings a perspective that the Sustainable Communities, through design and technology, will improve the processes that optimize water use. Being the metal with the highest electrical conductivity, copper is ideal for wire and cable composition as it provides the highest rate of energy efficiency. This generates cost savings and contributes to the preservation of the environment. MEIO AMBIENTE ENVIRONMENT