| Title |
An Economical Analysis of the Rainwater Harvesting(RWH) System at the S Residential and Commercial Complex |
| Authors |
Mun Jung-Soo ; Han Moo-Young |
| Keywords |
Rainwater ; Rainwater Harvesting System ; Economical Analysis ; Benefit to Cost Ratio |
| Abstract |
The existing hydrological infrastructure of most cities is vulnerable to the effects of climate change (CC), urbanization and the energy crisis. As such, a rainwater harvesting (RWH) system, which is one of the decentralized rainwater management (DRM) mechanisms, is likely to play an important role in complementing the existing centralized urban hydrological infrastructure. In that regard, as economic efficiency has become one of the main obstacles to the promotion of RWH systems, this study will introduce the rainwater management project of the S residential and commercial complex as a model DRM system while performing an economical analysis thereof. When only the benefits to the user are considered, the benefit-to-cost ratio (B/CR) and payback period are calculated as 2.2 over analysis periods of 35 years and as 15 years, respectively. However, when the benefits to both the user and the public are considered, the B/CR is increased to 2.5, while the payback period is reduced to 13 years. This study reveals that the benefits from rainwater use can be enhanced by raising the price of the water to meet production costs; increasing the rainwater utilization rate; and adding the quantitative analysis of various social benefits. Furthermore, costs also can be reduced by incentive programs, as well as the establishment of mass production of facilities and regulatory guidelines. |