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Alfred Hans Grunwaldt, Martin Kerres, and Maria Eugenia de la Pena

The objective of this course is to support urban water and sanitation utilities in transitioning to climate-resilient management by reducing their carbon emissions. This course, consisting of 4 modules, addresses the concept of climate change, its impacts, risks, and actions that can be employed for its mitigation, specifically within water and sanitation utilities. In this context, an introduction to climate financing is provided, explaining how companies can secure funding for projects that yield climate-related benefits.

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The objective of this course is to support urban water and sanitation utilities in transitioning to climate-resilient management by reducing their carbon emissions. This course, consisting of 4 modules, addresses the concept of climate change, its impacts, risks, and actions that can be employed for its mitigation, specifically within water and sanitation utilities. In this context, an introduction to climate financing is provided, explaining how companies can secure funding for projects that yield climate-related benefits.

Furthermore, a roadmap is developed, focusing on actions that water and sanitation companies can undertake to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. To assess the carbon footprint, measure energy efficiency, and identify opportunities for performance improvement in the urban water sector, the course introduces the first holistic tool in the sector called ECAM, which stands for Energy Performance and Carbon Emissions Assessment and Monitoring Tool.

Part of] the material was produced by the Water and Wastewater Companies for Climate Mitigation (WaCCliM) project (2013-2022), a joint initiative between GIZ and the International Water Association (IWA). This project was part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), financed by the Federal Government of Germany.

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Syllabus

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This course addresses the process of supporting urban water and sanitation utilities in transitioning to reducing their carbon emissions to contribute to climate change mitigation and to benefit from the impacts of this process. We will explore the five steps of the roadmap to carry out this process, as well as the use of the Energy and Carbon Performance Assessment and Monitoring (ECAM) tool, which serves, among other things, to assess the carbon footprint and measure energy efficiency. Finally, we will conclude by addressing climate risks in urban water and sanitation companies, as well as methodologies for their evaluation.
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Module 1: Climate Change in the Urban Water Sector
In this introductory module of the course, we will delve into fundamental concepts such as climate change. Additionally, we will examine the ways in which water and sanitation companies both influence and are affected by this phenomenon. Finally, we will explore actionable strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
Module 2: Roadmap to a Low-Carbon Urban Water Utility
In this module, we will focus on actions that water and sanitation companies can take to reduce their carbon emissions, following a five-step roadmap.
Module 3: Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fundamentals of Calculating
In this module, we will explore the various greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from water and wastewater utilities in the urban water sector. We will also learn how to utilize the ECAM tool to analyze GHG emissions within these companies, with the aim of identifying opportunities for performance improvement and emissions reduction.
Module 4: Climate Risks in the Water and Sanitation Sector
In this final module of the course, we will study what some of the climate risks are for water and wastewater management through available methodologies to assess them, as well as how they can be reduced.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers relevant and critical information on the relationship between water and sanitation utilities and climate change, including key concepts, impacts, and mitigation strategies
Introduces the ECAM tool, which assists in assessing carbon footprint and measuring energy efficiency, providing practical guidance for performance improvement in the water sector
Provides practical guidance for water and sanitation companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, including a roadmap and specific actions to follow
Helps professionals understand and evaluate climate risks in the urban water and sanitation sector, equipping them with methodologies for risk assessment
Features instructors Alfred Hans Grunwaldt, Martin Kerres, and Maria Eugenia de la Pena, who are recognized experts in water and sanitation management, climate change, and carbon footprint assessment
Developed with input from the Water and Wastewater Companies for Climate Mitigation (WaCCliM) project, an initiative to support water and sanitation utilities in reducing carbon emissions

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Climate Change in Water and Sanitation Utilities with these activities:
Review the Basics of Climate Change
Understanding the basics of climate change will help you better understand the content of the course.
Browse courses on Climate Change
Show steps
  • Read a book or article about climate change
  • Watch a documentary or video about climate change
  • Take a quiz or test on climate change
Review basic concepts of climate change
Reviewing the basic concepts of climate change will help you to better understand the material covered in this course.
Browse courses on Climate Change
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapters on climate change.
  • Watch the online videos on climate change.
  • Take the practice quizzes on climate change.
Review the book 'The Sixth Extinction' by Elizabeth Kolbert
Reading the book 'The Sixth Extinction' will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the history of climate change and the threats it poses to life on Earth.
Show steps
  • Get a copy of the book from your local library or bookstore.
  • Read the book and take notes on the main points.
  • Write a summary of the book and share it with your classmates.
13 other activities
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Attend a workshop on climate change
Attending a workshop on climate change will allow you to learn about the latest research and best practices in the field.
Browse courses on Climate Change
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on climate change that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the discussions.
Join a study group for this course
Joining a study group will allow you to learn from and collaborate with other students taking this course.
Browse courses on Climate Change
Show steps
  • Find a study group that meets your needs.
  • Attend the study group meetings regularly.
  • Participate in the discussions and ask questions.
Calculate greenhouse gas emissions
Practicing calculating greenhouse gas emissions will help you to better understand the concepts of climate change and sustainability.
Browse courses on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Show steps
  • Use the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions from your home.
  • Use the World Resources Institute's CAIT Climate Data Explorer to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions from your country.
  • Use the ECAM tool to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions from your company or organization.
Mentor a student in this course
Mentoring a student in this course will allow you to review the material and reinforce your own understanding of the concepts.
Browse courses on Climate Change
Show steps
  • Find a student who is struggling in this course.
  • Offer to help the student by mentoring them.
  • Meet with the student regularly to help them with their studies.
Calculate Emissions Using the ECAM Tool
Reinforce your understanding of emission calculations by utilizing the ECAM tool to assess greenhouse gas emissions within water and wastewater utilities, identifying opportunities for performance improvement and emissions reduction.
Browse courses on ECAM Tool
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the ECAM tool's interface and functionalities.
  • Gather necessary data related to water and wastewater operations, such as energy consumption and production data.
  • Input the collected data into the ECAM tool and analyze the results.
  • Identify areas of high energy consumption and emissions.
  • Develop and implement strategies to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Contribute to an open-source project on climate change
Contributing to an open-source project on climate change will allow you to learn about the latest research and best practices in the field.
Browse courses on Climate Change
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project on climate change that you are interested in.
  • Join the project and start contributing.
  • Share your work with the other contributors.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculation Practice
Working through the calculations helps reinforce the concepts learned in the course.
Browse courses on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Show steps
  • Find a set of practice problems
  • Work through the problems
  • Review your answers
Climate Risk Assessment Workshop
Engage with peers in a workshop setting to discuss and evaluate climate risks specific to water and sanitation companies, exploring methodologies for assessment and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.
Browse courses on Climate Risk Assessment
Show steps
  • Research and identify common climate risks faced by water and sanitation companies.
  • Participate in peer discussions to share insights and knowledge about climate risk assessment techniques.
  • Apply assessment methodologies to evaluate climate risks for a specific case study.
  • Develop and present recommendations for climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Develop a climate adaptation plan
Developing a climate adaptation plan will help you to better understand the risks of climate change and how to prepare for them.
Browse courses on Climate Adaptation
Show steps
  • Identify the climate risks that your community or organization faces.
  • Develop strategies to adapt to these risks.
  • Implement the adaptation strategies.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adaptation strategies.
Discuss Climate Risks in the Water and Sanitation Sector
Discussing climate risks with peers can help you gain a deeper understanding of the topic and identify new perspectives.
Browse courses on Climate Risks
Show steps
  • Find a study partner or group
  • Choose a specific climate risk to discuss
  • Research the topic and prepare talking points
  • Meet with your partner or group to discuss the topic
Attend a Workshop on Climate Adaptation for Water Utilities
Attending a workshop on climate adaptation can give you the opportunity to learn from experts, network with other professionals, and develop practical strategies for your own organization.
Browse courses on Climate Adaptation
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that is relevant to your interests
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities
  • Follow up with the organizers or speakers after the workshop
Write a Report on the Environmental Impacts of Water and Wastewater Treatment
Writing a report on the environmental impacts of water and wastewater treatment will help you deepen your understanding of the topic and improve your writing skills.
Browse courses on Water Treatment
Show steps
  • Research the environmental impacts of water and wastewater treatment
  • Organize your research into a logical outline
  • Write a draft of your report
  • Revise and edit your report
  • Submit your report
Develop a Climate Adaptation Plan for Your Organization
Creating a climate adaptation plan will help you identify the specific risks that your organization faces and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
Browse courses on Climate Adaptation
Show steps
  • Assess your organization's vulnerability to climate change
  • Identify and prioritize climate risks
  • Develop adaptation strategies
  • Implement your adaptation plan
  • Monitor and evaluate your progress

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change in Water and Sanitation Utilities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant provides guidance and recommendations to organizations on how to minimize their negative impact on the environment. They may also assist in developing and implementing environmental management systems. This course can help you succeed as an Environmental Consultant by educating you on climate change, its impact on water and sanitation utilities, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides you with tools and techniques for assessing and mitigating climate risks.
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives within an organization. They may also track and report on the organization's environmental performance. This course can help you succeed as a Sustainability Manager by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water and sanitation utilities, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to climate risk assessment methodologies.
Climate Change Analyst
A Climate Change Analyst studies the causes and effects of climate change and develops strategies to mitigate its impact. They may also work with organizations to help them adapt to the effects of climate change. This course can help you succeed as a Climate Change Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in climate science, its impact on water and sanitation utilities, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, waste management, and climate change. They may also work on projects related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. This course can help you succeed as an Environmental Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on the environment, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Water Resources Engineer
A Water Resources Engineer designs and manages water resources systems, such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and flood control systems. They may also work on projects related to water quality, water conservation, and climate change adaptation. This course can help you succeed as a Water Resources Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water resources systems, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Water Quality Scientist
A Water Quality Scientist studies the quality of water and develops strategies to protect and improve it. They may also work on projects related to water pollution, water treatment, and water conservation. This course can help you succeed as a Water Quality Scientist by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water quality, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Sanitary Engineer
A Sanitary Engineer designs and manages water and wastewater treatment systems. They may also work on projects related to public health, environmental protection, and water conservation. This course can help you succeed as a Sanitary Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water and sanitation systems, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Climate Adaptation Specialist
A Climate Adaptation Specialist helps organizations and communities adapt to the effects of climate change. They may develop and implement adaptation plans, conduct vulnerability assessments, and provide technical assistance. This course can help you succeed as a Climate Adaptation Specialist by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on communities and ecosystems, and strategies for adapting to its effects. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Environmental Policy Analyst
An Environmental Policy Analyst develops and analyzes environmental policies and regulations. They may also work on projects related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This course can help you succeed as an Environmental Policy Analyst by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on the environment and society, and strategies for addressing its challenges. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Waste Management Engineer
A Waste Management Engineer designs and manages waste disposal and recycling systems. They may also work on projects related to waste reduction, waste-to-energy, and climate change mitigation. This course can help you succeed as a Waste Management Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on waste generation and disposal, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations and businesses improve their sustainability performance. They may develop and implement sustainability strategies, conduct sustainability assessments, and provide training and education. This course can help you succeed as a Sustainability Consultant by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on organizations and businesses, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Renewable Energy Engineer
A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and implements solutions to generate energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. They may also work on projects related to energy storage and climate change mitigation. This course can help you succeed as a Renewable Energy Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on energy production, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Energy Efficiency Engineer
An Energy Efficiency Engineer designs and implements solutions to improve energy efficiency in buildings, homes, and businesses. They may also work on projects related to renewable energy, energy storage, and climate change mitigation. This course can help you succeed as an Energy Efficiency Engineer by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on energy consumption, and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also introduces you to tools and techniques for assessing climate risks.
Water Resources Planner
A Water Resources Planner develops and implements plans for the use and management of water resources. They may also work on projects related to water supply, water conservation, and climate change adaptation. This course may help you succeed as a Water Resources Planner by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impact on water resources, and strategies for adapting to its effects.
Climate Scientist
A Climate Scientist studies the causes and effects of climate change. They may also work on projects related to climate modeling, climate projections, and climate change impacts. This course may help you succeed as a Climate Scientist by providing you with a strong foundation in climate science, its impact on the environment and society, and strategies for addressing its challenges.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Climate Change in Water and Sanitation Utilities.
A comprehensive report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that provides a detailed scientific assessment of climate change impacts on water resources, including projections and future trends.
A practical guide for local governments and water utilities to develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for their water systems.
A comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on water resources, including water scarcity and quality. Provides projections of future impacts and offers adaptation strategies.
A comprehensive textbook on urban water management that provides a systems-based approach to understanding and managing water resources in urban environments.
Provides guidance on how to make water and sanitation systems more resilient to climate change. Covers topics such as risk assessment, adaptation planning, and financing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of water and sanitation safety planning. Covers topics such as risk assessment, risk management, and monitoring.
Provides guidance on how to finance climate change adaptation in the water sector. Covers topics such as funding mechanisms, project preparation, and risk management.
Provides practical guidance on how to improve energy efficiency in water and wastewater systems. Covers topics such as energy audits, energy-saving technologies, and financing.

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