A sustainability rating system for wastewater treatment systems

The process of planning and selection of technologies for getting a sustainable rating system for wastewater treatment, are discussed. Conventional centralized wastewater collection and treatment systems used in densely populated areas are energy intensive and may contribute to the discharge of greenhouse gases. The methods used to apply sustainability principles to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are generally decision analysis techniques using economic, social, environmental and technical criteria, which are developed with the clients and stakeholders. The idea of a sustainable rating system is inspired by the 'leadership in energy and environmental design' (LEED&reg) Green Building Rating Systems developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), which provides national standards for 'green building'. The development and testing of the rating systems can help communities and designers understand the value of sustainability goals and evaluates ways to offset impact.