Project Details

Technical study on RWHS: opportunities and challenges in industrial sector

Bangladesh is facing more challenges around water security than ever before due to increasing demand by the growing population as well as climate impact, inappropriate land use and waste management. Rapid growth of the industrial hubs in Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh is also imposing substantial pressures on the environment. Most of the industries, especially the textile and leather sectors, are heavily reliant on high water consumption. This leads to depleting groundwater levels and worsening of surface water quality. 

The general benefits of rainwater harvesting for industries are well known. However, there is a lack of credible evidence, including detailed financial/economic analysis, to stimulate the private sector to adopt rainwater harvesting. The opportunities and challenges for rainwater harvesting should therefore be assessed for strategic water planning in the industrial sector.

The key objective of this assignment is to generate meaningful knowledge on rainwater uptake prospects, constraints and way forward in the apparel sector. In collaboration with Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, this study will aim to underpin the chronological development of RWH in Bangladesh with a full and comprehensive assessment of its impact and potential. Specific objectives are:

 To analyse impacts and challenges of existing RWHS in apparel industries (small, medium and large)

 To assess potential of RWHS in industries without RWHS

 To conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis of RWHS uptake for apparel industries using relevant metrics including Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

 To develop a costed business plan for RWHS uptake, including operations and maintenance

 To conduct carbon auditing of business-as-usual water usage and estimate the level of reduced emissions after adopting RWHS

Furthermore, the following key analysis will be integral part of the study:

 a life-cycle cost-benefit analysis approach for Rainwater harvesting

 social and environmental benefits in monetary terms in the calculation;

 develop a decision support tool (with Economic,