Water conservation in shopping centers: analysis of the perceptions of the actors involved in projects and management, using the analytical hierarchy process

ABSTRACT

Urban areas seek new water service options, to ensure the supply. The academic literature deals with the thought that the water crisis is related to urban growth; however, the predominant factor is the increased consumption, regardless of population growth, as behavioral factors should be reviewed based on simple daily habits. Entrepreneurs do not focus only on economic issues or on top of environmental discussion, as well ensuring autonomy, as water insecurity is increasingly growing. Enterprises such as shopping malls may consume water volumes equivalent to the consumption of 5,000 people. In order to know the perceptions of the actors involved in the design and management of shopping malls, this work used the AHP method, with the application of questionnaires and combined results. Resulting data demonstrate that the knowledge of those involved does not always correspond to the concepts of water conservation and a better synergy between science and the market should be more forthcoming.

Keywords:
water conservation; shopping malls; sustainable buildings; alternative sources of water; Analytical Hierarchy Process method; sustainability; reuse