Quantifying Water Footprint: A Study on the Academic and Administrative Personnel at Konya Technical University

Abstract

This study endeavours to quantify the water footprint of academic and administrative personnel at Konya Technical University. Water footprint assessment, a critical metric for evaluating human impact on water resources, is increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of sustainable resource management. The research involves surveying participants on their water consumption habits, particularly focusing on preferences related to food and sugar intake. Preliminary findings indicate diverse responses in terms of food preference, with a majority favouring low intake. Likewise, the survey reveals varying patterns in sugar and sweets consumption, shedding light on the frequency and extent of such practices. By systematically analysing the water footprint within the university community, this study contributes to a broader understanding of water resource utilization and offers insights for sustainable practices in academic and administrative settings. The study aimed to determine the water footprint of the campus in relation to personal consumption behaviours by asking the questions in the "Water Footprint Network (WFN)" to a total of 476 people at the campus, including both the academic and administrative staff. According to the WFN, the average water footprint of the staff was determined as 1694 m3/year.