From liability to asset: How water reuse is transforming property economics (Urban Land Institute)
For centuries, buildings have relied on a linear “use once and discard” water model that is now failing under the pressure of climate change, urban growth, and aging infrastructure. Rising water costs, supply constraints, and overburdened sewer systems are pushing developers to rethink how they manage water, with many turning to onsite water reuse. These systems allow buildings to capture, treat, and recycle water locally, cutting costs, reducing strain on city infrastructure, and increasing property value while meeting growing regulatory and tenant demands for sustainability. As cities tighten mandates and investors favor resilient assets, water-smart buildings are emerging as the next frontier in sustainable real estate, transforming water from a passive expense into a strategic advantage.
