Net Zero Energy
Net Zero Water processing involves innovative systems that treat and recycle grey water (from showers, sinks, and laundry) and black water (toilet waste) on-site, reducing the need for external water supplies and minimizing waste output. Grey water is typically filtered and treated using biological agents or mechanical systems to remove impurities, making it suitable for irrigation or flushing toilets.
Black water treatment, on the other hand, is more complex due to its contamination levels and often involves multi-stage processes including sedimentation, composting, and biological digestion.
An example of an advanced black water treatment method uses vermiculture, or worms, to break down and compost organic waste. In such systems, worms are introduced into composting toilets or dedicated vermifiltration units where they consume and break down fecal matter, reducing pathogens and transforming the waste into nutrient-rich compost. This compost can then be safely used in non-edible landscaping or agricultural applications, completing the cycle of waste to resource. Vermiculture exemplifies a low-energy, efficient method for on-site black water treatment, contributing to the sustainability goals of Net Zero Water systems by recycling waste in an eco-friendly manner.
