Design and modeling of an on-site greywater treatment system for a hotel building

Purpose: As the United States is making a significant move toward rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change, there is a high demand for sustainable solutions across various industries, including construction and hospitality sectors. The aim of this project was to design and model an on-site greywater treatment system for a hotel building for the effective reuse of sewage water. The study considered Los Angeles, California, as a case study location and referred to respective climate conditions and construction standards. Design/methodology/approach: This study considered various options of greywater treatment plants such as membrane bioreactor (MBR), sequencing batch reactor and reverse osmosis with upflow anaerobic sludge blanket which were carefully reviewed and modeled using the GPS-X software. The design and modeling results were verified by hand calculations and were followed by the estimation of capital and operational expenses required for the implementation of the plants. Findings: Having relatively low capital and operational expenditure requirements as well as superior technical performance, the MBR plant proved to be the most effective solution for the considered location and standards and was recommended for use in hotel buildings. Practical implications: Designing and modeling several greywater treatment plants allowed selecting the most optimal option which in the long run will help to preserve the eco-system, stay compliant with the government laws and regulations and be financially sustainable. Originality/value: The outcomes of the present study provide a detailed procedure for designing and modeling a greywater treatment plant for a hotel building that can be used for the localities with a similar climate. The most effective option selected as a result of cost-benefit analysis provides an efficient and viable solution for the relevant industry and the type of buildings.