Investigating the barriers in implementing AHU condensate water utilisation strategy for improving water conservation in hotel facilities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Among emerging water conservation strategies, utilising Air Handling Unit (AHU) condensate water, a byproduct generated during the cooling and dehumidification process of HVAC systems, presents a promising yet largely untapped strategy for water conservation in hotel facilities in Sri Lanka. While the international studies confirm the technical feasibility and economic viability of AHU condensate water utilisation strategy, its limited adoption in Sri Lankan hotels suggests that the challenges lie not in feasibility but in overcoming the barriers that hinder its implementation. However, identifying these barriers is crucial because, without addressing them, the theoretical potential of AHU condensate utilisation cannot be translated into practical implementation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the barriers in implementing AHU condensate water utilisation concept in hotel facilities in Sri Lanka, providing a comprehensive understanding of the constraints limiting its adoption. The study adopted a qualitative approach by conducting expert interviews among five industry experts on the area of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy efficiency. Thematic analysis was conducted manually to analyse the data, and the research identified twenty barriers which could be categorised under four key categories as financial barriers, technical barriers, environmental barriers and organisational barriers. The findings revealed that high capital costs, design and installation complexity, insufficient staff expertise, fluctuating condensate generation due to climatic conditions, contamination risks, and limited government support were the major barriers affecting the implementation of AHU condensate water utilisation in Sri Lankan hotel facilities.