Page 16 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Water is key to all life on earth. Virtual worlds, including the metaverse,
hold the promise of more efficient water resource management while
providing immersive educational experiences to raise awareness of
water conservation. To realize these benefits, the negative environmental
impacts (especially as they relate to hardware and infrastructure) need
to be addressed.
The expansion of virtual worlds depends on extensive hardware
infrastructure, including data centres, servers, and networks, which can consume significant
amounts of energy and water. [b-The Washington Post] It is crucial to ensure that the development
and operation of this infrastructure is conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner,
taking water scarcity and conservation considerations into account.
IoT and digital twin technologies can contribute to efficient water resource management and
monitoring [b-Water]. By integrating sensors and data collection devices into virtual worlds,
real-time information on water quality, usage and availability can be gathered. These data
can then be analysed and used to optimize water distribution systems, detect leakages, and
improve overall water resource management. Digital twin, which creates virtual replicas of
physical water systems, can facilitate the identification of inefficiencies, and enable predictive
modelling for better decision-making in water resource management.

Moreover, virtual worlds offer an opportunity to utilize immersive learning experiences as
powerful educational tools to engage communities in water conservation practices, water
purification, and sanitation. Simulations can provide a safe and interactive environment for
experimenting with water conservation strategies and understanding the consequences of
different water management practices.

Case study: Navigating water sustainability through immersive experiences in a virtual world

The EU-funded ULTIMATE project has launched its second Immersive Media Experience (IMX)
installation in Kalundborg, designed to explain the concept of Water Smart Industrial Symbiosis.
In this system, water and wastewater play critical roles as reusable resources in industry.
Developed by Kalundborg Utility and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in
collaboration with local stakeholders, the installation uses augmented reality (AR) to present an
interactive map of a fictional city and its industrial areas. Visitors can interact with the installation
to understand how this system works and its benefits. The project, which involves researchers
and engineers from 11 countries, aims to convert wastewater into a resource, increasing
sustainability and creating economic value [b-Ultimate].

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