Sustainable Water and Waste Systems for Resilient Housing in Canada

Sustainable water and solid waste systems are critical components of resilient building design, essential for addressing climate change, rapid urbanization, and resource scarcity. This study adopts a narrative and integrative review approach to synthesize contemporary practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory frameworks, with a particular focus on the Canadian and British Columbia context. Even though Canada possesses about 20% of the world’s freshwater reserves, relatively high per capita consumption (the average is 286 L per day in British Columbia) and rising demand underscore the urgent need for conservation-oriented policies. This research explores decentralized strategies such as rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and on-site treatment to alleviate pressure on aging municipal infrastructure. It explores sustainable waste management by focusing on source separation, diversion programs, and the shift toward a circular economy. It emphasizes that achieving long-term sustainability in residential building requires addressing issues of equity, governance, and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge. The findings indicate that a comprehensive approach, which includes innovative technologies, behavioral changes, supportive policies, and code updates, is essential for creating equitable and environmentally responsible systems in residential buildings. The key contribution of this review is its assessment of system thinking, focusing on technical performance, environmental resilience, governance, and equity, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches over isolated technological solutions.