KazNU Introduces a Water Consumption Monitoring and Efficient Use System
KazNU Introduces a Water Consumption Monitoring and Efficient Use System
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is developing a water-consumption accounting and monitoring system covering the educational, administrative and infrastructure activities of the University campus. The system is designed to assess the volume of water used, analyse consumption trends, identify potential water losses and determine measures to reduce water use.
The principal accounting arrangements are established in the Policy to Ensure the Availability and Rational Use of Water Resources and Sanitation, adopted in 2024. The Policy provides for regular assessment of water-consumption volumes, monitoring of the effectiveness of water-saving measures and reporting by University units on water conservation and reuse activities.
To assess the demand placed on the University’s water-supply system, the Policy presents a normative calculation based on the number of users and established consumption rates. The calculation covers 31,282 users, including 29,058 students and 2,224 faculty members. Based on an average consumption rate of 17.2 litres per person per day, the calculated volume is approximately 537.3 m³ of water per day. This indicator serves as a normative basis for analysing water consumption and planning water-saving measures.
The Carbon Neutrality Policy of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University also provides a preliminary estimate of the University’s annual water consumption of approximately 100,000 m³. This figure is used to assess the indirect carbon impact associated with water supply, heating and treatment.
The normative daily calculation and the preliminary annual estimate serve different analytical purposes. The first figure is based on the number of users and consumption standards, while the second is used in assessing the University’s carbon footprint. The University continues to improve consolidated accounting of actual water consumption using data from water-supply systems and measuring devices.
Monitoring results are presented in the Al-Farabi KazNU 17 SDG Progress Report 2024–2025. According to the report, campus water consumption decreased by 15 per cent in 2024 compared with the 2022 level. The document also reports the expansion of smart water-metering systems designed to improve monitoring accuracy, identify water losses and assess the effectiveness of implemented measures.
To reduce water consumption, the University installs aerator nozzles, water-saving devices, sensor-operated taps and water-flow monitoring equipment. The Policy also provides for the development of systems to collect and reuse greywater, rainwater and treated wastewater for non-potable purposes.
The monitoring system enables KazNU to compare water-consumption indicators across different periods, assess the results of water-saving measures and make evidence-based resource-management decisions. The continued development of smart metering and consolidation of actual data are intended to improve the accuracy of University reporting and support the sustainable use of water.
Official documents and materials
- Policy to Ensure the Availability and Rational Use of Water Resources and Sanitation.
- Carbon Neutrality Policy of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
- Al-Farabi KazNU 17 SDG Progress Report 2024–2025.
- KazNU’s official SDG 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation” section.
- Official webpage of the KazNU Production Support Department.
Date of adoption of the principal Policy: 2024
Primary reporting period: 2025
Additional supporting period: 2024–2025
Monitoring coverage: Educational, administrative and infrastructure activities across the campus
Last updated: 2026