Sense

Social Evaluation of New Sanitation Experiments

“SENSE” (Social Evaluation of New Sanitation Experiments) is a joint EU research project that focuses on the large-scale introduction of new sanitation systems and water-friendly residential areas in Europe. SENSE addresses the social and societal factors surrounding this topic, with particular attention to public perception, acceptance, and the role of communication and participation interventions. Previous research has shown that these factors pose obstacles to the implementation of environmentally friendly water supply technologies within real estate development and are therefore key elements for the success of decentralized water demonstration projects.

Seven demonstration sites have been selected in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden, which are included in the research. These sites differ in socio-economic context, technological setup, and scale. The selected projects met criteria such as large-scale housing development, the use of separated wastewater streams, vacuum toilets, and digestion technologies.

More information about these demonstration sites can be found in the ‘Projects’ section.

Results

The first round of the research was carried out at all locations in Europe. The results so far are promising: end-users have a positive attitude toward new sanitation technologies and even prefer them over conventional solutions. At present, a literature study is already available, as well as location-specific information. In 2022, the second round of research will be conducted. Therefore, throughout 2022, we will share more information about the results.

Literature review

This literature review provides insight into the scientific gaps that still exist regarding new sanitation and water-friendly residential areas. It forms the basis for the activities of the SENSE project.

Overview of demo sites

This report provides an overview of the differences and similarities between the demonstration projects. It covers both indoor and outdoor technologies, the composition of the resident population, forms of ownership, and a framework in which the various demo sites are compared.

PROTOCOLS

To provide a basis for replicable projects and to make data more comparable, the SENSE project makes its protocols available to the wider scientific and professional community. This approach offers valuable insights and makes it easier to set up follow-up projects while reducing research costs. Three types of protocols have been developed: (1) guides for exploratory interviews; (2) large-scale surveys; and (3) a guide or workshop for follow-up interviews. The protocols have been tested and applied in multiple projects. The online surveys are available upon request in English, Dutch, German, and Swedish.

Guide for exploratory interviews

For the exploratory interviews, a standard (semi-)structured interview format has been developed, suitable for use by multiple interviewers.

For stakeholders within demonstration projects, these interviews provide basic insights into the responses and interactions of end-users with various forms of (more) sustainable water supply technologies.

In addition, the more qualitative and open setup of the interviews has a positive effect on the validity of the research, as bias is reduced by using a frame of reference tailored to the interviewee.

Guide

The guide for exploratory interviews can be used by researchers and practitioners. The guide teaches the basic principles of interviewing with an open attitude. It has already been used by engineers, researchers, and other professionals.

survey protocol

The developed survey protocol can be adapted based on the results of the exploratory interviews. The survey is available in several languages: English, Dutch, German, and Swedish.

The survey can be conducted both online (via SurveyMonkey) and offline. Completing the questionnaire takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the number of new sanitation technologies applied.

survey

This document forms the basis for the survey. If you are interested in using the survey, please contact the researchers. They will provide you with the required language version and relevant information.

protocol for a follow-up interview

After analyzing the survey data, it is relevant to conduct follow-up interviews with end-users. First, to better understand what their answers mean (for example, in the case of outliers). Second, to provide feedback to residents who have raised questions.

Based on these three steps, a thorough analysis can be developed.

Report

The protocol for a follow-up interview is included in this document. These interviews or workshops are intended to provide more insight into the outcomes of the survey. In this way, people can better explain certain answers.

PARTNERS

The SENSE project is an international collaboration between water companies, housing associations, and research institutes. The project is funded by all partners as well as through the Water in the Circular Economy (WiCE) program of the Dutch drinking water sector.