A revised approach to the energy-water nexus using place-work-folk and energy balance theories of Patrick Geddes

- Planning strategies of Patrick Geddes provide a balanced approach to the energy-water nexus.
- Energy-water challenges may be understood through Place-Work-Folk relationships.
- Applying Place-Work-Folk concepts lead to holistic energy-water solutions.

The use of energy to transport, treat, pump, convey, cool, and heat water and the parallel use of water to extract, refine, and use energy is a relationship known as the energy-water nexus. Not only is this relationship growing in importance as population growth and increasing living standards strain both resources, but it also becomes more problematic as energy production moves towards more water intensive practices and water requires increasing more energy to use. Despite a growing awareness of this connection a lack of understanding exists across stakeholders in both fields and a significant need exists for better cross-coordination and planning.Over a century ago urban planner, Sir Patrick Geddes, provided ideas about environmental and civic planning that if employed may improve the mutual constraints between energy and water. Specifically, Geddes' development of 1) the integrated concept of “place-work-folk” described below, and 2) his suggestion for ranking and promoting societal activities based on their dual importance to society and impact on nature, provide a balanced approach to the energy-water nexus. Representative of his holistic thinking, both ideas recognize the mutual dependence between people and their environment as a relationship necessary for life enhancement and survival of both. This analysis employs a historical review of Geddes' theories with logical argumentation to illustrate the modern applicability of his planning concepts to just one area of sustainable development with the intent that their potential utility to other domains will become more apparent.