Big question

BQ11 - How do we embed and maximise a sustainable circular economy within the water sector by 2050?

Route
map
Case
Studies

 

The areas that this Big Question covers include:

  • Appropriate regulation to support circular economy opportunities and principles
  • Technologies and markets are available to help recover value from waste streams
  • Minimise waste, maximise reuse and recycling in operations & activities
  • Clear ownership & responsibility for resource management is defined

Have a look at the route map – this is a plan as to how we will answer our Big Question through research.


The route map has a number of key elements. At the top is our Big Question and then the Outcomes we need to achieve from the research programme -if we can achieve all these Outcomes we can answer the Big Question. You can also see the Key Benefits that will come from achieving the desired Outcomes.

The Big Question was launched with two projects to help identify the opportunities for water companies and identify the priorities for future work and innovation. They were aimed at answering the following questions:

  • What does a circular economy water industry look like?
  • Where is the greatest sustainable economic benefit for resource recovery in the water cycle?

We hope the findings from these two research projects will kick start a new and exciting direction of travel for the water industry that has the potential to transform how it operates in the future. A short summary of these two research projects can be read here. For detailed read please click, UKWIR report references 21/SL/12/3 & 21/SL/12/4. Our objective is to undertake further research to help ensure our members’ operations are sustainable and resilient in the long term, contribute to rebuilding the natural systems that they rely upon and help to support growth in the context of a circular economy. We now want to work with partners with expertise in this area who can help us to make it a reality. If you think you can help please contact us at mail@ukwir.org.uk .

Click on the Research Outcomes below to see the Projects that have been completed or are underway. 
Scroll down further to see Case Studies explaining the impact of our research.

RESEARCH Outcomes








See All Projects  

Projects


 

What does a circular economy water industry look like? (BQ11 Pathfinder Project).

Project Status - Project Completed


 

Where is the greatest sustainable economic benefit for resource recovery in the water cycle?.

Project Status - Project Completed



RESEARCH IMPACT - CASE STUDIES