BQ11 - How do we embed and maximise a sustainable circular economy within the water sector by 2050?
The areas that this Big Question covers include: Have a look at the route map – this is a plan as to how we will answer our Big Question through research. 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: 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.
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.
Scroll down further to see Case Studies explaining the impact of our research.
RESEARCH Outcomes
Water sector waste regulation is underpinned by the circular economy, and producer responsibility / controls at source are fully effective View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability to influence to ensure the need for controls at source is understood; and that controls are implemented. An evidence base that enables positive regulatory alignment to the objectives of the circular economy. Understand what a circular economy water industry looks like and overcome regulatory barriers. |
Technologies are available to enable all waste streams to be cost effectively recycled and resources recovered View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Informing the most effective deployment of emerging technologies & methods The value of resources and the practicalities of recovery opportunities are clear |
We minimise use of finite resources and the use of recycled products is maximised View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability to identify, maximise the benefits and the use of recycled resources as part of all water industry activities (including water and wastewater operations and capital delivery). Knowledge of the merits of efficient and effective recovery of waste into product that are marketable |
Resource use and recycling approaches drive social, environmental and economic capital gain for society View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits An ability to identify sustainable markets for resource use |
Ownership and responsibility for resources management is clear and all play a partnership role in driving resource efficiency View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability identify and to communicate opportunities to our customers', stakeholders and regulators, which enhance resource efficiency and promotes benefits. Amount of waste generated is minimised. Understand and record our resource and waste streams |
The economic and regulatory frameworks effectively support and incentivize resource recovery and reuse in the water sector View key benefits and filter projects by this outcome key benefits Ability to make procurement and investment choices based on zero waste ambition / circular economy objectives An evidence base to support an investment approach that enhances resource recovery and reuse; and that enables positive regulatory alignment to the objectives of the circular economy We know what is of value and everything of value is recovered |
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 |