Climate Change and Sustainability in the water industry

(23/06/2010)

An event organised by the Institute of Water will bring together professionals from across the industry to discuss key issues and possible solutions. The forum, which takes place in Cardiff on 8 July, will consider Climate Change and Sustainability in the water industry will look at issues from the ‘waste’ side of the business.

Speakers will include Jeremy Jones, Sustainable Drainage Advisor for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water; Mary Dhonau, Chief Executive of the National Flooding Forum; Alison Warman from the Consumer Council for Water and representatives from Imtech, Black and Veatch, MWH and the Environment Agency.

“Climate change has already impacted on the UK water industry, with increased incidences of flooding posing a challenge to the existing network infrastructures. We are also faced with trying to combat rising energy costs, reduce our carbon emissions and minimise our impact on the environment.” said the Institute of Water’s chief executive, Lynn Cooper.

“This forum will bring together experts who will outline how water companies are addressing the key risks of flooding and managing sustainability through carbon reduction, particularly from the waste water perspective.”

Simon Tait, Chair of Civil Engineering at the University of Bradford will discuss an EU Initiative that he has been involved with. The PREPARED project was developed by the European Commission in 2004 and has the objectives to enhance competitiveness of the European water sector, to solve the European water problems and to contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Simon will consider the technological preparedness of water supply and sanitation systems of ten cities in Europe to adapt to the expected impacts of climate change.

The event will be held at the Future Inn in Cardiff Bay. Numbers are limited. The event is free to Institute of Water members. Non-members will be charged £50.

Related categories:  Waste water recycling   Water conservation and supply