Circular Economy Thinking for the Water Sector

Bethany Hall, Technology Consultant at Isle, was one of four experts invited to join a Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) panel discussion to explore whether circular economy thinking can transform the water sector.

Bethany Hall, Technology Consultant at Isle, was one of four experts invited to join a Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) panel discussion to explore whether circular economy thinking can transform the water sector. The panel discussion followed a keynote speech by Arup on the white paper, ‘Water and Circular Economy’ published last year in conjunction with the Ellen Macarthur Foundation.

The panel discussed the role of emerging technology, increasing pressure from the public and the requirement for regulatory incentives. The discussion centred around how we value water, shifting from the linear ‘Take-Use-Discharge’ model to the circular ‘Avoid-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Replenish.’ It was concluded that a cross sector approach is required to demonstrate the value of water.

Isle are actively contributing to the circular economy in the water sector through the identification of clean technology in areas including water reuse, energy efficiency and resource recovery. The implementation of these types of technologies will help to achieve resilience and sustainability in the water sector and contribute to the circular economy.