Sustainability Salon: Water Management & Treatment
The water-themed Sustainability Salon held on Thursday, 15 March, was a great success. It was well attended by passionate academics from the Universities of Glasgow, Stirling and Teesside, among others, as well as representatives from SEPA, Hydro Nation, consultants and industry professionals. The attendees explored two main themes: the value of water and wastewater and its various uses.
The value of water
With the Scottish government investigating the potential for charging for water and the upcoming requirement for Scottish water companies to take responsibility for the quality of even off-grid water sources and waste, the value of water has become a very hot topic. The main takeaway from this discussion was a deeper understanding of the complexity of the issue. Additionally, the University and other neutral but interested parties are in a unique position to help government bodies, private companies, and landowner and community groups communicate effectively, given the history of distrust and suspicion between them. Leveraging our connections across Scotland, we could facilitate beneficial collaboration for all parties involved. If you'd like to be part of this network, please get in touch with us.
Waste water and its uses
There was significant overlap between the topics of the value of water and wastewater and its uses, which was reflected in the discussions. Jerry from Signet shared that they are exploring household-scale grey water solutions, while Graham from Stantec highlighted the challenges posed by the hydrogen production market, specifically regarding the use of briny effluent from hydrogen production. The discussions also featured insights from academics, other consultants and a PhD candidate investigating the communications and narratives surrounding these issues.
Water-related research at the University of Glasgow
The amount of work at the University of Glasgow related to water is enormous. Bill Sloan’s group is focusing on decentralization, Martin Wides, our estates sustainability lead, is advancing heat harvesting from wastewater, and the Schools of Chemistry and Engineering are developing wastewater management techniques through new sensors and treatment methods. Additionally, the School of Mathematics and Statistics is working on optimizing methods. This is a subject that touches us all.
Get in touch
The connections made at the event are sure to bear fruit, and the IAA team will be there to ensure the best possible chance of success for them. If you have a water-based project and are seeking expertise, or if you want to expand your network, get in touch with David Hughes, IAA Knowledge Exchange Associate for Sustainability and Net Zero, at david.hughes.4@glasgow.ac.uk. We’re keen to collaborate to help ensure a sustainable future for everyone.