Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Updated European Pollutant Emission Register

The Register has been updated to include 2004 emissions data from 12,000 industrial installations across Europe and for the first time the Register includes emissions data from the 10 Member States that most recently joined the EU.

The updated Register shows that emissions of air pollutants such as hydrogen cyanide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons rose by 79% and 53% respectively. Water pollutants such as cyanides, phenols and mercury increased by 69%, 35%, and 52%.

There were improvements in discharges of pollutants to water. There were decreases in organic pollutants (-11%), phosphorus (-16%) and nitrogen (-14%). Furthermore, there was a reduction in the air pollutant sulphur oxide (-11%). For 58 water and air pollutants 43 of the most polluting facilities are in the 15 old Member States and 15 in the new 10 Member States.

A report reviewing the emissions register is expected to be published in the spring of 2007.
For more information, see
www.eper.ec.europa.eu/eper/default.asp

‘Risks Posed by Climate Change to the Delivery of Water Framework Directive Objectives in the UK’

Environment International have published a report which assesses the main risks climate change poses to delivery of the Directive’s objectives. The results of the analysis suggest that climate change has the potential to impact specific aspects of the Directive, including:
· Climate change may promote the deterioration of some water bodies, such as wetlands, that are sensitive to changes in the water balance.
· Climate change may mean that good surface water quality will become harder to achieve.
· Coastal aquifers may be threatened by saline intrusion linked to rising sea levels. Increasing demand during hot summers would increase water extraction thus reducing the potential for groundwater recharge.
· Some hazardous substances stored in contaminated sediments may potentially be mobilised under high river flow conditions resulting from increased heavy winter precipitation.

For more information, see
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/newsalert/pdf/44na2.pdf

'Eco-industry, its Size, Employment, Perspectives and Barriers to Growth in an Enlarged EU'

The European Commission has published a report where it estimates the total turnover of eco-industries in the 25 Members States to be €227 billion, of which €214,000 million corresponds to the 15 Members States that were part of the EU prior to the most recent enlargement. In these 15 Member States the turnover of the eco-industries grew around 7% between 1999 and 2004.

Further key conclusions in the report include:
· The goods and services provided by eco-industries represent approximately 2.2% of GDP in the 25 Members States.
· The largest national markets for eco-industries are France and Germany which taken together account for 49% of total turnover in 2004 – the UK, with Italy and the Netherlands, account for another 24% of GDP in the 25 Member States.
· Eco–industries in the 25 Member States account for a total of 3.4 million full-time job equivalents.
· Eco-industry exports for the 25 Member States are estimated at €13 billion and imports are €11.1 billion.
· 57% of trade is within the 25 Member States.

The report also assesses the main drivers of eco-industry markets and states that a distinction must be made between traditional markets – those driven by the demand for essential commodities (such as water) - and recent markets which are essentially based on investment needs generated by new environmental policy and legislation. The report identifies that compliance with policy objectives and other legal requirements at EU and national levels is the key market driver for eco-industries.

The report also identifies a number of ways the growth of eco-industry can be supported, including:
· Reinforcing environmental requirements and their implementation – the report concludes that the EU policy framework remains the key instrument to sustain growth in eco industries and recommends the setting of more ambitious targets and/or requirements, as well as by broadening the scope of existing legislation.
· Establishing harmonized standards for environmental goods and services.
· Supporting price transparency and the internalisation of environmental costs in market prices.

For more information, see
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/enveco/industry_employment/ecoindustry2006.pdf

The Commercial Sense of IP (Intellectual Property) - Protecting your business in export water markets

A One-day Conference, jointly organised by British Water and the Institute of Export on 8th February 2007 at Crown Plaza Hotel, Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF.

The Conference is jointly organised by British Water and the Institute of Export, and supported by UKTI. Principal speakers will be:-
• Andy Nemes, National Chairman, Institute of Export (Chairman).
• Colin Waters, Director of Connect IP.
• Terry Johnson, Partner of Marks and Clerk.
• Mike Froud, Vice President, Business Development, GL&V (incorporating Eimco Water Technologies).
• Case Study (to be announced).


For more details contact Judi Crimmins at British Water on 020 7957 4597, Fax: 020 7957 4565 or by Email: judi.crimmins@britishwater.co.uk

Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities exist for: Exhibition stands, Sponsored signage, Web site banners and Delegate pack inserts. Please contact John Aldridge on 020 7957 4554 or e-mail john.aldridge@britishwater.co.uk

Wednesday, 17 January 2007

Water Industry Achievement Awards

The International Water & Effluent Exhibition (IWEX), taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 1-3 May 2007 as part of Sustainabilitylive!, is hosting the Water Industry Achievement Awards which have been created by FHG magazines Water & Waste Treatment and WET News to recognize and reward excellence in the world-leading UK water industry.

Entries from water companies, water authorities and their suppliers (including consultancies, civil and process engineering contractors, equipment and technology manufacturers, service providers and research establishments) are invited to enter the awards and benchmark their outstanding successes in five key areas: partnering, recruitment, training, staff retention information and communication, sustainable development, and innovative technology.

There is also the Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Water Industry. Deadline for entries is 16 February 2007.
Last but not least, not forgetting the work undertaken by distribution operatives there is the annual IWO Drilling & Tapping competition. The winning team, will, for the first time, be recognised at the Awards dinner.

All winners of the Water Industry Achievement Awards will get industry-wide recognition at a prestigious dinner to be held on the 2nd May 2007, during IWEX, as well as extensive pre- and post-event publicity in the pages of Water & Waste Treatment and WET News.

For more information about awards criteria, who can apply, and to download an entry form, visit http://www.sustainabilitylive.com/slive07/iwex/award_categories.shtml

Tuesday, 16 January 2007

Follow-up from Networking Event

A general consensus amongst attendees at the WINW Partnering event in December 2006 was that they want to see more opportunities for networking and increased awareness of new technologies and capabilities.

The WINW Blogspot is the perfect vehicle to achieve this goal by encouraging members to share their experiences online. We want to hear your views so please post your comment here.

For example you could include any of these topics:
  1. What kind of services are provided by your business?
  2. Who (i.e. supplier, customer, partner, etc.) does your company want to make contact with?
  3. How can WINW best serve your business?

EFAEP General Assembly

CIWEM joined the European Federation of Associations of Enviromental Professionals (EFAEP) general assembly, held in Brussels. The day long event included discussions about the development of a Database of Environmental Professionals in Europe. The assembly was addressed by a representative of the IUCN-World Conservation Union, who discussed the programme which aims to stop the decline in biodiversity by 2010.

EFAEP have also updated their Database of Environmental Professionals. This is the EU-wide platform for environmental professionals that will allow individuals to put details of themselves and their experience onto the database. The system will be fully searchable and professionals who register will be able to include their CV, project experience and information on papers they have published.

The system will be marketed to EU, EEA, other European bodies, as well as to companies and organisations in each EU member country. Only members of EFAEP institutions can register on the database, which will ensure the quality of the people on the system.
For further information please contact Paul Horton at
paul@ciwem.org

New Journal on Flood Risk Management

CIWEM and Blackwell Publishing are working together to produce ‘The Journal of Flood Risk Management’ which will be a global online only journal supported by Arup, MWH and Royal Haskoning.

Publication of the first issue is scheduled for March 2008, topics covered will include: Modelling, Infrastructure Management, Hydrology, Flood Forecasting, Land Use Management, Policy and Legislation, and Uncertainty Analysis and Risk. The title will accept basic research papers as well as applied content.

For further information please check future issues of E-news (CIWEM electronic newsletter) or contact Jo Cooper jcooper@ciwem.org

Wednesday, 10 January 2007

Small hydrogeneration seminars

Tue 23rd January - Centre for Alternative Technology, Mid Wales OR
Wed 24th January - Clynfyw Countryside Centre, Pembrokeshire

Organised by the British Hydropower Association, these seminars are aimed at individuals and community groups interested in their own small hydro schemes, landowners, developers and Local Authorities. They will include talks from the Environment Agency, developers and established community groups.

The cost is £50 per delegate.

For more information:
telephone: 01202 880333
email: info@british-hydro.org

Wednesday, 3 January 2007

Feedback on WINW Partnering Event – Bridgend 12 Dec 2006

17 one-to-one meetings amongst 11 organisations took place with at least one project already going ahead. Also a further 8 companies have requested to meet as a result. Interestingly the attending companies travelled from all over Wales and none had previously attended the WINW event.

In addition to the meetings, the schedule included a facilitated workshop which sought ideas from the attendees for the development of the Network. For more details see the
WINW Partnering Event Report.

Jenesys Associates, on behalf of the WINW, will be conducting a follow-up exercise in February 2007 to assess the impacts of the meetings that took place on the 12th December or as a result of this event so watch this space for un update!

The Future of Coastal Communities at Risk

Around one and a quarter million properties are at risk from coastal flooding and erosion in England and Wales. Small rural coastal communities are amongst those that will particularly bear the brunt of climate change. CIWEM believes that maintaining the current line of defence in these areas will become increasingly unsustainable and so recommends managed realignment where appropriate.

CIWEM has published a new briefing report ‘Taking Managed Realignment Forward as a Policy Option for Coastal Management in England and Wales’ in which it highlights that substantial constraints have prevented managed realignment being implemented more widely. These include controversial issues such as compensation for property loss, community relocation and social justice.

Whilst there is a legal obligation for authorities to provide replacement habitat for birds when undertaking managed realignment, many homeowners receive no such compensation for losses they incur. In this report, CIWEM looks at how we can overcome these constraints and urges Government to address these issues so that managed realignment can form an integral part of our flood and coastal erosion risk management policy.‘Taking Managed Realignment Forward as a Policy Option for Coastal Management in England and Wales’ is available online at
www.ciwem.org/resources.

European Water and Wastewater Management Conference 24 – 26 Sep 2007 St James’ Park, Newcastle

CALL FOR PAPERS Deadline 2 Apr 2007
Abstracts are now welcomed for the European Water and Wastewater Management Conference. The theme of this event will be based around understanding the existing asset base, identifying the needs for innovation and providing solutions for outstanding problems.

An indicative (but not exhaustive) list of topics for the conference includes:

1) Wastewater Management: Innovative treatment processes, Towards the unmanned works, Energy saving strategies, Case studies of new schemes, Odour Management and Control, Implications of the WFD and FFD and Endocrines.
2) Infrastructure Asset Management.
3) Wastewater Collection Systems: Successful SUDS, Progress with CSO’s, Partnering arrangements.4) Water Supply Management: Energy use for water treatment and supply, Managing water demand, Water saving devices and The Olympic Village – a potential model for efficient water use?
5) Water Quality: Advances in disinfection processes, New waterborne infections and Private water supplies – impact of new regulations.

Individuals interested in contributing should provide a one-page Abstract that includes:
1. Title of the presentation or workshop
2. Summary of the contribution
3. Identification of the session in which you wish to present
4. Name and full contact details of all the presenters.

Visit
www.aqua-enviro.net for more information or just e-mail paper to franceseldon@aquaenviro.co.uk

Nesta Ventures – Making Innovation Flourish

National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts are the largest single endowment devoted exclusively to supporting talent, innovation and creativity in the UK. They are looking to invest directly in UK-based, early-stage companies, with innovative technologies and usually take a minority equity stake.

The companies must have the potential to generate significant commercial return but investments that have long development phases and need large multiple rounds of investment, such as drug discovery, cannot be considered.

They're looking for companies that have:
• Technologies that target global markets of over £100m.
• Proof of how our funds and support can improve your chances of taking your product to market.
• Technically efficient and cost-effective products or services.
• Evidence that the market needs your product.
• A core team in place, with plans to fill any management gaps.
• A clear route to market.
• Independence from government subsidies in the long-term.
• Secure intellectual property including patents, trademarks and copyrights.
• A clear and credible strategy for raising further funding.
• A feasible exit strategy and timeframe.

The NESTA Investments strategy is being developed - this means that, for now, they are not accepting any new business proposals.

You'll find further details on these pages in early 2007 so watch this space!
http://www.nesta.org.uk/investing/ventures/for_companies/index.aspx

Interest free loans for non-SME’s in Wales from the Carbon Trust

Loans are available for between £5k and £100k for projects with a simple payback of fewer than 5 years (subject to a Carbon Saving Threshold). A limited ‘pot’ of money is currently available, projects would need to be committed by March ’07 and will be allocated on a ‘1st come 1st served basis’. It is an unsecured, interest free loan and repayable over a period of up to 4 years.

Energy-Efficiency Loans are intended to encourage qualifying companies to invest in energy saving equipment that either upgrades or replaces existing facilities. Examples of the type of equipment that can be supported include:
• Energy saving lighting.
• High efficiency electric motors and drives.
• Boilers and heater controls.
• Building insulation.
• Compressed air systems and fittings.
• Insulation for boilers, hot water tanks, and pipe work.
• Heat recovery systems.
• Lighting controls.

The loan may be used to cover, for example, installation and commissioning as well as the capital cost of the equipment provided the payback criteria are still met.

You can register your interest and request an application pack from their helpline – 0800 085 2005.

Free Marketing Opportunity from UKFEI

The UK Forum for Environmental Industries is working with UKTI’s Water & Wastewater Sector Team to identify case studies demonstrating the international capabilities of UK water and wastewater companies. These case studies will highlight the successful application of novel water technologies and science. UKFEI assistance is available to produce the case study which can be further used by the company.

Additionally, companies have the opportunity to promote themselves on the Government-supported ukwater.biz website – a free, on-line directory of the UK water industry supply chain. The website is averaging around 11,000 hits per month in total, including 2,500 from prospective overseas buyers looking to source new UK suppliers and is actively promoted by UKTI staff in key overseas markets.

The case studies will cover a range of technology areas, be novel or innovative and have been or could be applied in overseas markets. They should be about 250 words long with a high quality image and company contact details. If you have examples or suggestions, please call Stanlislav Zizka on 01925 856 044 or email
s.zizka@ukfei.co.uk. Current case studies can be viewed at http://ukwater.biz/content.aspx?TYPE=0&PID=21&menu=4