White paper maps circular economy opportunity

The UK Water Partnership and consultancy WSP have published a white paper containing recommendations for a transition to a circular water economy.

The organisations highlight that a circular economy approach could help protect nature by minimising waste and resource consumption and regenerating natural systems. They also note increased demand for the water sector to deliver against sustainability objectives.

The paper, The circular water economy, finds multiple opportunities for the water sector to transition to a circular economy, both as a consumer of raw materials and as a steward of natural resources. These include recycling or re-using water, seeking alternatives to traditional infrastructure and ‘grey’ materials, opportunities for repair and re-manufacture of mechanical and electrical equipment, and the potential for resource recovery from wastewater and sewage sludge (see image).

It also identifies challenges, the need for stakeholders to collaborate, and the changes needed in policy, regulatory and commercial frameworks.

The launch of the white paper concludes the first phase of the UK Water Partnership's strategic Circular Economy programme, developed in collaboration with WSP and others. The second phase will focus on wastewater systems, biosolids and bioresources, chemicals in water systems, and local-scale circular economy solutions.