Net-Zero Roadmap: How Water Resource Recovery Facilities Contribute to the Overall Decarbonization Strategy

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published the first part of its sixth assessment report (AR6), highlighting a ‘Code Red’ for humanity - that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying. The report shows that emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900, and finds that averaged over the next 20 years, global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming.

Combined with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events we experience across the world, AR6 reminds us of the urgency to make immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in GHG emissions to decrease the rate of unprecedented warming. As more countries, cities and companies across the world set net-zero emission goals, there is a window of opportunity to initiate the paradigm shift toward a low-carbon, low-energy and climate resilient water sector.

In this “In the kNOW” webinar, we will explore the role of water resource recovery facilities (WRRF) in combating the climate emergency. The wastewater sector offers immense opportunities to contribute to climate goals. Two utilities – Metro Vancouver and VCS Denmark - will share their experience identifying and implementing measures to reduce emissions and achieve energy neutrality goals. We will also discuss the latest research on the quantification of nitrous oxide and methane emissions, considering global best science and the ambitions of the U.K. water sector as part of their 2030 net zero route map.

Moderator: Julian Sandino, Jacobs Global Wastewater Solutions Director

Speakers:

• Emma Shen, Jacobs, Global Technology Lead for Wastewater Energy Optimization and Sector Decarbonization
• Jeff Carmichael, Metro Vancouver, Division Manager, Business Development Group
• Per Henrik Nielsen, VCS Denmark, Project Director
• Amanda Lake, Jacobs, European Regional Wastewater Solutions Lead