Sustainability Matters Aug/Sep 2013

contents

August/September 2013

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4 Environmental risk - a banking industry perspective 6

Manufacturing towards a green economy

8

Consider the sustainability of assets up front with 5D modelling

10

Case Studies

12

Remote Australia reliant on clean energy push

19

Pasteurisation disinfection using waste heat

22

Matchmaking bacteria on contaminated sites

24

Research & development

26

Bridge design ticks all the boxes for sustainability

37

Resource centre

Legislation, governance, programs and industry links to help guide your sustainability development

38

Diving into the water industry

he green economy is not just about interest rates, carbon pricing (ETS) and economic growth, it’s about creating sensible economies for social and environmental wellbeing. Regardless of what happens in the impending federal election, a green economy is now ‘business as usual’ for many Australian manufacturers and businesses.

A green economy must be restorative by intention; make use of renewable energy; minimise, track and eliminate the use of toxic chemicals; and eradicate waste through careful design. Along with improving profit margins, business must also preserve natural capital by closing the loop on supply chains through product design, extending asset life, re-use and recycling.

In this issue, Amanda Keogh, Head of Sustainability, Asia Pacific and Australia, Fuji Xerox provides some of her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of the green economy and what this means for manufacturing in Australia.

Paul Butterworth from RIB Software talks about the importance of considering the sustainability of assets in the original design phase of projects and how this can be achieved.

We also feature the latest climate risk tool from WSAA. Called Adaptwater, the tool is designed to help water utilities assess and cost adaptation options for infrastructure in order to manage climate change risk.

Carolyn Jackson sm@westwick-farrow.com.au

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August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 3

Leading the way

Environmental risk a banking industry perspective The Environmental Bankers Association of Australia (EBAA) provides information on risk management, sustainable product finance, community responsibility and due diligence to its members. CEO of EBAA Grant Scott provides us with an insight into managing environmental risk from a banking perspective.

Grant Scott is founding Director of the EBAA, a chapter of the EBA (Environmental Bankers Association). He is an Australian Lawyer and Certified Practising Engineer with expertise in the environmental management, petroleum engineering, earth sciences and natural resources sectors.

When it comes to environmental risk, it’s sometimes about separating the wheat from the chaff - what are the real risks and what is just a perception of risk?

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There is definitely a heightened awareness and more professional approach to environment risk and ethical investments in the banking industry in Australia, especially with the big four. Mainly stemming from commercial factors (such as stricter regulatory enforcement, tighter margins and profit potential) there is also an emerging need for a moral oversight relative to the asset being funded by the bank.

In a recent example, a bank was put through the ringer for providing funding to a new coalmine. It is hard to argue that investing in a new coalmine is a ‘clean’ investment; however, part of the EBAA’s function is to develop discussion at the base foundation and look at what processes could be put into place to minimise the impact on the environment and what management systems and controls could be put in place relative to the life cycle of the mine and future closure plans for the site. Rather than rule out the investment based on the perception of environmental risk, we provide information and guidance on what could be done to improve this risk to determine the real environmental risk.

One of the research projects we are currently working on is looking at legacy or orphaned sites at various locations across Australia in order to determine the environmental risks associated with the banks taking on some of these sites with developers. Judging by some of the comments made by the EPA regulators at our first EBAA roundtable (which was held in November 2012), there are a large number of legacy or abandoned sites across Australia in need of development.

4 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

This is an area which is ripe for commercial development and this got us thinking how we might be able bring the regulators, banks and developers together to realise some real value out of these sites.

We are hoping to work together with the banks and regulators to prioritise a list of abandoned sites to determine which have the most development value and what are the real contamination risks in order to develop a model on how to assess the real environmental risks of these sites and how we can facilitate working with the regulators to manage these risks.

When it comes to environmental risk, it’s sometimes about separating the wheat from the chaff - what are the real risks and what is just a perception of risk? A lot of the issues out there on these contaminated or legacy sites are one of perspectives because there is often a misperception of the real risk involved in the development of these sites. These sites tend to get stuck on a council corner - it’s an old site that’s been fenced off for ages and in the end no one knows why it’s fenced off and vacant. We want to try and jump-start some of these developments by getting a true picture of what is actually required.

In some respects it’s the certainty of what you need to do on that site to improve environmental risk that provides you with an understanding on whether development of the site is going to be commercial or not. There is a lot of uncertainty out there but what we want to do is get the banks and regulators together so that there is a certainty in the process. Once the certainty is known, you can work the situation to make it commercially viable and determine what you can and can’t develop.

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Manufacturing towards a green economy Consumer preference, regulation, emerging valuation models, organisational change agility and the simple pragmatics of closing the product loop influence the development of the ‘green economy’ in the manufacturing sector. This thought piece

by Amanda Keogh* unpacks some of those drivers as we begin the conversation to better understand what the challenges and opportunities of the green economy mean for Australia.

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© iStockphoto.com/ JDawnInk

oday’s consumers, corporations and government agencies broadly acknowledge that they share responsibility for minimising their impact on the environment; however, action has been slow and there is still debate whether the ‘carrot’ or ‘stick’ is the more effective change lever. Sustainable consumption has the potential to influence change at every step of the value chain, but experience has shown that it needs to be accompanied by appropriate regulation for corporations to act.

While the increasingly hot topic of the ‘green economy’ holds great promise for sustainability challenges like e-waste to become new market opportunities, the change agility of large organisations is a critical factor in whether and how that promise will bear fruit. A key question is whether innovation will remain on the fringes of the traditional manufacturing sector or whether existing players will embrace innovation within their current structures.

The vexed question of capitalist valuation systems underpins all this. Our most pressing sustainability challenges stem from a flawed market system.

The true costs of ‘externalities’ such as waste, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are rarely borne by the organisation that generates them, let alone properly priced and reflected in financial reporting. While experiments in environmental profit and loss accounting and developments such as integrated reporting hold promise for the valuation and equity of different

6 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

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Green economics

forms of capital, we should not lose sight of the role regulation can play in ensuring producers address questions of social equity and accept their ‘extended responsibility’ for externalities.

Where the market fails to financially motivate industry to implement sustainable practices, regulatory frameworks such as the Product Stewardship Act 2011 ensure that manufacturers take ownership for the responsible recovery of used devices through re-use or recycling. As part of an industry-wide collaboration, Fuji Xerox Australia played a key role in responding to the requirements of this Act, which has broad compliance ramifications for almost every manufacturer in Australia. We are working with the Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP) to build the reverse logistics and improve the recycling systems required to achieve industry compliance with this Act. However, business needs to look beyond compliance to find the opportunity in its shifting socio-political environment.

Meeting stakeholder expectations can be a source of innovation and leadership can also provide a first-mover advantage for the brave. Fuji Xerox is one company that has found business benefit in taking product ‘waste’, what many consider ‘an externality’, and closing the product life cycle so that waste is profitably remanufactured and re-used in new products.

Having embraced a zero-waste-tolandfill commitment since 1993, Fuji Xerox has some practical experience to share in navigating the complexity of end-of-life product stewardship.

Australia faces unique geographical challenges in terms of facilitating materials processing and recycling.

Compared with the US and Europe, the volumes of used materials in Australia are relatively small, yet the distances

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to transport materials for processing are significantly greater. In addition, sought-after materials - such as those used for electronic components and often found in today’s e-waste - are often extremely difficult to filter or break down for re-use. Australian industries often struggle to achieve economies of scale or develop cost-effective recovery programs without shipping material offshore, and onshore programs can be impacted by currency fluctuations which create competition with cheaper new product imports. These are just some of the issues that need to be addressed if the green economy opportunities in e-waste are to be realised.

Government has a key role in not just enforcing end-of-life product take back and creating additional bottom-line costs, but providing the fiscal incentives for products that can contain re-used or recycled components to be more cost-effective.

The challenges are not small but we should not lose sight of the opportunity. Clearly there is work to be done.

Valuation models will help us price the true cost to our economies from externalities, which will drive more holistic fiscal policies. Carrot and stick approaches are needed for corporations to have an effective change platform, and consumers, NGOs and regulators all play a key role in that. There is some encouraging evidence that these pieces of the puzzle are coming into alignment. We need to start a conversation about the green economy we want if Australia is to remain resilient into the future, and perhaps even consider the society we want as non-financial indicators become more meaningful measures of success.

Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd wf.net.au/U521

Our most pressing sustainability challenges stem from a flawed market system. The true costs of ‘externalities’ such as waste, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are rarely borne by the organisation that generates them, let alone properly priced and reflected in financial reporting.

*Amanda Keogh is the Head of Sustainability for Fuji Xerox in the Asia-Pacific region and Australia. Her areas of expertise include sustainability reporting, responsible paper procurement, end-of-life product stewardship and consulting with customers to make print more sustainable. Keogh has chaired the board of Forest Stewardship Council in Australia and worked with the Australian Information Industry Association and federal government on new e-waste regulation.

August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 7

Construction companies that don’t consider the sustainability of assets in the original design phase of projects are missing out on a key piece of information that could significantly reduce costs and increase profits while increasing the sustainability of building practices and the buildings themselves.

Sustainability in the construction industry hinges on effective upfront planning for asset management. This includes creating the original design with the use and re-use of assets already in mind.

Consider the sustainability of assets up front with 5D modelling Paul Butterworth, CEO Australia and New Zealand, RIB Software

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lobal trends towards sustainable practices have caused many companies to scramble to find ways to more efficiently manage assets and facilities that are already in place. But this is like closing the gate after the horse has bolted.

Energy-efficiency expert Joseph Romm says, “By the time 1% of a project’s upfront costs are spent, 70% of its life cycle costs may already be committed.”

This highlights the urgent need for savvy construction businesses to consider sustainability elements in the original design and construction of projects well before they consider how to invest in asset and facilities management down the track.

Sustainability in the construction industry hinges on effective upfront planning for asset management. This includes creating the original design with the use and re-use of assets already in mind. To do this, companies must understand the asset’s entire life cycle and make planning and design decisions accordingly. Then, the resulting cost savings and sustainability gains will continue to pay off throughout that asset’s life.

Organisations must embrace technology such as 5D engineering solutions to facilitate this. By adding time and cost dimensions to the 3D BIM model, they can simulate the as-built scenarios and trade off the upfront cost versus downstream savings.

There is an upfront pay-off for builders as they use the 5D model to control and

© www.sxc.hu/vikush

progress the job through each construction phase, which has been proven to save up to 20% of construction costs. After handover, the asset is already optimised for sustainable management where the pay-off from reduced costs can be more than 10 times this saving, year on year.

If the design and construction phase has also catered for the recycle options through 5D scenario planning, then the pay-off just keeps rolling.

The 5D model works because it includes the 3D BIM model in the same application as the time and cost information. Previously, this information would be kept in separate applications, none of which were likely to have been developed specifically for the construction industry. By having all the information in one place, there is a single source of truth that carries through to decision-making.

By using input information about different potential products to be used in the building process, the 5D model shows how each option affects the budget and timeline. This could mean, for example, that the choice between using prefabricated components or more traditional methods is made easier since the model will show not only how they affect costs and time during the construction phase but also how the materials will hold up over time and what maintenance costs may be incurred.

5D is becoming standard practice in Europe because the higher level of planning accuracy leads to less deviation from the actual construction, which is the ideal outcome for customers. It also ensures that decisions are not made in isolation, but that the ramifications of each choice can be seen clearly in terms of how it affects the engineering, aesthetics, cost and timeline of the project.

Large-scale projects in particular demand a level of accuracy and reliability that cannot be achieved using traditional software. Australian builders are ideally placed to reap the benefits of 5D modelling to deliver sustainable buildings on time and in budget, ultimately increasing profit margins.

RIB Software Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U653

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case study

Helping water utilities manage climate change risks

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ith the uncertainty of climate change - and the extreme weather events expected from it - comes the uncertainty of how water utility assets will hold up under the pressure. So Sydney Water, in partnership with the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Climate Risk and other industry partners, developed AdaptWater - an online tool which is designed to help water utilities make better investment decisions in a changing climate.

Australian water utilities manage and operate over $120 billion of assets, including approximately 250,000 km of pipes, 70% of which are underground, and hundreds of water filtration plants, sewage treatment plants and pumping stations. AdaptWater has been designed to enable water utilities to ensure these assets are more resilient to the potentially damaging impacts of climate change and variability.

AdaptWater is a climate change adaptation quantification and option assessment tool for the Australian water industry, owned and maintained by WSAA. The outcome of collaboration across the national water industry, led by Sydney Water and with Australian research expertise, the tool can be used by water utilities to help identify what infrastructure is likely to be at risk during events like floods, bushfires, high winds and heatwaves, and assess different costed adaptation options to manage that risk.

“We have seen a marked increase in the occurrence of extreme events and are now able to identify where investment is needed before facing a crisis,” says WSAA Executive Director Adam Lovell. “Risk associated with climate change can be considered alongside other quantified risks within the decisionmaking process, including system risks, engineering risks and operational risks; this allows utilities to facilitate more informed decisions within projects.

“The tool was developed by Climate Risk, so we have utilised world-leading climate change adaptation expertise and the most up-to-date climate change data, which means that water utilities can assess short- to long-term risk to infrastructure.”

© www.sxc.hu/Elnias

The tool can be used by water utilities to help identify what infrastructure is likely to be at risk during events like floods, bushfires, high winds and heatwaves, and assess different costed adaptation options to manage that risk.

Climate Risk Director Dr Karl Mallon said the project is especially significant due to its use of quantitative analysis of millions of assets. “We needed to have probabilistic analysis that’s demanded by the climate change scientists; we needed to have mathematics and methods that were rigorous enough to satisfy utility engineers; and we needed to go all the way back to material science to have a robust and rigorous system.”

Dr Mallon added that the project methods have been designed to be flexible, “so that they can be applied to any other type of asset class - things like roads, powerlines, telecommunication cables - and of course that’s very important because it’s often those assets which run through all sorts of different hazard zones.”

Lovell said the implementation of solutions should be as community friendly as possible, saying, “The last thing we want to do is keep disrupting the community by ripping up footpaths; ripping up roads; or having to take parks out of action because a pumping station needs to be upgraded.”

AdaptWater was released in April this year and by June its potential had already

10 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

been recognised - the tool won Sydney Water the NCCARF Climate Adaptation Champion Award in the Business category.

The awards highlight achievements in changing behaviour, techniques, businesses practices and policies to adapt to an uncertain future.

Sydney Water Managing Director Kevin Young said the award was a tremendous recognition of the company’s leadership in the broader industry. “I am very proud of our work on AdaptWater. It is the first tool of its kind in Australia and it’s also been acknowledged internationally.”

The project received funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE), and from WSAA members, and is designed to deliver efficient spending outcomes for government, regulators and customers.

Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U597

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Remote Australia reliant on clean energy push

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A u s t r a l i a ’s G u l f region is on the verge of a boom that can be facilitated by greater investment in renewable energy, according to the CEO of Cairns-based development agency Gulf Savannah Development.

Many remote Gulf communities are not connected to the national grid. As much as 50% of the region’s population has to find its own energy sources.

ob Macalister - one of the keynote speakers at All-Energy Australia 2013 in Melbourne on 9-10 October - is optimistic about the future in the area, which covers nearly 200,000 km, from Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands through to the Northern Territory border.

Gulf Savannah Development represents the interests of five local governments and key industry stakeholders, including mining and transport companies. The organisation’s objective is to increase the uptake of renewable energy, reduce the community and industry’s dependence on fossil fuels and facilitate more investment.

Macalister says the transport kilometres covered annually are far more than those associated with city dwellers in terms of trucking in diesel, moving produce and something as simple as going back and forth to boarding school, where many younger residents receive their education.

He says the Gulf region has a number of world-class renewable energy sources.

Already there are five new projects at various stages of development - three solar, one wind and one biomass.

The first stage of the Doomadgee Solar Farm has just been completed. More than 1000 solar panels with a capacity of 264 kilowatts have been installed, resulting in a saving of 115,000 L of diesel fuel each year. There are plans for future expansion of the farm.

A second, well-developed project is the 5 MW Normanton Solar Farm, in which investors are looking to supplement local supply off the grid. “Rather than importing energy 1000 km via a transmission line, it is cheaper to produce locally,” Macalister

Doomadgee Solar Farm, photo courtesy of Ergon Energy

12 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

says. Investors are looking to finalise a power purchase agreement.

So, too, are those associated with the 80 MW Forsyth Wind Farm, which will feed into the national grid. Macalister says there are no reservations about introducing wind farms into the region. There is no opposition from councils or locals.

Communities have been supportive and a number of other wind projects are being looked at.

An integrated food and energy project along the Gilbert River also has a biomass plant as part of its plans, but it is still at an early stage. The intention is for some of the crops it would produce, like sugar cane tops, to be burnt to produce energy.

There is also a proposal for a solar farm for Gregory township, which is likely to be of a similar size to Doomadgee Solar Farm. Macalister says there is no power supply there now, but this would be a good way for the community to embrace clean power and grow as a result.

Many remote Gulf communities are not connected to the national grid. As much as 50% of the region’s population has to find its own energy sources.

Macalister says there has been a strong level of community interest in renewable energy over the past five years.

“There is no doubt the investment climate has improved since the federal government introduced clean energy incentives, but both the federal and state government need to maintain policy settings conducive to investors.

“Because we are a growing economy, power demand has jumped; and with the development of new projects in the mining and agriculture sectors, we forecast a further, significant increase in coming years.

“For instance, one of the new mines that will get going in the next five years will have demand for a 20 MW power plant,” Macalister says.

He says there are many prospective mines appearing and, because none of them are on the grid, they are all looking at how they get readily available and affordable energy.

“When you look at the costs of trucking in diesel, you have to think about an alternative, cost-effective solution and this is where we believe renewable energy provides a real opportunity.”

The All-Energy Australia clean and renewable energy exhibition and multistream conference is being held at Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9-10 October 2013. Further details can be found at www.all-energy.com.au.

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case studies index

Unitywater lightens the load on landfill © iStockphoto.com/ Andrew Johnson

 Helping water utilities

manage climate change risks

 Unitywater lightens the load on landfill

 Collective rooftop solar PV project

10 14 16

 Removing iron and

manganese from water supplies

 Urine recycling to extract precious nutrient

 New material could hold our energy hopes

17 20 21

research & development index  Laser to detect methane leaks

 Creating high-value

products from leftovers

 Mobile phone runs on urine power

24 24 25

Unitywater will divert 200 tonnes of waste away from landfill, thanks to a recycling program that will see almost 90% of the old Cooroy Sewage Treatment Plant re-used.

Working with demolition and recycling experts Caylamax Group, materials including metals, timber and masonry will be reclaimed by Unitywater or provided to local suppliers for redistribution.

Unitywater Project Manager David Goodall said the weight of the materials being diverted from landfill as a result of the recycling initiative was equivalent to 200 cars.

“Better still, we are turning our waste into valuable resources that can be used again,” Goodall said.

“This is both environmentally responsible and economically smart.”

Australians are the second highest producers of waste per person in the world, with each of us sending almost 690 kg of waste to landfill each year. Up to 40% of waste generated by Australians is considered to be building waste.

Caylamax Group General Manager Steve Brady said the company was

14 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

recycling as many building materials from the old Cooroy plant as possible through its demolition works.

“We are grinding up concrete, separating metals and saving old timber,” Brady said.

“Those materials that cannot be re-used

by Unitywater will go to local landscaping and salvage yards for their use.”

Unitywater is undergoing one of the most significant sewage treatment plant upgrade programs in Australia, upgrading 12 of its 18 plants.

The new $19 million Cooroy Sewage Treatment Plant was completed and officially opened earlier this year. Benefits of the upgrade include: • the ability to cater for the predicted population growth and demand on the sewerage system until 2026 • increased capacity to allow the Pomona community to connect to the sewerage system • improved treatment standards • improved odour control • reduced noise levels.

Unitywater http://www.unitywater.com

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Collective rooftop solar PV project The City of Sydney, one of Australia’s largest local government areas, has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% below 2006 levels by 2030. This includes a target of 30% of electricity from renewable sources.

A major part of the City meeting its targets is a $4.3 million project with Solgen Energy installing Yingli Solar 250 W polycrystalline panels on 30 sites, including Sydney Park Pavilion, Paddington and Glebe Town Halls, Town Hall House as well as a range of libraries, community centres, depots and other public facilities.

Claimed to be the largest collective building-mounted solar panel program in Australia, it will have a total peak electrical capacity of approximately 1.25 megawatts, reducing annual carbon pollution by up to 2100 tonnes.

The new program will increase the City’s solar electricity capacity to a peak of 1.35 megawatts, with more than 5500 solar panels on public buildings across the local area.

“We’re delighted to be working with City of Sydney and Yingli Solar on a project that delivers outstanding results from both an environmental and financial perspective. We pride ourselves on design and construction of projects that deliver optimal power output taking account of site and budgetary constraints. Yingli Solar is a perfect fit in meeting these objectives,” said David Naismith, Solgen Energy Director.

© iStockphoto.com/Daniel Schoenen

case studies

Key features and benefits of the system include: • The 30 solar installations will provide approximately 1.25 MWp, which equates to 12.5% of the energy used by the buildings, cutting the release of 2100 tonnes of CO2 pa and reducing the City’s power bills by $500,000 following the completion of the project in 2015.

• The solar system is ideally placed to meet peak energy demands, which typically occur between 10 am and 4 pm in the City of Sydney. At these times, solar energy technologies will be operating at, or near, capacity. This is also likely to help prevent or delay network infrastructure upgrades, reducing further escalation of network charges and hence electricity bills for the entire community.

• The system accommodates a wide range of buildings and installations, including sports stadiums, swimming pools, town halls, libraries, public transport hubs and community centres.

Yingli Green Energy Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U523

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case studies Removing iron and manganese from water supplies In the early days of water treatment, naturally occurring zeolites (glauconite greensand) were used to soften and remove the iron and manganese from water. The greensand media was not ideal as it was a slow process which required periodic regeneration with potassium permanganate. Also, it couldn’t be used in lower pH waters and had relatively low operating temperatures. Therefore, in the 70s, scientists and researchers in Japan began to look for ways to apply oxidising technology to a silica-sand substrate and came up with the Quantum DMI-65 media.

The DMI-65 media is granular in nature and acts as an oxidation catalyst in aqueous solutions (mainly groundwater), facilitating oxidation - precipitation filtration. It has tight particle size distribution, low level of fines, wide pH range between 5.8 - 8.6 and a coating that won’t be abraded or diminished under normal operating conditions. The media can be used to facilitate the removal of iron and manganese from water when operated in the presence of an oxidant such as sodium hypochlorite or bleach (12.5% NaOCl). In essence, the oxidants and the media work together to oxidise a dissolved solid into a suspended solid that is then filtered out in the depth of the media bed.

As alternate water supplies are now being considered to supply Australia’s water demands, interest in the DMI 65 iron and manganese removal process has grown. It has recently been used by Amiad Australia as the filter media for the removal

of iron from bore water to provide suitable water quality for an irrigation system at a residential development in Western Australia.

The system consisted of four by 900 mm diameter pressure media vessels configured with activated diaphragm valves and a sodium hypochlorite and caustic soda dosing system including a controller.

It also includes a backwash pump assembly, pressure differential switch, a small pressure pump for the command water and a filter controller. After a few weeks of operation, water analysis of the filtrate showed ‘no detectable iron’ using the DMI 65 media.

In another case in George Municipal Water Works, South Africa, over 550 metric tonnes of DMI-65 was used to treat the highly coloured water which contained humic and fulvic acids - the raw water colour is approx 800 PtCo colour units. The iron removal at this site is reported to be very effective regardless of the pH. The highest residual iron found was 0.01 mg/L. Manganese removal is also very efficient.

The highest remaining manganese found was 0.06 mg/L Mn, this is best removed at higher pH 8. The plant has been running since the beginning of January 2007 and reportedly continues to have good results.

DMI-65 is manufactured by Quantum Filtration Medium and is certified by the Water Quality Association to be manufactured to the water treatment standard NSF ANSI 61 for health effects and safety in drinking-water applications.

Quantum Corporation Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U501

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August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 17

Pasteurisation disinfection using waste heat Lauren Davis

Pasteurisation - ie, the rapid heating and cooling of food (usually liquid) - has been used since the late 1800s to treat and disinfect milk.

Now, a version of the process will be used in Australia for a different purpose - treating recycled water.

In a sense, you’re getting something for nothing - disinfection from waste heat,” said VictoriaUniversityResearch Fellow Dr Peter Sanciolo, who is leading the research.

A

wastewater pasteurisation project will be conducted at Melbourne’s Western Treatment Plant over a period of one year.

It was initiated by the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence (AWRCE) and will be led by Victoria University with support from the Australian Water Quality Centre, Melbourne Water, Carollo Engineers, Pasteurization Technology Group (PTG) and WJP Solutions. PTG and Carollo Engineers have previously trialled recycled water pasteurisation in California at the Santa Rosa’s Laguna and the Ventura Wastewater Treatment Plants.

In March, Ventura Water was honoured at the 2013 WateReuse California Annual Conference for its use of PTG’s technology in a pilot program at the Ventura Wastewater Reclamation Facility. At this point it was estimated that by going full-scale, the technology could save the City of Ventura over $750,000 a year in energy and operational costs; now that the trial has been completed, this number is expected to be even higher. This is because the process can be run using waste heat from biogas or from on-site electricity generation.

PTG’s integrated systems use natural gas combined with biogas (a natural byproduct of wastewater treatment) as fuel to drive a turbine (or turbines) to generate electricity. The hot exhaust air from the turbine (usually wasted) is then passed through a series of heat exchangers that increase the temperature of the wastewater to a level that disinfects it. The water

is cooled to a safe level by transferring the heat of the disinfected water to the incoming water - re-using the energy over and over.

“In a sense, you’re getting something for nothing - disinfection from waste heat,” said Victoria University Research Fellow Dr Peter Sanciolo, who is leading the research.

This is in comparison to Australia’s current water disinfection processes, such as UV followed by free chlorination, which Dr Sanciolo says are energy- and cost-intensive. Melbourne Water’s Dr Judy Blackbeard said, “Initial estimates indicate that if these two treatment processes are replaced with pasteurisation, the operating costs of pasteurisation are likely to be only 60% of those for UV and free chlorination. A similar reduction in capital costs can be expected.”

But Dr Sanciolo noted that although pasteurisation was successful in California, the economics of the process vary from site to site, hence the need to trial it for the Australian water industry. Dr Mara Wolkenhauer, Program Manager, Research & Development at AWRCE, explained that cost savings would be lower if a facility had to generate its own biogas; on the other hand, if it already generated biogas through wastewater treatment, or had a biogas-fuelled power plant on site, it would not have to pay for the additional energy requirement to heat the wastewater.

Dr Sanciolo said scientists are currently testing our wastewater to see what temperature and time conditions are required to kill the water’s many different types of microbial contaminants. Once the trial proper gets underway, it will be used to develop monitoring protocols to ensure the process works properly. It will also be an important demonstration for Australian regulatory authorities, showing that the water can be treated to a very high standard suitable for crop irrigation and industrial use.

AWRCE CEO Mark O’Donohue said: “If successful, the project will demonstrate that pasteurisation can reduce treatment costs and energy requirements, and simplify the recycled water disinfection process, under rigorous conditions required

by Australian Departments of Health.”

With thanks to Dr Judy Blackbeard, Dr Peter Sanciolo and Dr Mara Wolkenhauer.

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18 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

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research & development Urine recycling to extract precious nutrients The recycling of plastic bottles, paper and food at home is common across the world. But as many of the Earth’s resources become more scarce, chemical engineers are looking at new ways to recycle including extracting precious nutrients such as phosphates from urine before it enters the sewage system.

Phosphorus is one of the elements needed to sustain life. Found in our genes, it is needed for good health, especially bones and teeth.

Current estimates suggest that phosphorus production - which occurs naturally as phosphate rocks and is mined extensively as a crop fertiliser - could peak by 2030 and stocks exhausted in the next 50-100 years.

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Urine contains high concentrations of phosphates, but becomes heavily diluted - up to a 100 times - and contaminated once it leaves the home, making the recovery of phosphates much more challenging at waste water treatment plants.

Chemical engineers at the University of Florida, US, have taken a novel approach to the problem and have looked at the feasibility of removing phosphates at source. It could mean that household recycling takes a new direction in the future with the introduction of waterless urinals and ‘no-mix toilets’ to collect urine in nearby storage tanks.

The researchers at Florida were able to extract up to 97% of phosphates from urine in five minutes or less, using a technique called ion-exchange using HAIX resin, in a laboratory setting1.

The findings create the opportunity to run full-size systems which could form the basis for recovering phosphates from homes and communities in the future.

David Brown, chief executive of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), said: “Our attitude and whole approach to recycling will need to change as we come under increasing pressure to conserve valuable, non-renewable resources like phosphorus.

“Phosphorus is one of those elements which is vital to life, but its importance is not widely known. As well as a fertiliser, it has many industrial uses and can be found in products as diverse as processed cheese, fizzy drinks, matches, detergents and toothpaste.

“The research is another great example of chemical engineers providing alternative approaches and solutions to the creation of more sustainable approaches to issues like wastewater management and recycling.” www.icheme.org 1 Phosphate removal from urine using hybrid anion exchange resin - Alicia Sendrowski, Treavor H. Boyer Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment, University of Florida.

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research & development

New material could hold our energy hopes A new material that can store large amounts of energy with very little energy loss has been developed by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). The material has practical applications in renewable energy storage, electric cars and defence and space technologies.

“Dielectric materials are used to make fundamental electrical components called capacitors, which store energy,” said Associate Professor Yun Liu of the ANU Research School of Chemistry, coauthor of the paper detailing the new material, which is published in the journal Nature Materials.

The new metal oxide dielectric material outperforms current capacitors in many aspects, storing large amounts of energy and working reliably from -190 to 180°C, and is cheaper to manufacture than current components.

“Our material performs significantly better than existing high dielectric constant materials so it has huge potential. With further development, the material could be used in ‘supercapacitors’ which store enormous amounts of energy, removing current energy storage

limitations and throwing the door wide open for innovation in the areas of renewable energy, electric cars, even space and defence technologies,” said Associate Professor Liu. The material could be particularly transformative for wind and solar power, which can cause problems when fed into the power grid at low demand times.

“Power going into the grid has to balance with the demand for power at any given time,” said co-author Professor Ray Withers.

“This means that it is very important to be able to store energy until such time as it is really needed.”

Researchers have been trying to design new dielectric materials to make more efficient energy storage devices for years. The design process has proved difficult because the materials need to meet three requirements: a very high dielectric constant, meaning they can store a lot of energy; a very low dielectric loss, meaning energy doesn’t leak out and get wasted; and the capacity to work across a broad range of temperatures.

“If you have a higher dielectric constant but also a high loss, the material is basically useless because it doesn’t store energy well it’s like a leaky bucket. The material would also be useless if it only performs well at a certain temperature, because it couldn’t deal with normal daily temperature fluctuations. It is very difficult to achieve all three of these features,” said Professor Withers.

After five years of hard work, the research team has developed a material that meets all these requirements.

“When we first found this material we knew it had great potential.

It’s friendly to the environment, non-toxic and abundant,” said Associate Professor Liu.

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August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 21

Matchmaking bacteria on contaminated sites © iStockphoto.com/spanteldotru

Optimising growth conditions and matchmaking bacteria is all in a day’s work when bioremediating contaminated sites.

Susan Williamson, Editor, Australian Life Scientist

A Manefield’s team takes samples from contaminated sites back to the lab to assess the activity of the microbial communities and their ability to break down pollutants.

ssociate Professor Mike Manefield*, in the Centre for Marine Bio-innovation and the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of New South Wales, is tackling the legacy of unregulated industrial activity - plumes of toxic chemicals that contaminate the groundwater under our cities.

Manefield and his team have been working on the bioremediation of three main organochlorines for a number of years now. The first is perchloroethylene (PCE), which is used as a chemical solvent in the dry-cleaning industry. The lack of regulation before the 1970s meant that these chemicals were often disposed of by being tipped into gutters or onto the ground.

The second, 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA), is a chlorinated hydrocarbon primarily used to produce vinyl chloride monomer, which is the major precursor for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production - a widely used plastic. DCA is also used as a solvent in the formation of polystyrene and latex.

And the third, chloroform, is a precursor to refrigerants and plastics as well as being used as an extractant.

All these chemicals are toxic. They kill in acute doses (chloroform also kills at low concentrations), are known carcinogens and because of their long half-life,

22 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

they are recalcitrant in the environment.

But Manefield is quick to point out that despite their toxicity the organochlorides have some very useful properties.

“These chemicals are soluble, volatile and stable, which are useful properties and they have utility in society,” said Manefield, “so we do not want to stop using them, but we need to handle them better and find better ways to clean them up.”

The stability of these chemicals - some have an abiotic half-life of hundreds to thousands of years - means that they can be transported and stored for extensive periods, but it also means that if they are spilled it can be disastrous.

Organochloride respiration A major clean-up of the groundwater at the Botany Industrial Park site is underway and Manefield’s research feeds into this effort.

“The aquifer has been contaminated for a long time,” said Manefield. “Containment lines are in place and groundwater is pumped out of the aquifer and into a treatment plant to decontaminate the water.

It is estimated this will take 200-300 years.

It’s expensive and energy intensive, so we need to find a better way.”

Because organochlorides are denser than water, when they are spilled into the environment they percolate into the

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bioremediation

soil, into the groundwater and form an organic phase below the water.

“They are good at dissolving greases and fats, but they do not mix with water,” Manefield explained. “They just sit there in an organic phase on the bottom of the aquifer slowly dissolving into the water forming a plume downgradient - they’re called DNAPLs, dense non-aqueous phase liquids.”

It is this dissolved phase of the plume that the containment system prevents from entering Botany Bay. But Manefield and his team want to create a barrier of bacteria to replace the groundwater treatment plant.

One problem with this is that the environment the organochlorines occupy is anaerobic, so rapid aerobic biodegradation processes aren’t useful. A second problem is that the undissolved organochlorines sitting on the bottom of the aquifer can be toxic to the bacteria.

But there is a small selection of anaerobic bacteria that break down organochlorines. Manefield said it took a number of years for his team to work out how to successfully grow these bacteria, but they are now making progress. Industry has funded the development phase and continues to provide funding for this work.

“The bacteria also respire the organochlorides in the gradient up the plume,” Manefield said. “The transfer of electrons to organochlorines removes the chlorine atoms, which makes these chemicals harmless. The fully dechlorinated breakdown products are abundant hydrocarbons in the environment; for example, one breakdown product is ethene, which is used to ripen fruit.”

Serendipity Manefield’s team are working with the three groups of bacteria, Dehalococcoides, which breaks down PCE, Dehalobacter, which breaks down DCA and Desulfitobacterium, which degrades chloroform.

“They’re known as organochlorine respiring bacteria, or ORBs,” he said.

Manefield’s team takes samples from contaminated sites back to the lab to assess the activity of the microbial communities and their ability to break down pollutants.

“It is a slow process to strip a culture down to the single organism you want to look at,” said Manefield.

And they are not easy to grow. Manefield said they started working on reductive dechlorination in 2005 and it took two or three years to optimise growth conditions for these fastidious organisms.

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Once they got the growth conditions right, they started working on the enrichment process, which involved creating an environment as favourable as possible for the ORB and as unfavourable as possible for competing microbes, such as methanogens and homoacetogens.

Chloroform is a particularly problematic organochlorine because it inhibits the ORB that can degrade other organochlorines. In another study, Dr Matthew Lee in Manefield’s team was assessing this inhibitory effect in some groundwater from the Botany site when things appeared to be going wrong.

“We thought we had a leak,” said Manefield, “because the chloroform disappeared from one of our replicate cultures.

But then the chloroform disappeared from the other replicates as well.”

This led to the unexpected discovery of a chloroform-degrading bacterium.

The researchers began subculturing samples from the Botany site to find out what was causing the chloroform to disappear. They identified a Dehalobacter species that degraded chloroform into dichloromethane and then to acetate, carbon dioxide and methane. It’s the first isolate that can completely dechlorinate chloroform.

“The more we enriched the cultures the faster they consumed chloroform,” said Manefield. “And we found that this bacterium was much more tolerant to high levels of chloroform - the average bacterium can withstand 10 ppm, our culture is highly active at 200 ppm.”

The team has sequenced the genome of this species and discovered that it has a larger genome than other Dehalobacter species. They also found that it had 22 reductive dehalogenase genes that code for the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the chloroform.

“This may link to its tolerance to higher concentrations of chloroform,” Manefield suggested.

Technology transfer Manefield started a biotechnology company last year called Micronovo Pty Ltd, which serves to transfer technology from the lab into the hands of environmental consulting companies actively remediating contaminated sites.

The company conducts molecular-based diagnostic analyses on groundwater samples, using quantitative PCR to determine the capacity a sample has to break down a pollutant. They can then give advice on

what is needed if a sample does not have the right bacteria for a clean-up operation as well as supply the appropriate bacterial cultures. Through Micronovo, Dr Joanna Koenig in Manefield’s team was responsible for the first bioaugmentation with organochlorine-respiring bacteria on the Australian continent.

The company currently has contracts with environmental consultant firms Golder Associates, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Aecom for Australian operations.

“We have four or five contracts at any one time currently. It won’t make me wealthy but it’s very satisfying seeing genuine application to an environmental cause. It also provides good contacts for funding ongoing research and attracts high-quality students into the lab.”

*Dr Mike Manefield is currently an ARC Future Fellow in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW, having spent 2004 to 2010 as a Senior Research Associate in the UNSW Centre for Marine BioInnovation where he remains Deputy Director. Following a PhD on the ability of algal metabolites to inhibit bacterial quorum sensing, he spent four years in the UK developing and applying RNA stable isotope probing. He was employed from 2001 on a continuing contract as a postdoctoral scientist in the NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Oxford, UK. He returned to Australia in 2004 and was employed by UNSW to lead the bioremediation program for the Environmental Biotechnology Cooperative Research Centre.

August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 23

research & development Laser to detect methane leaks University of Adelaide researchers are developing a new type of laser system that will monitor methane, the main component of natural gas, levels across large areas. This will provide a useful tool for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions.

The system has the potential to detect methane leaks from long-distance underground gas pipelines and gas fields, including coal seam gas extraction operations, and to measure methane emissions from animal production.

The researchers, based in the university’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, have conducted a preliminary study and are developing the laser system for further testing.

“We hope to accurately measure methane concentrations up to a distance of 5 km,” says project leader Dr David Ottaway, Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry and Physics.

“This will give us an ability to map methane over an area as large as 25 square kilometres in a very short time. At the moment current technology only allows detection at a single point source as it blows past the detector.”

The system uses laser-based remote sensing technology called DIAL. Laser pulses are emitted with alternate frequencies, one of which is absorbed by the methane. The methane concentration is measured by observing the difference between the amounts of light scattered back to the detector. The laser system will then be swept through a circle to determine the methane concentration over a wide area.

To produce a powerful cost-effective laser system, the researchers are developing an erbium-YAG laser source.

These lasers have the advantage of emitting

Creating highvalue products from leftovers For around every 4 L of olive oil that’s pressed from the ripe fruit, about 17 kg of olive skins, pulp and pits are left behind.

Known as pomace, these leftovers typically have low-value uses. But US Department of Agriculture (USDA) agricultural engineer Rebecca R Milczarek and her colleagues are working with olive growers and oliveoil processors in California - where most of the US’s commercial olives are grown - to find new, environmentally friendly and profitable uses for pomace.

According to Milczarek, pomace from California mills is usually a wet, heavy goulash that ranges in colour from green to brown to black to purple, and has an aroma somewhat like that of olive tapenade, a flavourful spread made of finely chopped or puréed olives, anchovies, capers, garlic and olive oil.

Milczarek notes that one key to creating higher-value uses for pomace is to develop techniques that millers can use to quickly and affordably dry it on-site. That would make the pomace lighter and easier and less expensive to ship to, for example, a centralised processing plant. There, specialised equipment could be used to

© www.sxc.hu/vjeran2001

extract additional oil or perhaps compounds for use in new foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or other products.

In her research, Milczarek is investigating the dynamics of drying pomace. The goal of these studies is to determine precisely how long it would take for water to diffuse from the pomace under specific conditions.

In preliminary experiments, documented in a 2011 peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Food Engineering, Milczarek’s team dried small batches of fresh pomace, using a combination of microwave and convection (hot forced air) heating. The drying rates for the four internal temperatures studied

24 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

light that cannot be seen by humans and is not hazardous to the human eye important when the lasers are to be used in the environment and not confined to a regulated laboratory.

“We believe we are the only group working on an erbium-YAG DIAL system and we are very excited about the possibilities that this system could offer for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective manner,” Dr Ottaway says.

“Methane is a very important gas in terms of climate change. It absorbs radiation, which warms the atmosphere, at a rate more than 20 times larger than that of carbon dioxide. This technology has great potential to help reduce our methane emissions from gas pipeline leaks or from coal seam gas operations, and may be important for monitoring agricultural emissions over time.”

- 40, 50, 60 and 70°C - averaged about 28% lower than those reported in some studies conducted by other scientists.

The bottom line?

Lower drying rates mean more drying time is needed in order for the pomace to dry sufficiently.

What can olive mills do about that?

For commercial drying, pomace would be carried on a conveyor belt through a ‘drying tunnel’. With the drying rates in mind, the tunnel could be lengthened, or the conveyor belt could be slowed, to ensure that pomace emerging from the tunnel isn’t damp and prone to mould.

Of course, drying adds to mills’ energy costs. However, the combination of microwave and convection drying that Milczarek tested is inherently more energyefficient than drying options that are based solely on convection, she points out.

Two features of Milczarek’s study keeping the pomace’s internal temperature steady when testing each temperature regimen and taking pomace shrinkage into account - likely made the research unique among olive-pomace-drying experiments and contributed to the accuracy of her results.

Milczarek is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Western Regional Research Center in Albany, Calif. ARS is the USDA’s chief intramural scientific research agency.

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research & development

Mobile phone runs on urine power Scientists working at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, which is a collaboration between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Bristol, have developed a novel way of charging mobile phones using urine as the power source to generate electricity.

‘Waste to Real Energy: the first MFC powered mobile phones’ appears in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics published by the Royal Society of Chemistry Dr Ioannis Ieropoulos from UWE Bristol is an expert at harnessing power from unusual sources using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). He says, “We are very excited as this is a world first, no-one has harnessed power from urine to do this so it’s an exciting discovery. Using the ultimate waste product as a source of power to produce electricity is about as eco as it gets.”

“One product that we can be sure of an unending supply is our own urine. By harnessing this power, as urine passes through a cascade of microbial fuel cells, we have managed to charge a Samsung mobile phone. The beauty of this fuel source is that we are not relying on the erratic nature of the wind or the sun; we are actually re-using waste to create energy.

“So far the microbial fuel power stack that we have developed generates enough power to enable SMS messaging, web browsing and to make a brief phone call. Making a call on a mobile phone takes up the most energy but we will get to the place where we can charge a battery for longer periods. The concept has been tested and it works - it’s now for us to develop and refine the process so that we can develop MFCs to fully charge a battery.”

The microbial fuel cell is an energy converter, which turns organic matter directly into electricity, via the metabolism of live microorganisms. Essentially, the electricity is a by-product of the microbes’ natural life cycle, so the more they eat things like urine, the more energy they generate and for longer periods of time; so it’s beneficial to keep doing it. The electricity output from MFCs is relatively small and so far the scientists have only been able to store and accumulate these low levels of energy into capacitors or supercapacitors, for short charge/discharge cycles. “This is the first time we have been able to directly charge the battery of a device such as a mobile phone and it is indeed a breakthrough,” says Dr Ieropoulos.

The project has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Gates Foundation and the Technology Strategy Board.

The scientists believe that the technology has the future potential to be installed into domestic bathrooms to harness the urine and produce sufficient electricity to power showers, lighting or razors as well as mobile phones.

Dr Ieropoulos concludes, “We are currently bidding for funding to work alongside partners in the US and South Africa to develop a smart toilet.”

www.SustainabilityMatters.net.au

August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 25

Bridge design ticks all the boxes for sustainability The long-running debate around climate change and carbon pricing mechanisms has become synonymous with sustainability for many people.

However, in order to deliver true sustainable outcomes for transport infrastructure, it is necessary to consider a broad range of economic, social and environmental aspects, explains David Coe, Director, pitt&sherry.

“While there are some very interesting developments around geopolymer cement that would substantially reduce the carbon footprint of concrete, it is likely traditional cement-based concrete will be used for the majority of bridge construction in the foreseeable future,” says David Coe.

“A

n excellent definition of sustainability for the transport sector is the one devised

by VicRoads, which is used to focus their commitment to sustainability,” said Coe. “It states, ‘the ability to meet the needs of society to move freely, gain access, communicate, trade and establish relationships without sacrificing other essential human or ecological values today or in the future’. We can see from this definition that there is no reference to climate change or reducing carbon emissions, it is about providing a balanced approach to transport for our society.”

In developing the definition, VicRoads has developed key indicators under INVEST (Integrated VicRoads Environmental Sustainability Tool, developed in 2011) which include air quality, biodiversity, cultural heritage, stakeholder engagement, noise management, design and resource management.

The tool is one of several developed by

26 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

road authorities worldwide to indicate the sustainability of transport projects.

“The INVEST tool is ideal for benchmarking projects to ensure that sustainability issues are addressed,” said Coe. “Bridges form an integral part of most transport infrastructure projects and bridge engineers are strongly placed to influence the sustainability outcomes of such projects. Indeed, it can be argued that bridge engineers have always been involved in delivering sustainable solutions through the design, construction and maintenance of bridges and associated structures.”

To highlight the point, Coe cites a number of examples: • A s part of the City of Melbourne’s rehabilitation of Princes Bridge, the heritage-listed structure was strengthened to accommodate increased traffic loads while the facade was refurbished to maintain the heritage features of the structure. During the removal of the lead-based paint, it was important to provide maximum

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Transport infrastructure

dust containment, mitigation and disposal to minimise the effects of the paint dust on air quality.

• As part of the replacement of the Sorell Causeway bridge in Tasmania, there was extensive stakeholder engagement on the location and key design aspects for the new structure.

As part of the environmental considerations for the new bridge, which crosses the Ramsar listed Pitt Water Nature Reserve, it was necessary to relocate an endangered species of sea star to other areas within the reserve before construction could commence.

• During the final stages of planning for the Brighton Bypass, artefacts dating back at least 20,000 years were discovered on the levees to the Jordan River. The stakeholder engagement process was complex, and at times controversial, and included several proposals to protect the important Aboriginal heritage site. In the end, the compromise solution was to construct a 70 m span bridge over the

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levees. The design and construction required the bridge to be launched over the site to minimise impact of the structure and associated construction activities.

“We can see from these examples, and there are plenty of others, that bridge engineers have integrated a broad range of tools and considerations into their design and construction processes that embed, and often deliver, innovative, sustainability solutions. It is a natural part of their psyche, to design new bridges and rehabilitate existing structures to meet the future needs of society while minimising the impact on the environment. It is about optimising the use of materials to deliver efficiently designed durable new bridges and it’s about strengthening and widening existing bridges to deliver rehabilitation solutions to extend their useful life,” says Coe. In order to deliver the required strength to carry current and likely future loads along with the required minimum 100-year design life, the majority of bridges will continue to extensively use steel and cement as primary construction materials. Both materials have high levels of embedded energy and produce large quantities of greenhouse gases in the production phase. “While there are some very interesting developments around geopolymer cement that would substantially reduce the carbon footprint of concrete, it is likely traditional cement-based concrete will be used for the majority of bridge construction in the foreseeable future,” says David Coe. “The key driver to reducing the level of steel and cement has been to lower the overall cost of a project. To do that, bridge engineers and construction companies have utilised alternative materials that maintain, and often enhance, the integrity of the bridge at

a more competitive rate. The use of fly ash and blast furnace slag in concrete mixes has been common practice for many years. In recent times it has been labelled as ‘green cement’, which it is, but is certainly not a new concept to our industry.”

The producers of steel and cement are liable entities required to pay the ‘carbon tax’ under the Clean Energy Act. As these companies have been deemed to be internationally trade exposed, under the Act they have a 94.5% carbon price shield. “The end result to the construction of bridges is a 0.1 to 0.2% price increase, which is relatively negligible,” says Coe. “We are starting to see a greater usage of alternative materials such as fibre reinforced polymer (FRP), hybrid composite beams (HCB) and geopolymers. Quite rightly, the general use of these alternative materials is driven by the requirement to deliver sustainable economic solutions. As the cost of producing these materials reduces and understanding their long-term properties increases, their use, most likely for specific solutions, will become more widespread.”

In essence, bridge designers and engineers are enablers of sustainability.

The guiding principles for INVEST for transport - accessibility, reliability, safety, travel time and consideration of environmental and social impacts - go well beyond carbon emissions and the carbon tax. The solutions developed by bridge engineers to extend and strengthen an existing structure or to design a new bridge consider material usage, environmental and social impacts to deliver cost-effective solutions with a minimum design life of 100 years.

Pitt & Sherry Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T689

August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 27

n products & services

Oil-in-water analyser

Visual infrared thermometer

With the invention of midinfrared quantum cascade lasers (QCL), a new form of liquid spectroscopy became possible. The EraCheck uses this portable and field-proven technology to enable fast, easy and reliable measurements in harsh environments.

The eco-friendly analyser features QCL-IR technology allowing an extraction with the CFC-free solvent cyclohexane. With high speed and precision, the product will detect even sub-ppm concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), or total oil and grease (TOG) in water in full compliance with ASTM D7678.

The analyser is suitable for the following applications: the prevention of hydrocarbons in discharged water; process control in the petrochemical industry for upstream oil recovery; downstream process water monitoring; purity control in the chemical and energy industries; environmental testing such as testing for compliance with environmental regulations, bilge water monitoring in marine transportation and the contamination of surface soils by various types of crude oils and their products.

The Fluke VT02 Visual IR Thermometer is a troubleshooting camera with an infrared heat map.

Until now, electricians and industrial, HVAC and automotive technicians have had to choose between single-point infrared thermometers and high-resolution thermal imagers (infrared or ‘IR’ cameras). The Fluke VT02 Visual IR Thermometer fills the gap for when a single-spot temperature reading isn’t enough and a high-resolution thermal image is more than users need.

One tool combines the visual insight of a thermal imager, the visual images of a digital camera and the point-and-shoot convenience of an IR thermometer.

Conducting inspections is said to be faster with the product than an infrared thermometer, which requires multiple readings and manually recorded results. The VT02 instantly detects problems using blended thermal and digital imagery.

It will display and save images as full visual, full infrared or in three blended modes (25, 50 and 75%). Markers pinpoint hot and cold spots, indicating the hottest temperature with a red box and the coldest with a blue box. A temperature reading is provided at the centre point. Images are saved to the micro-SD card, eliminating the need to write down single or multiple measurements.

The compact and intuitive product operates with focus-free simplicity, expanding the user base from senior to junior technicians and broadening the applications for in-house staff as well as creating new business opportunities for service contractors. Images from the device can be imported into SmartView analysis and reporting software, which is included, to produce professional reports that document problems detected or repairs made, for management and customer review.

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28 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S897

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Surge protection for PV installations The DEHNguard M YPV SCI surge arrestor - made

by DEHN + SĂ–HNE, a German-based specialist in lightning and surge protection - is designed to improve the safety and reliability of a PV installation. Based on a decade of experience in applying surge protective devices in PV systems, the arrester includes the latest technology in device and system security.

LED halogen replacement bulb Brightgreen has launched the latest addition to its retrofit range: the DR700 v2 MR16 LED halogen replacement bulb. The product features enhanced optics, a stylish sleek front and a good dimming range; it is said to have lower dimming than ever.

The 10.5 W DR700 v2 MR16 provides all the brightness of a 50 W halogen bulb using only 20% of the energy. It is said to be so efficient that it will pay for itself in 14 months with 10 h use a day.

Features include: modified electronics ensuring good dimming functionality; compact body for fitting into smaller spaces; compatibility with a wider range of existing fascias; available in 40 or 60° beam angles and in colour temperatures of 3000 or 4000K. Brightgreen Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U348

The DEHN + SĂ–HNE technology of fault-resistant Y protective circuit and a combined disconnecting and short-circuiting device with thermodynamic control, with an additional back-up fuse, allows for the safe and easy replacement of the protection modules in the case of overload, without disconnection from supply.

The synergy of technologies reduces the damage risk for protective devices caused by installation or insulation faults in the PV circuit. It also reduces the danger of fire due to an overloaded arrester by putting it into a safe electrical state without disturbing the operating state of the PV installation.

DEHN + SOHNE GmbH + Co KG Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U570

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August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 29

n products & services

Solar power safety device The SolaGRID Audible Alarm is a self-contained, lightweight safety device that ensures solar power users are immediately alerted if an earth fault affects an inverter. The unit can be placed in areas near the solar user such as a kitchen or office and if a fault is detected the unit emits both an audible (beeping - 74 dB @ 1 m) and visual (flashing red light) alarm.

The alarm complies with latest modifications to the Australia and New Zealand Safety and installation Standard 5033:2012. Clause 3.4.3 of the standard requires that low-voltage PV arrays be equipped with an alarm that alerts the solar user when an earth fault has occurred and repeats the alarm at least once each hour until the fault has been resolved. The alarm goes a step further - although the user can push a mute button to silence the audible warning, the red light will continue to flash until the fault is cleared.

Like any resource that results in electrical power, solar solutions must be designed to ensure safety. Since solar arrays are usually installed in exposed areas, they are subject to both environmental and operational conditions that can cause a safety hazard. For example, the impact of lightning, wind, vermin infestation or mechanical failure can lead to a short circuit or earth fault, which, if undetected, could potentially lead to fire or electrocution.

Many solar inverters have a local indicator that triggers if a fault occurs. The problem is placement as inverters may be located in a garage, switch room or on a rooftop, where a solar system owner or operational staff member may not notice the warning - a clearly dangerous circumstance. The alarm overcomes this safety issue by providing a compact, self-contained unit that can be placed where it can be easily seen and heard. It enables the user to identify possible hazards quickly and institute control measures including shutting down the solar system and contacting service personnel.

The alarm is compatible with high-quality inverter products, including Power One and SMA. Powered from a 230 VAC single-phase control circuit - 1 A max, one unit will track and alert an earth fault from multiple inverters.The user can then check the inverter displays to determine which inverter carries the fault.

The SolaGRID Audible Alarm is available in easy-to-assemble kit form.

Solar Inception Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T930 wmb-602 quarter page artwork_Layout 1 10/01/2013 13:20 Page 1

Energy efficiency and sustainability program

Join the no-valve metering revolution • No valves, no ancillaries, no vapour lock • Accurate, linear and repeatable flows • Up to 5000:1 flow control to 500ml/min at 7 bar • ReNu pumphead technology: fully sealed for safe, tool-free maintenance

qdospumps.com.au Tel: 1300 WMBPUMPS

30 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

For organisations whose machinery is costing thousands of dollars in electricity to run and for those wanting to consider energy efficient upgrades but who are unsure where to start, or what financial assistance may be available, Energy Action offers a unique energy efficiency and sustainability partnership program, Activ8+.

The Activ8+ team works with businesses to identify energy efficiency opportunities and manage projects through to completion. Where available, the team can even assist with grant applications to secure funding. Most importantly, their team of engineers can aid with the complex measurement and verification process (now required to be outlined in many applications) to quantify the investments and the expected return. Partnering with Activ8+ allows an organisation to work smarter, not harder - aiming to minimise disruption internally to bring projects to fruition.

These services will allow an organisation to achieve genuine cost savings through a reduction in the energy component of its energy bill. This cost saving will be achieved while also reducing the carbon footprint of the organisation.

Energy Action Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U482

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BINTECH SYSTEMS

WATER SOLUTIONS

FLOW METERS • MAGNETIC FLOW METERS • ULTRASONIC METER -TRANSIT TIME / DOPPLER • OPEN CHANNEL • CUSTOM SPOOL SYSTEMS

NEW CRONOS ECONOMY ANALYTICAL CONTROLLERS • RESIDUAL CHLORINE • DISSOLVED OZONE • DISSOLVED OXYGEN • TURBIDITY • SUSPENDED SOLIDS • PH/ORP • CONDUCTIVITY • FLUORIDE • CHLORINE GAS DETECTORS • PORTABLE METERS

n products & services

Wastewater measurement instrument with sensors Cerlic’s range of portable water/wastewater instruments has expanded to include the Multitracker controller and Multiseries sensors. The handheld device uses plug-and-play sensors for various types of measurement.

When measuring a sludge blanket, the Multi-Blanko sensor uses optical technology designed to measure level, profile and concentration of sludge blanket/fluff in clarifiers and thickeners.

When measuring suspended solids in aeration basins, return sludge troughs and raw sewage, the Multi-Solido measures the suspended solids without the need for colour compensation by using transmission of light principles.

The Multi-Oxyduo measures dissolved oxygen with a choice of the calibration-free optical or electrochemical electrode.

Once on site, simply remove the lightweight Multitracker from its carry case, plug in a sensor and begin sampling. The long-life (2-3 years), battery-powered instrument will log up to 250 of the real-time measurements displayed on its large, backlit, graphical LCD screen. Optional acoustic or vibration alarms provide feedback to the user at preprogrammed sensor values.

After sampling, wind the cable and sensor onto the removable guide before connecting the device to a computer to download logged data for processing. The robust, waterproof (IP67) housing ensures the Multitracker is protected during use in demanding environments. It will even float if accidently dropped in water.

Control Components Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U381

W!

NE

High-efficiency motors LEVEL SYSTEMS • ULTRASONIC TRANSMITTERS AND CONTROLLERS • POINT LEVEL SWITCHES • MAGNETIC LEVEL GAUGES • SLUDGE LEVEL SYSTEMS • WIRELESS SYSTEMS

TOLL FREE 1300 363 163 sales@bintech.com.au

www.bintech.com.au

Toshiba High Efficiency HE Series motors are built for applications where performance, long-term reliability and robustness are important elements. They are compliant with MEPS 2006 (HE) standards and are available in a standard range from 0.37 to 185 kW (2, 4 and 6 poles). The motors can also be used in hazardous areas such as Ex n/Ex e /DIP. Features of the motors include: IP56 standard (with possibility up to IP66); built-in thermistor; suitable for DOL/reduced voltage/VVVF operation; flexible T/box design; RTDs, anti-condensation heaters (options); long-life bearings; low-noise operation; corrosion-resistant stainless steel name plates; good thermal reserve.

The motors can be used in many industries and applications, such as mining, oil and gas, petrochemicals, food and beverage, water, materials handling, building, plastics and many more.

Toshiba International Corp Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U309

32 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

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n products & services

UV disinfection treatment The Xylem Wedeco LBX 850e system is a closedvessel, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection solution which has been optimised for large-scale wastewater treatment plants, industrial and water re-use applications. The energy-efficient system has been fully validated according to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s UV Disinfection Guidance Manual (USEPA’s UVDGM 2006) and the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) guidelines by independent, industryleading Carollo Engineers.

The low-pressure, highoutput amalgam UV system uses Ecoray lamp technology which is claimed to consume approximately one-third of the amount of energy that mediumpressure lamp systems need to operate.

The OptiDose control ensures the required dosage is applied while conserving power and lamp life. Additionally, the automatic wiping system maintains maximum sleeve transmittance resulting in peak efficiency. By keeping the sleeves continuously clean, the system uses less energy which lowers operational costs and maintenance effort.

The LBX series treats a wide range of liquids in many different industries. It is an adaptable and flexible system that can be tailored for wastewater treatment plants and industrial applications such as disinfection of sugar syrup within the food and beverage industry. It is also suitable for water treatment plants using surface water as source.

Xylem Water Solutions Australia Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U306

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Paddlewheel flow sensor The Series PDWS Insertion Paddlewheel Flow Sensor is designed for pipe sizes ranging from ½ to 8″ with available materials of brass, stainless steel, PVC and polypropylene. The bearings are made of high-quality ruby jewels to reduce the coefficient of friction and maintain high accuracy.

The series has a wide variety of custom tee, saddle or welded fittings that come in bronze, PVC and stainless steel. The series is suitable for chemical proportioning applications or any applications with rapidly changing fluid conductivity.

Dwyer Instruments (Aust) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T775

HORIBA U-50 MULTI-PARAMETER WATER QUALITY METERS

pH Oxidation Reduction Potential Dissolved Oxygen Conductivity Salinity Total Dissolved Solids Seawater Specific Gravity Temperature Turbidity Water Depth GPS

AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIFIC Pty Ltd

PO Box 335 Kotara NSW 2289 - Ph 1800 021 083 - Fax 02 4956 2525 sales@austscientific.com.au - www.austscientific.com.au

August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 33

n products & services

Wastewater treatment system The latest Smith & Loveless MBR (membrane biological reactor) wastewater treatment system, the Titan MBR Qube, comes in a 12 m-high cube container, completely pre-assembled, packaged and delivered.

The plug-and-play unit needs only a flat pad to sit on and connections to water and electricity.

The system provides users with highquality treatment performance with minimal operational requirements for applications involving flows in the range of 25-100 m3 a day, depending on BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) and whether nitrogen removal is required. The product provides effluent quality of <3 mg/L BOD and <1 mg/L TSS. Turbidity is <2 NTU, TKN is <2 mg/L and NH3 is <1 mg/L. The durable membrane is composed of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and nonwoven polyester fabric. Vertical membrane surfaces do not touch each other during operation. Their smooth, continuous surfaces prevent the build-up of solids that result from hollow fibres being bundled by stringy solids such as hair.

The flat-plate membrane design results in less breaking and clogging than hollowfibre types and can easily be cleaned in place with a simple chemical injection.

The flat surfaces facilitate air scouring in the aeration zone, preventing fouling and the need for back-pulsing pumping equipment. The membranes maintain high permeability and flux rates even at peak rates and stack within a fully submerged module inside the aeration zone. They are designed to use less chemicals and equipment than other products.

The low-maintenance technology uses gravity pressure to drive water flow through its membranes. Clean water discharges into a clearwell while blocked solids remain suspended in the aeration zone. Diffusers beneath the module scour the membranes while also providing an air supply to the bacteria. The units incorporate all wiring, piping, valves, cleaning-in-place equipment, screening, air conditioning and remote view PLC operation.

The system is suitable for industrial and municipal applications where strong environmental performance is mandatory.

The technology is custom-engineered for situations such as those encountered by mining, oil and gas, and remote infrastructure construction sites.

CST Wastewater Solutions Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S621

34 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

Energy-efficiency multistage pump Xylem has launched the Lowara e-HM series - a range of stainless steel, horizontal, multistage pumps, designed for commercial, industrial and residential applications. With good performance and efficiency characteristics, the pump is based on the same innovative hydraulic design as the vertical multistage e-SV series and has the ability to improve energy efficiency in applications by 15-20% - lowering life cycle costs and increasing energy savings.

The modularity of the range will be of benefit to the industrial end user as well as OEMs and residential users due to the range of configurations available to users. The pump can be adapted to meet an extensive range of applications such as chillers, heating, air-conditioning units, washing and cleaning, water treatment, water supply, hot and cold liquid circulation, pressure boosting and aggressive liquids.

Available in two designs, the one-piece e-HM pump requires no welding and is suitable for low pressure and flow, and the sleeve design version is suitable for high flow and pressure.

The pump also provides end users with an improved â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;total cost of ownershipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as it has an average operational time of at least 20,000 h in normal conditions. The pump has a flow of up to 29 m3/h and can perform to a maximum pressure of 16 bars.

The company says, due to the high-grade stainless steel used, the pump will have WRAS/ACS/AS4020/NSF61 approvals and can be used to pump potable water while providing good corrosion resistance. It is also claimed to meet a wide range of design, quality and motor efficiency standards, including: UL/CSA, KEMCO, Australian MEPS and IMQ approvals and certifications.

Available in a range of material options such as SS AISI 304 and SS AISI 316 and electropolished and passivated AISI 316 stainless steel, the pump can also be fitted with EPDM rubber, FPM rubber and Karlez O-rings, as well as carbon, ceramic and silicon carbide mechanical seals.

Xylem Applied Water Systems Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U439

www.SustainabilityMatters.net.au

Australian Sustainability Conference & Exhibition People. Planet. Profit. Grow your Triple Bottom Line.

• Learn how to adopt, adapt and apply sustainability into your business model to grow your bottom line • See cost-effective solutions to ensure the long term success of your business • Hear from industry leaders on how to increase efficiency, performance and profitability • Gather environmentally and socially focused strategies that align with your business values • Develop customer relationships and build your brand by becoming and exhibitor 9 – 10 October 2013, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre REGISTER NOW! www.australiansustainability.com.au Strategic Partner

Strategic Partner

Media Partner

Co-located with

EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE

Sustainable Business Australia

n products & services

Wastewater filtration media

Sludge monitoring system The Hach Sonatax sc with sc200 controller allows users to optimise sludge extraction, manage recirculation and be warned of potential solids washouts or process upset by continuously measuring the sludge blanket level. Its digitised probe eliminates electromagnetic interferences and features a quick LED system check. For a graphical display of sludge profile, the Sonatax sc probe must be connected to an sc1000 controller.

The unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wiper design is claimed to reduce maintenance and the probe features automatic frequency adjustment which scans a range of frequencies to find the ideal settings for the solids concentration for the application. Built-in software disregards signals reflected from tank structures such as pipes, rods, etc.

The digitised probe instantly resumes measurements after skimmer passes and the built-in position sensor also compensates for angle when the probe is not mounted exactly vertically.

Featuring automatic temperature compensation to ensure ultrasonic measurement is unaffected by seasonal changes in water temperature, seasonal calibration becomes unnecessary.

Troubleshooting, particularly in applications with multiple sludge blanket level probes connected to one controller, is quick and easy.

The CMAX filtration media is a specialty adsorbent designed to remove surfactants, soaps and detergents in wastewater. The filtration technology is claimed to be able to remove 100% surfactant in wastewater with typical surfactant loading of 60-80 mg/L or more. It can be incorporated in wastewater treatment plants such as commercial laundries, mine heavy/light vehicle wash systems and car wash systems. The quality of the treated water after CMAX treatment is deemed re-usable, resulting in high water recovery and possible cost savings. The technology has been used in commercial laundries to treat 200,000 L/day with up to 85% water recovery for re-use. In mine heavy/light vehicle wash systems, the technology is used to treat up to 100,000 L/day with up to 80% water recovery.

The technology can also be extended to wastewater treatment plants to reduce the usage of de-foaming chemical agents.

Main features include: Smart Approved WaterMark certified; granular and can be easily adapted in existing filtration systems; fast kinetics in adsorption of contaminants; ease of filling, emptying and cleaning filter vessels; and formulated from highly porous clay-based minerals.

Hach Company

ECOFIX Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U498

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U268

36 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

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Case Study Overset

Resource centre

Legislation, governance, programs and industry links to help guide your sustainability development.

Three events in Melbourne this October The All-Energy Australia Exhibition & Conference and Australian Sustainability Conference & Exhibition will co-locate with Waste Expo in 2013 to form a significant showcase for the clean energy, sustainability, waste and recycling industries.

Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

When: 9-10 October 2013

Australian business All-Energy Australia All-Energy Australia clean and renewable sustainability sector energy two-day, business-to-business conThe Australian Sustainability Conference & Exhibition will feature a multitrack program of engaging content. Key areas explored will include the ROI of sustainability, achieving effective change management, improving water and energy efficiency, upskilling the workforce and exploring critical relationships at the local, community and NGO levels in order to further unlock sustainability agendas. The conference will also look to international innovation to see where this can benefit Australian businesses.

Australian Sustainability Conference & Exhibition Further details, an event program and details on how to register can be found at www.australiansustainability.com.au.

ference, networking forum and exhibition attracts some 5000 visitors from around the world, more than 100 leading international and local speakers, and upwards of 250 exhibitors.

To register, go to www.all-energy.com.au.

Waste Expo

Waste Expo brings together Australia’s key solution providers in the waste and recycling sectors, who will present the latest technology, products and turnkey solutions. It presents an opportunity to engage with professionals from sectors such as government, corporate, hospitality, transport and healthcare.

To register, go to www.wasteexpo.com.au.

Ozwater’14 call for papers now open

AWA is calling for abstract submissions for Australia’s international water conference and exhibition - Ozwater’14. If you’re a water professional or have an interest in water, this is your opportunity to share ideas, research or an initiative and encourage innovation and professional development collaboratively.

Visit www.ozwater.org to download the call for papers document, view conference themes and submit your abstract. www.awa.asn.au

Editor Carolyn Jackson email: sm@westwick-farrow.com.au Chief Editor Janette Woodhouse

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Latest innovation in waste management and recycling

The fourth annual Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) is designed to highlight real solutions for the waste and recycling needs of current and future generations.

Being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19-20 November, the expo will showcase 100 key brands specifically designed for the waste and recycling industry.

AWRE 2013 will build on the success of last year’s event in Sydney which attracted good industry representation. In 2013, delegates from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, United Kingdom and North America will be discussing innovative ways to collect, sort and process waste from the municipal, commercial and construction sectors.

The expo includes an international pavilion, alternative waste technology pavilion, e-waste pavilion, seminar program and networking events, and an awards program.

The event is endorsed and supported by the Waste Management Association of Australia, Waste Contractors and Recyclers of NSW, Local Government NSW and Municipal Association of Victoria.

Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo 2013 Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre When: 19-20 November 2013 Further details, an event program and details on how to register can be found at www. awre.com.au.

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5871 readers (73% personally requested) All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

August/September 2013 - Sustainability Matters 37

In my opinion

Diving into the water industry

H Jonathan McKeown commenced work as CEO of the Australian Water Association at the end of May 2013.

As a newcomer to the industry, I have noticed that the institutional architecture that governs water management

and

distribution across the states and the Commonwealth does nothing to enhance the sector’s productivity.

aving been the Chief Executive of the Australian Water Association (AWA) for just over a month, my steep learning curve on the water industry has become apparent. However, I do have a clear direction for where the association is heading and what we should be doing to assist the Australian water industry.

Water will remain a major global issue and Australia has the capacity to lead innovation and knowledge in the sector.

However, locally we need to ensure that the water sector is united in order to tackle our own challenges.

The water sector needs to present wellresearched positions on national and state policy issues affecting our industry. This means working with our members and key stakeholders to ensure we look at the science behind issues, and the commercial and environmental solutions required to expand the water industry. It also means AWA needs to provide a platform to shape and encourage active debate and knowledge transfer on water issues.

In the coming months you will see the association come out on the front foot on some of the key issues facing the industry.

I believe we need to ‘get off the fence’ on some issues to benefit the members of AWA. If AWA does not take the lead to represent the private sector, the vacant gap can be filled by people who are not adequately skilled leaving the water sector under-represented and marginalised.

As a newcomer to the industry, I have noticed that the institutional architecture that governs water management and distribution across the states and the Commonwealth does nothing to enhance the sector’s productivity. The variable models of regulation, enforced reductions in the cost of living and the varying degrees of corporatisation all have an impact on the sector’s productivity. These variations complicate the processes for private sector suppliers and often disguise the true costs of delivering water to consumers.

The water industry needs to address the issues of improved skills capacity, new markets, regional development and a range of broader challenges to shape the industry for future prosperity.

A united industry that works collaboratively will have the flexibility and

38 Sustainability Matters - August/September 2013

innovation to deal with the challenges for the water industry both in Australia and overseas markets. This includes the rise of new resource exploration - including unconventional gases. The water sector needs to start thinking of ways to further its advantage by working with the mining industry to develop new ways of treating the wastewater being discharged for the sustainable benefit of the wider community.

Ultimately, AWA has a significant role in representing the industry and facilitating new solutions to build a confident water sector.

Background: Jonathan McKeown commenced his career as a commercial lawyer with Mallesons solicitors in Melbourne. He worked in a variety of areas including mergers and acquisitions, mining and resources, and finance and banking. He then transferred to business, gaining 25 years of commercial experience in establishing and consolidating businesses across Asia and the Middle East.

Jonathan has advised more than 200 companies in developing business in Asia while managing offices in Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo and Amsterdam. His international project management skills have been acquired through significant development projects (including water projects) across Asia and the Middle East, all requiring regular interaction with senior levels of governments, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Management experience in industry associations has been acquired in roles that include Director of Trade Business Services at the Chamber of Manufactures (now known as Australian Business Chamber) and Chief Executive of the NSW Farmers Association.

As a management consultant, Jonathan has been based in Bangkok for the last seven years, specialising in productivity improvement, strategic planning, corporate restructures, and acquisitions and joint ventures across Asia and Australia.

He brings detailed practical experience of the challenges of conducting business across borders and cultures with a direct exposure to the fast-changing demands of the Asian markets.

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