The European Commission has launched a new flagship initiative aimed at improving resource efficiency across the European Union.
A resource-efficient Europe – flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 strategy is part of Europe 2020, the bloc’s strategy for sustainable growth and jobs. As well as conserving basic resources like clean air, water, land, forests and food, the EU wants to promote the reuse and recycling of minerals and metals. The initiative is intended to help boost efficiency, productivity and competitiveness – the Commission said that companies which efficiently use raw materials, water and other manufacturing inputs for their products are able to cut costs, helping them to become more competitive. The EU will also propose action on commodity markets and aims to ensure a secure supply of raw materials.
The new plan for more efficient use of natural resources will feed into the EU's common goals on climate change, energy, transport, raw materials, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity and regional development. Encouraging resource efficiency will be a guiding principle behind new measures the EU is planning on a low-carbon economy, energy efficiency, transport, agriculture, fisheries and biodiversity.
The new measures are seen essential to the EU's economic well-being as China, India and other countries develop their economies, increasing global competition for scarce resources and driving up prices.
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development.
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.