close

British Water ‘unconference’ seeks to harness innovation

Completely eliminating the environmental impact of the water industry whilst securing an excellent service may seem like an impossible dream, but it is the vision of an event being held by British Water. The trade association is holding the UK water sector’s first unconference, also known as an open space conference, in London on 5 October 2017.

Marta Perez, British Water technical director said: “An unconference is a more organic approach to solving complex problems than the traditional top-down conference format. We thought it was particularly suited to the journey the water industry needs to take. If we are to identify sustainable solutions and become a fully circular economy, creating zero waste and producing renewable energy, then we need to be highly inventive, creative and productive. That’s what the fluid format of the unconference is intended to achieve.”

The water industry’s first UNconference: Circular Economy Challenges is the result of an ongoing collaboration between British Water, Anglian Water and the utility’s Water Innovation Network. It is sponsored by Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN). 

Anglian Water’s head of innovation, Steve Kaye, said: “Anglian Water have been working on increasing their performance through innovative approaches and need your help in identifying  future challenges and creative solutions to support the creation of a circular economy. We are very proud of our sustainable and innovative approach to business.  The UNconference aligns well with Anglian Water’s leading strategic approach based on innovation, collaboration and transformation. 

Jonathan Abra, knowledge transfer manager, water & wastewater at KTN, said: “This is a unique opportunity to leverage innovation into the water industry in a dynamic way. The Knowledge Transfer Network is delighted to support this UNconference, which should maximise the active involvement of all participants.”

To find out more about the event click here.

If you would like to contact Andy Walker about this, or any other story, please email awalker@infrastructure-intelligence.com.