Selected Information - Proposed Research

As the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and UK Government carbon targets start to bite, reduction of CO2 and other Greenhouse Gas emissions will become an increasingly important consideration for water treatment processes. Operational emissions can arise directly from electricity use for processes; indirect emissions can arise from the production and transport of water treatment chemicals, and from treatment structures and equipment.

Designing, selecting and operating treatment processes with the lowest carbon footprint is a complex process and any meaningful assessment needs to be thorough, transparent, robust and in line with current guidance and legislation.

This project will provide a rapid, auditable and easy-to-use tool for comparing carbon emissions of alternative water treatment process options, designs and operating conditions.

Benefits to Clients

Companies will be able to progress CRC obligations and reduce costs under its emissions trading scheme by targeting investment on water treatment processes, and practices, that represent the lowest carbon emissions option.

Work Programme

1. Working with the end-users, a specification of functionality and output format will be developed and an appropriate range of water treatment processes for assessment will be identified. We anticipate that this will include both conventional processes in widespread use and processes of increasing interest, for example advanced oxidation.
2. We will identify design and operating variables for each of these, with the emphasis on those impacting on carbon emissions. This would include direct energy use, chemicals (both production and delivery) and chemical doses, and embodied carbon. The spreadsheet will allow electricity and chemical use to be converted to carbon emissions using default or user entry factors.
3. The spreadsheet will be demonstrated and tested with end-users prior to completion and issue.

Project Output

• Carbon accounting Excel spreadsheet, with detailed user-guide.
• Optional workshop for training in the use of the spreadsheet.

Related WRc Work

• The Carbon Accounting Workbook, UKWIR, 2008-2009
• Carbon accounting for nitrate removal, single client, 2008-2009
• Carbon accounting for pipeline installation and rehabilitation, CP364