demEAUmed (FP7/WATER INNO&DEMO) GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 619116

Join us at demEAUmed Final Conference where results, benefits and opportunities of demEAUmed technologies in managing, treating and recycling water will be presented and discussed. One of the aims of the conference is to involve different stakeholders to demonstrate and promote innovative technologies to reduce the impact of tourism sector on the environment. Hotel owners will be able to use the developed Decision Support System (DSS) to assess how much water savings they could achieve as well as the associated environmental impacts. Furthermore, the private sector will have the chance to discuss with the technology providers the possible exploitation opportunities.

Find the agenda and the keynote speakers of the event here !
We look forward to meeting you there!

An integrated assessment of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the innovative and integrated technological solution, proposed in demEAUmed project, has been undertaken by demEAUmed consortium under the leadership of the Sustainability Division of LEITAT.

The methodology applied in the assessment is based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA). The preliminary results of the LCA and LCC have been obtained and analysed involving four technologies: the Electrocoagulation-Flotation technology, the Photoelectro-Fenton technology, the VertECO technology, and the Electrochemical Ozonation technology.

Regarding the environmental life cycle assessment (LCA), the results show that these four technologies have achieved important environmental impacts savings thanks to the greywater recovery and water reuse. The preliminary results also addresses the main environmental impact contributions of the four demEAUmed technologies in the construction stage, maintenance stage and operation stage including energy consumption, transportation and structural materials.
To reduce the environmental impacts contributions of the above mentioned technologies, and similar ones, some recommendations were given.

Regarding the Life Cycle Costing (LCC), the overall cost of treating one cubic meter (1m3) of greywater or wastewater by the demEAUmed technologies along their life cycle are being studied. Table 1 summarizes the total cost of treating 1m3 of greywater by VertECO and Electrochemical Ozonation technologies.

Finally, the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) has presented some indicators and the quantification of the socioeconomic impacts and the benefits provided by demEAUmed project are being currently analysed. More efforts will be done during the coming months regarding socio-economic analysis. For detailed results, check demEAUmed website.

A new mini-report entitled ‘Water Reuse and Tourism’ published by LGI consulting, presents the status of water reuse and treatment market globally focusing on the tourism sector as well as the market challenges facing grey- and wastewater technologies. The mini-report also dedicates a section on the ‘market potential’ for demEAUmed solution which is undoubtedly relevant for all water treatment technologies.

According to the report, the main challenges facing the uptake of water reuse solutions are: public acceptance, market and information failures, regulatory constraints, poor coordination of water professionals and technical and health/environmental challenges.

Despite the aforementioned challenges, the market for wastewater treatment and reuse is growing due to the water scarcity and necessity, regulations and environmental constrains. Between 2009 -2012, the global market for wastewater recycling and reuse increased from $6.7 billion to $9.5 billion (CAGR) and it is expected to increase up to $23.4 billion by this year (BBC research, 2013).

For demEAUmed, the most interesting uptake of its solution falls in the following categories: the leisure, creation and holiday’s touristic establishments, green hotels, branded hotels and luxury, upper-upscale and upscale hotels.
Regarding the most interesting counties to target are: the islands with high stress or little/no access to water (e.g. some islands in Greece, Sardinia and Pacific islands), the remote areas especially in developing countries (e.g. North Africa, India, China and South America) and highly urbanised cities and countries that seeks for acquiring a green image such as the UK and the UAE.
Finally, demEAUmed solution can also be an answer for other sectors such as for urban use in small and remote communities dealing with water shortages and for commercial buildings market in specific stressed areas. To read the full mini-report, please check demEAUmed website.

The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) methodology is an innovative process designed to enhance innovation and business performance. Based on extensive research which shows that this kind of hands-on, “play” context produces a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the world and its possibilities, LSP stimulates imagination and supports an effective dialogue – for everyone in the organisation.

LGI consulting, demEAUmed partner responsible for exploitation activities, has conducted in the past a number of ideation workshops applying methodologies that facilitate group discussion, knowledge sharing and problem solving. Back-to-back with the 6th General Meeting of demEAUmed project, LGI consulting organised a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop in order to boost further discussions on mature enough technologies for exploitation and potential strategical partnerships between partners after the end of the project. The workshop was delivered by LGI trained facilitators who have undergone an official LSP certification. Six different technologies were involved and presented through Lego here.