nz-en 
Water corporations are such an exciting space for potential circular innovation. They are place-based, so they're really fixed in an area, they interact with all of the community and all of the businesses in the area and they actually manage this system of resources in a place-based area. So they can have, I think, more than any other type of business they can really impact the circularity of the area or the zone that they're operating in. They are not set up to do that, they're set up to provide safe drinking water at reasonable prices to communities
With over 20 years of experience in sustainability, Jodie has worked across various industries, research initiatives, and policymaking efforts in multiple countries. This Think.Future podcast episode delves into the principles of circular design, particularly focusing on water circularity within the built environment. Jodie shared her journey and insights into the circular economy, emphasizing its critical importance, the challenges faced in Australia, and the necessity for innovative approaches across different sectors, especially in water management and the built environment.
Key Principles of Circular Economy
Jodie reflected on her passion for the circular economy, which she discovered while working in Europe around 2012-2013. During this time, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation was producing influential work that highlighted the potential of the circular economy to address pressing environmental issues while creating business opportunities. They distilled the concept into three key principles:
Designing Out Waste: Rather than managing waste at the end of its life cycle, the focus should be on preventing waste from being created in the first place.
Keeping Materials at Their Highest Value: This involves ensuring that products last longer and can be recirculated effectively within the economy.
Regenerating Nature: The circular economy should also aim to restore and enhance natural ecosystems.
Challenges and Opportunities in Water Management
Complexity of Construction Supply Chains
Jodie highlighted the highly regulated and complex nature of construction supply chains, which often involve various companies with differing capabilities. While initial designs may incorporate strong circular economy principles, these aspects frequently get "value engineered" out as projects progress. This results in the loss of innovative and sustainable features. Effective implementation requires skilled tradespeople and advanced technologies to adapt construction methods and materials, making it challenging for the industry to shift towards circular practices.
Renewable Energy and Lifecycle Considerations
The conversation shifted to the ongoing energy revolution, where there is a significant transition to renewable energy sources. Jodie stressed the importance of designing renewable energy systems with their entire lifecycle in mind. She pointed out the current issues with solar panels that are not designed for recycling, leading to a scramble in recycling infrastructure to manage waste. As new energy infrastructure is developed, it is crucial to consider maintenance and end-of-life strategies to ensure sustainability.
The Business Case for Circular Economy
Jodie emphasized that a compelling business case is essential for driving circular economy initiatives. Advocates must articulate the value of these practices beyond environmental necessity, focusing on economic, social, and environmental benefits. Companies often have specific goals related to net-zero pathways, biodiversity, and waste reduction, which can be linked to circular economy models. However, the challenge lies in the fact that these models typically involve multiple stakeholders, complicating the articulation of benefits and financial returns.
Case Study: Hospital Waste Reduction
Jodie shared a practical example from a project in a hospital setting, where they aimed to reduce waste from meal trays. The hospital faced challenges with plastic-wrapped sandwiches that could not be easily separated for composting. By analyzing the entire system and stakeholder interactions, they identified effective strategies to streamline waste management and improve sustainability. This case illustrates the importance of system thinking in developing circular solutions.
Water Circularity in the Built Environment
Opportunities in Water Management
Jodie highlighted the vast opportunities present in water treatment processes. While organizations are focused on treating water, they often overlook the potential to create additional resources, such as biogas for energy. She noted that many water organizations are not structured like traditional businesses, which can hinder their ability to innovate. The regulatory environment surrounding water management can be daunting, as it raises questions about waste classification and reuse. Jodie emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and support circular economy solutions.
Collaboration and Innovation
Collaborative efforts are being made among water organizations in Australia. Jodie mentions VicWater, a group that brings together various water boards to pool resources and drive innovation. They are working on integrating recycled materials into water infrastructure, showcasing how collaboration can lead to significant advancements in water management practices. Jodie expressed optimism about the potential for water organizations to work together with local businesses and leverage digital tools to enhance their operations.
Measuring Water Circularity
Jodie discussed the importance of measurement in improving water circularity and while organizations may not have all the data they desire, increasing measurement capabilities is crucial. This includes not only quantifying water usage but also understanding its value in terms of chemical composition, nutrient content, and associated costs. By identifying where water losses occur, organizations can implement strategies to reduce consumption and design out waste. Jodie advocates for a data-driven approach to water management, encouraging organizations to explore innovative technologies that can help minimize water loss.
Externalities and Biodiversity
The discussion touched on the concept of externalities, which can be both positive and negative. Jodie highlighted the connection between water management and biodiversity, noting that measuring the impact of water use on ecosystems is essential. She mentioned ongoing efforts to incorporate natural capital into decision-making processes, aiming to better value biodiversity in relation to water resources.
Case Study: Greening Port Pirie
As the conversation progressed, Jodie shared a compelling case study from South Australia involving Essar Water and Aurecon. The project, known as the Greening Port Pirie Strategy, aims to enhance the livability of a hot, arid community known for its lead smelter. The initiative focuses on integrated water management solutions, utilizing water-sensitive urban design techniques and climate-resilient species selection. By implementing passive subsurface irrigation, the project aims to improve green spaces, reduce stormwater runoff, and mitigate lead dust exposure. Jodie emphasized the social benefits of the project, including improved community health and increased social interactions through enhanced public spaces.
Future Opportunities
As the episode nears its conclusion, Jodie expressed her excitement about the potential for systems change in water management. She believes that every individual has a role to play in driving this change, and she finds inspiration in the ripple effects of conversations like the one on the podcast. Jodie emphasized that while the challenges may seem daunting, the collective efforts of individuals and organizations can lead to meaningful solutions.
Conclusion
This episode of the Think Future podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of circular economy principles and water management, showcasing the potential for innovation and collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges. By integrating design principles, innovative business models, and effective policies, stakeholders can work towards a more sustainable future that benefits both the environment and society.
It's a bit scary to experiment with water because it's so important, but thinking through that regulation and enabling innovation is crucial for circular economy solutions