Barwon Water research projects win climate innovation awards

Two innovative climate change research projects undertaken by Barwon Water staff members were joint winners of the Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge (WMCIC) award.

The challenge aimed to identify and reward groundbreaking projects addressing climate change within the water sector.

Barwon Water was recognised for both ‘Meta-analysis of low carbon cement alternatives for water industry applications’, and ‘Cellulose recovery from wastewater’ research projects’, which were declared joint winners of the award.

Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said he was proud of employees Hayley Vinden and Emma McKinnon respectively for research that puts the organisation at the cutting edge of emissions reduction in the water sector.

“We are thrilled to be acknowledged in the Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge.

“These victories underscore our commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions in the water industry and achieving zero net emissions by 2030."

‘Meta-analysis of low carbon cement alternatives for water industry applications’ was a collaboration between Yarra Valley Water, North East Water, and Barwon Water.

It focused on identifying greener alternatives to concrete, a major contributor to global carbon emissions.

Cement, which makes up a significant portion of concrete, generates approximately 8% of the world's carbon emissions.

The winning team, led by Lisa Ehrenfried (Yarra Valley Water), Hayley Vinden (Barwon Water), and Jill Fagan (North East Water), was awarded a $30,000 grant to explore low-carbon cement alternatives and aims to create a blueprint for global implementation within the water industry.

The second award winning project, ‘Cellulose recovery from wastewater’, was led by Barwon Water’s Emma McKinnon and received a $20,000 grant. Ms McKinnon’s project addresses the environmental impact of toilet paper consumption, a significant contributor to deforestation.

The Australian-first solution explored in the research extracts high-quality cellulose fibres from flushed toilet paper, recovering 82% to 98% of the cellulose content.

The versatile raw material has applications in civil engineering, construction, agriculture, chemicals, energy, and paper and cardboard production, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

Notably, the project also offers a 20% reduction in energy consumption in wastewater treatment, a 10% increase in treatment plant capacity, and the potential to save at least one tree and prevent up to 2.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions for every tonne of cellulose upcycled from wastewater.

At Barwon Water’s Black Rock Water reclamation plant, this equates to saving 7-8 trees a day and preventing 19 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Barwon Water is appreciative of the support received through the WMCIC funding, which will contribute to proving the feasibility of these innovative projects in an Australian context.

Barwon Water is dedicated to advancing sustainability and driving positive change within the water industry.

About Barwon Water

Barwon Water is a leading water corporation based in Geelong, committed to providing sustainable water services for the communities it serves. With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, Barwon Water strives to lead the way in shaping the future of water management.

About the Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge

The Water Minister's Climate Innovation Challenge is an annual initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding innovative projects that address climate change within the Victorian water sector. In collaboration with Intelligent Water Networks and the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action, the challenge encourages water corporations to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and the adoption of sustainable practices.



Pictured: Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming (centre) with employees Emma McKinnon (left) and Hayley Vinden (right)