SusChem: innovating on water in Europe

SusChem is making water a major priority during 2011 and ‘Water’ is one of the main topics at SusChem’s Annual Stakeholder Conference that takes place in Amsterdam on 16 and 17 May.

SusChem marks World Water Day with a focus on value chain cooperation to achieve better water management systems and introduce new sustainable technologies. As the chemical industry is the critical basis for smart and sustainable growth across all sectors, it is uniquely positioned to contribute to European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) – including the proposed ‘Water Efficient Europe’ EIP.

SusChem's approach reflects the objective of World Water Day 2011 (WWD2011) with its focus on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialisation and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems. WWD2011's main theme is "Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge".


Responding to the challenge
For a number of years SusChem has been working closely with the European Water Sanitation and Supply Technology Platform (WSSTP) to develop breakthrough technologies and new water management systems. Both platforms have taken the initiative to revalue water as a precious raw material rather than a utility product.

Providing more efficient and ecologically sound water management systems is a prominent theme for the European Union’s 2020 Agenda for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. SusChem is determined to show leadership and make a significant contribution in this area by pursuing large-scale projects that can demonstrate a real impact for society.

SusChem is also planning to organise a dedicated event on Water and Sustainable Chemistry later in 2011 in Amsterdam. This event will examine the main challenges relating to water at both the European and global level and discuss possible solutions. The proposed conference will support both the International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011) – a global UNESCO sponsored initiative that also has water as a major theme – and the European Union’s EU2020 Agenda for growth. SusChem thinking in action!