The team of the GVA-UV Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model has presented the advances in its research on circular economy at the XXXVIII ASEPELT International Congress held in Alcalá de Henares.
The importance of the circular economy in water management together with the reuse of water are the challenges addressed by members of the Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model of the Generalitat Valenciana and the University of Valencia (GVA-UV), directed by Francesc Hernández, within the framework of the XXXVIII ASEPELT International Congress “Zero Hunger: Health, Production, Economics and Sustainability" which brought together numerous international experts from 25 to 28 June in Alcalá de Henares.
According to Full-time university professor Francesc Hernández, who also coordinates the Water Economics Group of the University of Valencia (GEA-UV), an important part of the work of the team of Valencian researchers is to make visible the work carried out in order to provide proposals that allow progress towards a new economic model based on circular economy, while at the same time contributing to the awareness and sensitisation of society in this area.
In fact, under a paper called: Environmental and Economic Feasibility in circular economy processes", which addresses the need to an appropriate segregation of wastes in origin to achieve its maximum profit. It proposes a valorisation of wastes rich in carbohydrates through ethanol as a highly profitable strategy , cleaner and more consistent with European objectives of decarbonisation and efficient use of resources.
Doctor Vicent Hernández-Chover has presented the paper titled: "Hydric efficiency and seasonality" which examines in depth the economic and environmental implications of tourism in the Valencian Community, specifically aspects related to the urban water cycle. Strategies for hydric planning aimed to sustainability are proposed. The obtained results offer a solid base for decision-making in the field of public policies, contributing to achieve a long-lasting balance among economic development, environmental preservation and social cohesion.
In another one of the works entitled: "The revalorisation of sludge as a tool to promote circular economy and energetic generation in the water sector" which shows research on economic feasibility for the switch from biogas to biomethane and its integration into the energy network, taking into account the environmental and social benefits generated. Moreover, promoting the use of residual sludge as a raw material in energy production reinforces the circular economy within the water sector and the importance of wastewater treatment plants as strategic infrastructure within the territory. It points out the importance that its effluents and sub-products have in adaptation to climate change processes and improvement of efficiency in productive sectors.
On the other hand, doctor Lledó Castellet Viciano has presented her work entitled: "Assessment of the sustainability of water reuse projects in the industrial sector", which develops a methodology capable of identifying and quantifying in monetary terms the social and environmental benefits derived from the implementation of a water reuse system for the industrial sector. Quantifying the monetary value of all these benefits increases their visibility and recognises their true worth. Furthermore, this allows the benefits generated to be compared with the investment costs of this type of project, justifying the importance of actions to protect the natural environment and integrating them into decision-making processes.
The Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model: Circular Economy
The Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model: Circular Economy of the Generalitat Valenciana and the Universitat de València has as subject of study the elaboration of proposals, the promotion of knowledge and the dissemination of issues related to the circular economy perspective. It aims to promote the transformation of the current economic model towards another one based on innovation, knowledge and sustainability from an environmental, productive and social point of view.
Under the sponsorship of the Regional Ministry of Finance, Economy and Public Administration of the Generalitat Valenciana, this chair is directed by Francesc Hernández and its activity is focused on the promotion of circular economy through training, research and dissemination activities.
In addition, the Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model: Circular Economy is part of a Network of Chairs for the Transformation of the Economic Model in which all the Public Universities of the Valencian Community are integrated.
