How a Water/Wastewater Utility Has Successfully Incorporated the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Their Daily Operations

Driven by excellent leadership and opportunities to innovate within the water industry, Danish utility Vandcenter Syd’s (VCS’) Beyond Energy Neutrality program, which was designed to improve resiliency and sustainability at the Ejby Mølle water resource recovery facility (EMWRRF), aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6,7,9,12, and 14 and demonstrates the utility's commitment to 'talking the talk and walking the walk." The energy optimization program was developed through analysis of historical operational data, use of an advanced mass/energy balance simulation tool, and adoption of a collaborative workshop-based approach in identifying and evaluating alternatives. The program is an essential element for meeting the operating utility’s aggressive goal of becoming energy self-sufficient and carbon neutral in just over a 5-year period. Implementation of the recommended optimization measures has made this plant energy net positive while meeting stringent treated effluent nutrient limits.