Yorkshire Water is to lead a consortium investing £2.3m from the Ofwat Innovation Fund to convert sewage sludge into usable products such as biochar, vitrified ash ‘stones’ and a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas in a process capable of destroying contaminants such as forever chemicals and microplastics. The ground-breaking work involves Advanced Thermal Conversion Gasification technology, and involves technology provider Enertecgreen, Queen’s University Belfast, Carbon Trust, Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Scottish Water, Irish Water, Northern Ireland Water, Southern Water, and Wessex Water. If successful, the project will demonstrate the circular economy in action by testing the use of the biochar as a wastewater treatment media and also as an additive in brick manufacturing. The carbon-rich biochar, which looks like small pieces of charcoal, could be used as a soil improver to increase water and nutrient retention, and as it doesn’t readily decompose, it’s also a vehicle for sequestering carbon in soil. The vitrified ash ‘stones’ could be used as aggregate in the construction industry to reduce the embodied carbon footprint.  The syngas – a blend of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane – can be used to produce green electricity, along with other high-value products such as aviation fuel. Dr Danielle Hankin, innovation programme manager at Yorkshire Water, said:  “Converting sewage sludge into gas, biochar and ash ‘stones’ opens up new, more sustainable uses for this waste product. We’re proud to be pre-empting changes in legislation and consumer attitudes, by delivering a groundbreaking technology that benefits customers, the environment and future-proofs the water industry. “Once proven, the Gasification process will produce sustainable wastewater treatment media and construction material, generate green electricity, and could create high-value products such as biomethanol, aviation fuel or hydrogen. Our work represents a pivotal step in driving the UK towards a greener, more resource-efficient future.” Ofwate senior director Helen Campbell said: “There are big challenges in the water industry that must be solved, some are well known and others are less so. In our fourth Water Breakthrough Challenge we called for solutions with potential to deliver wide-scale, transformational change for customers, society and the environment – and that’s exactly what today’s winners have done. From raingardens to prevent flooding to green energy from treated sewage, innovations to cut the water sector’s carbon footprint to robots that patrol the pipe network, the winners are all helping shape a more sustainable and efficient water sector.”

As mental health first aiders become normalised in the office environment, businesses are looking at other ways they can help to promote positive mental health at work. It is amazing what a bit of sunlight or even some natural greenery in the office can achieve when trying to lift spirits.  NHS England has confirmed that one in four adults experience a mental illness including anxiety and depression. So how, as a business, can you help to promote a more positive mental health attitude?  In addition to the employee support schemes, there are changes you’re able to make in the office environment that can easily help promote positive mental health.  Maximise natural light Natural light promotes vitamin D, which helps combat depression and diabetes as well as provides a connection to the natural world. Maximising the natural light in your office can boost motivation across your team whilst reducing headaches, eyestrain and blurred vision by as much as 84%.  But how can you do this in your workplace? Replace solid interior office walls with glass partitions. If a room requires privacy, you can still include manifestations on the glass to allow light in but not see what’s happening inside. Alternatively, switch glass allows you to flick between clear glass and frosted at the click of a button.  A slightly more invasive option would be to add curtain walling to the exterior of your building. This is when instead of solid walls, you have large windows. It can be fitted to any scale of building. There is also the option of skylights or expanding your existing windows with larger ones rather than having curtain walling.  LED lighting can help mimic daylight during the darker and colder months of the year. If you can’t get real sunlight into the office, this is the next best thing.  Getting away for a break Ensuring your staff have a space away from their desk to have a proper break is crucial. Starring at a computer screen all day without a break is mentally exhausting, or when in a face-to-face role, your staff need to be able to remove themselves from that environment to relax and not always have to put on a “happy face.” Sometimes the pressure is just too much, especially when they are not feeling their best.  A well-designed area where staff can get away from both their desk and customers will help recharge and refocus them ready for the afternoon. Those who take the opportunity for a break, find they are more productive than those who don’t. It is not enough anymore to provide a small kitchen with no windows or seating. They need more than somewhere just to heat up their lunch. Providing a larger area where staff can come together and vent, laugh or just generally have fun can really boost morale and encourages team bonding.  There are several options for this space, providing tables to eat at, soft seating for people to relax and kitchen facilities for people to use. Maybe include a TV or a games console.  Make sure the room has windows, or natural light that is able to penetrate the room if it is in the centre of a building. Closed off rooms are uninviting and can have a demotivating effect on staff. Encourage staff to be active Regular exercise is known to help those who are at risk of depression and anxiety, it boosts self-esteem and helps with concentration, sleep and generally improves health and wellbeing.  Working full time and having a family can be a barrier for many to getting that 30-minutes a day exercise the NHS recommends. However, there are ways, as an employer, you can help to make this endeavour a little easier. Allowing a full hour for lunch provides plenty of time for staff to eat and take a walk on their break. If you have a small spare space in your office, you can install a gym for staff to use before or after work or on lunch breaks.  Alternatively, there are bike-to-work schemes, running groups and team sports that can help with team bonding and encouraging exercise.  Small changes in the office environment can also help, like Sit-Stand desks where the user can adjust the height to amend their position throughout the day. It has been proven that just by changing position throughout the day or working in different areas, it can help with productivity.  Creating the right working environment Having an open plan office, as is the most popular option these days, is great for team communication and knowing what’s going on around the office, but it can get loud. Staff need quiet spaces where they can get away if they need to, or be able to take calls in a quiet space. By having smaller individual office spaces, it can help reduce personal stress levels and improve productivity.  Other options would include installing acoustic ceiling rafts which add an aesthetic appeal to the office as well as dampen the sound and any echo that may be prevalent in the office.    If you are looking to make changes to your workplace to help encourage a more positive environment, APSS has trained staff in space planning and design to make the most of your space. Call today or visit APSS’ services page to see how they can help.