Alastair Pentland, Environmental Operations Manager, works for Oren Environmental.
Having attended Utility Week Live at the NEC in Birmingham in May, he reflects on his experience and the many conversations the team had with organisations about nature-based solutions to managing water.
1. Tell us what utility week live is and why you took part
Utility Week Live is an annual event where the utility sector and the wider supply chain come together to showcase how they’re tackling some of the biggest challenges the industry is facing, for example, how to operate more sustainably.
We participated to promote the critical role that reed beds play in treating wastewater in a more environmentally friendly way. This is where our expertise lies.
2. Tell us about your stand
The Oren Environmental stand was strategically positioned next to the Sustainable Infrastructure stage!
We were showcasing our reed bed design, installation, maintenance, and refurbishment services, speaking with organisations that were looking for more sustainable ways to treat wastewater.
We were also accompanied by our colleagues from Severn Trent Services, who were demonstrating to organisations how telemetry can transform private water and wastewater networks.
3. What visitors did your stand attract?
As with all exhibitions of this size and scale, we had a real variety of people come and talk to us, as passionate about the environment as we are.
Everyone from water companies and engineering organisations to sustainability firms and technology experts.
It was good to speak with many small and medium-sized businesses that support or are eager to help the water industry. I know we rely on many of them at Oren Environmental.
4. What were organisations talking to you about?
Reed bed owners and operators who use reed beds to treat sewage or trade effluent wanted to discuss maintenance and innovative ways to maximise treatment efficiency.
Then some organisations were very interested but unfamiliar with reed beds and their role in the water treatment process, so it was great to discuss this with them.
5. Were there any key themes?
Sustainability, river health, innovation, technology.
One of the major themes of the day was sustainable infrastructure. Organisations are actively looking for more environmentally friendly ways to operate, and this interest was evident throughout the event.
This is why our work in treating wastewater using sustainable methods, such as reed beds, attracted attention.
6. What did you learn about your industry?
There’s now a much more urgent desire across our industry to adopt sustainable practices.
Everyone we spoke to shared an interest in protecting natural ecosystems, safeguarding water supplies for future generations, and building resilience against the impacts of climate change. And of course, doing all of this in more efficient ways.
7. What’s the best thing about the event?
Meeting new people and building long-lasting relationships.
Visitors from last year’s event returned to see us, and it was great to check in and see how they were doing.
About Oren Environmental
Oren Environmental is part of Severn Trent, one of Britain’s largest water companies. We specialise in nature-based solutions for managing water, such as reed beds, for organisations nationwide.
