Leaders in Energy’s inaugural workshop on “Sustainable Manufacturing: Building a Circular Economy in the DC/MD/and Northern VA Region”, co-hosted by Alexandria Emerging Technology Center, took place at Alexandria Renew Enterprises on March 19, 2015.
The Tour
Attendees, considered the “Founding Circle” of circular economy participants, kicked off the workshop with a tour of Alexandria Renew Enterprises (Alexandria Renew) waste management facilities which is a marvelous example of a circular economy pertaining to water. During the 45 minute tour, attendees learned about the new technology being used ranging from UV light for a disinfectant to the potential use of the ANAMMOX bacteria to remove nitrogen from the water, reducing energy and chemical needs. They also learned about the new line of business Alexandria Renew has developed for reclaimed water.
They also noted a waste management facility in construction at any given time is a good thing because it indicates the management team is planning for the future needs of the community.
Many of the attendees who attended said “WOW!”, when they described the tour. It shed a new light on a service we take for granted. If you want to take a tour of the facility, you may want to make your appointment to do so on Earth Day.
Janine Finnell, Clean Energy Ambassador and Founder of Leaders in Energy, welcomed the City of Alexandria’s Mayor William Euille. He spoke to workshop attendees about continuing efforts the City of Alexandria has underway to integrate sustainability practices into the way the city is run. The focus on sustainability has included exploring the efforts of the City of Alexandria’s sister city, Caen, France, and the sustainability efforts of the Netherlands.
Following Mayor Euille, Karen Pallansch, CEO, Alexandria Renew Enterprises, spoke to attendees about the long-term investments they’re making to ensure the waste management needs of the City of Alexandria are aligned with the growth in residents. She highlighted the partnership Alexandria Renew has engaged in with a local developer to ensure the new condominiums, built in the Eisenhower Valley, can comfortably coexist with the new nutrient management facility, and the local parks and recreation facility. (Click here for full remarks from Pallansch.)
Leave a Reply