Arcadis and AI firm to reduce harmful emissions from wastewater

• New AI tech can reduce harmful nitrous oxide (N2O) output in the wastewater sector by at least 70%
• The technology will play a major role in the water sector’s race to become net zero by 2030
• The partnership came via Arcadis’s relationship with Techstars, further demonstrating the business’ commitment to seek out and test innovative solutions for the water sector

24 April 2023 – Arcadis has partnered with artificial intelligence (AI) and modelling specialist, Cobalt Water Global, to scale  and further develop an innovative tool that will help the wastewater sector reduce the amount of harmful ozone-depleting nitrous oxide (N2O) it releases into the environment.

Emissions from nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, are a major problem for the wastewater sector and its 7,000 treatment plants across the UK, accounting for up to 80% of their carbon footprint. The gas is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (C0₂), meaning emissions from these sites are estimated to be the equivalent to 700,000 tonnes of C0₂ per year.

These emissions are equivalent to:

• 1,737,543,892 miles driven by an average petrol-powered passenger vehicle
• 774,486,456 pounds of coal burned
• 1,620,648 barrels of oil consumed

A recent pilot trialling the new technology with one UK-based water company showed it was able to reduce at least 70% of the N₂O from the company’s treatment processes, delivering major environmental, tax and energy efficiency savings for its customers. The tool uses AI to combine expert knowledge on N₂O and machine learning to quickly quantify emissions, optimize the treatment process, and eliminate N₂O.

N2O is emitted from wastewater treatment works that are not properly optimized. The new technology works by using AI capabilities to quantify emissions and give water companies a better understanding of their N₂O output, along with recommendations on how to optimise their operations, creating efficiencies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

With the water sector racing to become net zero by 2030, the technology will play a critical role in helping water businesses to rapidly decarbonize. N2O not only contributes to global warming, but it is also an ozone depleter. Therefore, offsetting N2O emissions may cancel out their global warming effect, but it does not avoid ozone depletion. N2O must be reduced at source.

The partnership was formed through Arcadis’ collaboration with Techstars. Techstars is a global  organisation that forms partnerships with forward-thinking businesses to seek out and scale up innovative new startups and entrepreneurs. Under the tie up with Cobalt, Arcadis will be able to bring this tried and tested offering to its water clients – providing a major environmental boost to the sector.

The news further demonstrates Arcadis’ commitment to explore, test and grow innovative solutions for the water sector. Whether it’s making communities more resilient, developing livable places or enhancing mobility, Arcadis is committed to improving quality of life by accelerating the transition to net zero.