Monday Workshops
- SIRFN
- ISGAN Strategic Communication
- Mission Innovation Challenge 1
Technical Site Visit
The ISGAN community visited Summerhill Waste Management Facility.
The head of the facility presented it capabilities in terms of waste collection and treatment in the local context. He raised the crucial importance of education in waste management and recycling and the measures currently undertaken in Newcastle.
The two main initiatives currently considered include waste to energy, WTE, and processed engineered fuel, PEF. PEF refers to the processing of waste to produce feedstock for WTE and involves sorting, screening and shredding of waste. The process ensures that the feedstock is suitable for the WTE facility, maximizes its efficiency, reduces waste from the WTE facility and, finally help to transport fuel more efficiently.
Giving an overview of the issues in the industry is facing right now, the head of the facility mentioned fast changing regulation and the attitudes and awareness of the overall population. He pointed out the 70% recycling target established by the authorities, which is, however, currently difficult to achieve and the average recycling rate does not go beyond 45%. By way of an example, in big cities the population is not directly engaged with their environment, thus recycling activities are much more difficult to conduct compared to small communites. This creates an oportunity for a regulatory change from recycling to diversion and recovery (waste to energy).
Reception at Newcastle’s City Mayor
Newcastle welcomed ISGAN Experts at the City Hall
In the afternoon CSIRO and Newcastle City Council organized Workshops and Idea Bombing on Smart City Newcastle.
ExCo Meeting
From Wednesday to Friday the Executive Committee meet to discuss adminstrative issues and pogress as well as work programs within their Annexes. A new Vice Chair was elected to support ISGAN presidium: Mr. A. K. Mishra from India
