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MSc Thesis AMS Institute - Future proof sewers An analysis of the circularity of the sewer system in Amsterdam

MADE Student Project

As a response to the Paris climate agreement from 2015 waterboards and the municipality of Amsterdam formulated the ambitious climate goals to use 50% less new raw materials, reduce carbon emissions and a 100% circular constructed sewer system by 2030. This research is therefore focused on the improvement of the circularity of the sewer system in Amsterdam.

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Multiple methods were used to answer the research question. Literature research was used to define the concepts of the sewer system, circularity and asset management. In this research the sewer system is defined as the objects that store and transport waste and storm water. Circularity is defined as the contribution made to the circular economy, by minimizing the environmental impact. This contribution is quantified with the Environmental Cost Indicator (ECI). The ECI translates the environmental impact of an object towards a single score. The lower the score, the lower the environmental impact and therefore the higher the contribution to the circular economy. Asset management is defined as the coordinated activities required to realise value from assets. Examples of such activities are cleaning, replacement, repair and upgrade of assets. The method of Environmental Performance Calculation (EPC) was used to calculate the environmental impact of the materials that are used for the sewer system. The EPC calculations were done with the program DuboCalc with life cycle assessments from the materials. Interviews were used to research the decision process for the sewer asset management in Amsterdam. Finally a co-creation session was conducted with sustainability experts, asset managers and project engineers from Waternet to investigate potential improvements for the circularity of the sewer system.

Author: Lauri Schippers 

Afbeelding credits

Header afbeelding: Circularity in Urban Regions

Icon afbeelding: AMS Institute logo vierkant rood

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