Our Year 13 A-level business students recently visited Northumbrian Water Sewage Treatment Works, gaining insights into waste management and environmental sustainability. 

The day began with a comprehensive presentation highlighting the 50-year evolution of wastewater treatment processes in the North East. The talk focused on the development of the largest of their sewage treatment works, located at their site in Howdon, Newcastle.

Students explored the complex regulatory environment, developing a deeper understanding of the Environment Agency (EA) and OFWAT’s critical roles in monitoring and guiding water industry practices. An interactive Q&A session allowed students to examine current media reports on wastewater incidents and broader industry challenges. Through their questioning, students learned about NWL’s public education initiatives, including their marketing including their ‘Bin the Wipe’ social media campaign.

The site tour provided a firsthand look at the sewage treatment process, from initial screening to final purification. Students discovered how NWL transforms waste into an economic opportunity by generating revenue through sewage treatment and gas production sold back to the national grid.

In the coming weeks, students will apply what they have learned to classroom theory through a practical cost benefit analysis, examining:
– Initial infrastructure investment costs
– Revenue streams from gas production
– Environmental benefits and carbon credit potential
– Operational efficiency and long-term financial sustainability

This hands-on experience bridges classroom theory with real-world business strategy, demonstrating how innovative approaches can create substantial value from unexpected sources.