Time

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Venue

VIRTUAL | WEBINAR | UK

Cost

Free to attend

Hosted by the CIWEM Northern Ireland branch and ICE Northern Ireland

Event description

This technical session explores the potential of Sludge Drying Reed Beds (SDRBs) as a nature-based, sustainable alternative for biosolid management within wastewater treatment facilities. Drawing on a case study, lifecycle assessments, and design criteria, the session will evaluate how SDRBs can reduce operational costs and lower the carbon footprint compared to conventional mechanical dewatering systems.

Key topics that will be covered include:

  • Fundamentals and operational principles of sludge drying reed beds.
  • Comparative analysis: SDRBs vs. mechanical dewatering systems.
  • Design parameters, maintenance, and site selection.
  • Environmental and economic performance assessments.

The event is designed for professionals and decision-makers in the water, wastewater, and environmental engineering sectors, offering insights into practical design considerations, performance metrics, and integration of SDRBs into existing treatment infrastructures. Delegates will gain a deeper understanding of how nature-based technologies can contribute to achieving net-zero targets and circular economy goals in biosolid management.

CIWEM members and non-members are welcome to attend this webinar.


Part of the CIWEM Wastewater and Biosolids and Nature-based Solutions series.

Register for 12 January 2026

Who should attend this webinar

  • Process and Environmental Engineers involved in wastewater treatment and biosolid management.
  • Utility Operators and Plant Managers seeking sustainable and cost-effective treatment options.
  • Consultants and Designers working on wastewater infrastructure projects.
  • Researchers and Academics focused on sustainable water technologies.
  • Students and Early-Career Professionals interested in innovative green infrastructure design.

Why should you attend this webinar

  • Gain technical insights into the design and operation of nature-based systems.
  • Understand how Sludge Drying Reed Beds, SDRBs, can improve sustainability performance and reduce operational costs.
  • Learn how to integrate SDRBs into existing treatment.
  • Discover practical pathways to achieving net-zero and circular economy objectives within the water sector.
  • Expand your knowledge and enhance your continuous professional development.
  • Opportunity to network with professionals in the sector.

Are you a CIWEM member? Want to find out more?

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About the speaker(s) and chair(s)

Thomas Drummond, CEng MIChemE

Thomas Drummond is an experienced Senior Process Engineer specialising in wastewater treatment and infrastructure upgrades, with a proven record in delivering sustainable, low-carbon process solutions.

Thomas has led initiatives from researching heavy metal recovery in sludge to nature-based stormwater treatment and enhancing biological systems for nutrient removal.

A passionate advocate for green innovation and circular economy principles, Thomas has led cross-disciplinary initiatives aimed at improving resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in water infrastructure. Dedicated to knowledge sharing and professional development, he actively contributes to research, mentoring, and collaborative design efforts across the sector.

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Booking and joining information

This event is open to members and non-members of CIWEM. The webinar is hosted on the Zoom platform and will be recorded.

Please register your place by clicking on the registration button. Non-members who have not registered for the CIWEM system can create an account on the booking page in order to reserve their place. This should not take more than two minutes.

If you have any questions about your booking or would like to cancel your attendance, please contact branches@ciwem.org.

Please note that registrations will close at 09:00 on the day of the event. If you have not registered before that time, unfortunately we cannot add you to the event.

If you have any queries about this talk, please contact please contact Alistair Kenny at alistair.kenny@atkinsrealis.com.

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