Waste Water Knowledge Hub

The basics give insight into what needs to be fundamentally understood when dealing with waste water in the Philippines. It gives a general understanding of the Waste Water Regulations and Policies (DAO 2016-08) - the updated General Effluent Standards (GES) - from water classifications, strong waste water and effluent reuse for irrigation along with things to consider. The material furthermore presents updates of five selected parameters: ammonia-nitrogen, boron, copper, phosphate, and sulfate; before it dives deeper into the kinds of waste water and possible technological approaches to treat them.

The food processing industry has an economically an important position, but generates large volumes of mostly biodegradable waste.

This cluster builds-upon the basics and focusses on the particular challenges for the food processing sector. From different categories to challenges – going into treatment steps and solutions.

Challenges in the Semicon and Electronics Sector are that often, high loads of cyanide, toxic metals, and more are being disposed through waste water. Different categories of waste water with its challenges, as well as treatment steps, options, and solutions are the focus of the resources found here.

Separation of solid waste from the water are a challenge for every sector. In particular for chemicals and plastics. In addition, the Organics-Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), fats, oils and grease, as well as chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus are of higher concern. Not to forget the different collection points. This cluster offers summaries, different approaches and treatment cycles with a focus on the chemical industry. 

Knowledge about waste water treatment solutions are one thing – but as needed as it is, financing is a whole different aspect to tackle. Here you find resources about Green Financing. From its definition to different options offered by banks – this cluster gives answers and goes even deeper to project eligibility, risks, capital raising and equity. Most of the time, funding is denied by banks because the bases that need to be covered prior are not fulfilled. Here, you can find the factors that need to be considered – along with a checklist – before approaching banks, increasing your chances for funding.

Since 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission requires publicly-listed companies in the Philippines to submit their performance regarding economy, environment and society. The companies are required to report their contributions to the universal sustainability targets of the United Nations. Those universal targets are better known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs are 17 interlinked global goals that were established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and intended to be reached by 2030. Their mission states to be “a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030".

A growing number of businesses are including sustainability targets in their key performance indicators. So called “Sustainability Reporting” can be a strong asset to boost consumer confidence, increase innovation and improve risk management. It is a tool that can positively benefit a company’s reputation towards internal and external stakeholders.

A variety of different frameworks exist, making it challenging for a business to navigate the landscape. Such frameworks are the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the CDP reporting framework and the UN Global Compact principles – just to name a few.