Bristol: Our city, our future

To mark the occasion representatives from Bristol-based organisations gathered to discuss the city’s future.

The event took place at the Watershed in Bristol and featured a variety of guest speakers who took turns presenting.

Managing director Mohammed Saddiq kicked off proceedings by speaking about the past, present and future of GENeco, while also mentioning climate change and the finances required to make a difference.

Other organisations that presented at the event, which included a group discussion, included Bristol Waste, Grow Bristol, Boston Tea Party and UWE Bristol.

Every year at the water recycling centre in Bristol, GENeco treats 75 million m3 of sewage waste, 45,000 tonnes of inedible food waste and produces nine million m3 of biomethane.

Also, since its creation in 2009 GENeco has:

• treated enough liquid waste to fill 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools
• generated enough renewable electricity to power 100,000 homes
• recycled or diverted nearly 250,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill.

Reflecting on the last 10 years Mohammed said: "We should all be proud of the achievements, which wouldn't have been possible without the help of colleagues across the business.

"There is no doubt that through GENeco, we have made substantial carbon savings, produced a staggering amount of renewable energy and influenced government decision makers.

"GENeco has become a respected company, not just locally, but globally through head-turning initiatives such as the Bio-Bus.

"I am confident we'll deliver even more initiatives that will help the environment and support Wessex Water."