Deborah Ayodele
Sustainability and Climate Emergency
Cranfield University
Main supervisor: Dr Heather Smith
Second supervisor: Professor Bruce Jefferson
Research project: Community-based co-design of small-scale wastewater systems
Research description: As the water environment become more strained from the effects of climate change and other human pressures, significant effort is being invested in developing novel technologies and management approaches to deliver more sustainable water and wastewater services. This challenge can be particularly difficult for rural communities, where low population densities and dispersed infrastructure make it hard for providers to deliver cost-effective services. Working closely with Scottish Water, and other stakeholders (e.g. SEPA, local authorities), my research project will answer key social questions that need exploration, including community expectations towards water and wastewater services, and whether/how community members might adopt a greater role in the management of small-scale systems.