The International Conference on Water and Flood Management (ICWFM) 2025 witnessed an insightful event on “Innovation in WASH Technologies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions,” hosted by ITN-BUET on February 23, 2025, at the CIRDAP Auditorium. The session brought together leading experts, policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to explore cutting-edge approaches for integrating climate-smart solutions into water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems.
Dr. Jeremy Kohlitz, Research Director at the Institute of Sustainable Futures (UTS-ISF), delivered the keynote address, shedding light on the significant role of sanitation systems in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. He highlighted that wastewater treatment contributes approximately 1.3% of global emissions, with methane and nitrous oxide being the primary concerns. Dr. Kohlitz underscored the need for comprehensive data collection and research, particularly in urban settings, to quantify emissions and develop mitigation strategies. He further emphasized that, while water supply systems can more easily integrate renewable energy, emissions from sanitation systems require more nuanced solutions.
Following the keynote, a dynamic panel discussion delved into Bangladesh’s efforts to integrate emission reduction strategies into WASH initiatives. A.H.M. Khalequr Rahman, Superintending Engineer at the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), elaborated on innovative technologies like Reinvented Toilet technologies, as well as the use of constructed wetlands and composting systems to mitigate methane emissions.
Dr. Liakath Ali, Director of Climate Change at BRAC, provided insights into low-resource, energy-independent sanitation solutions, such as constructed wetlands and composting toilets, emphasizing their cultural acceptability and affordability as key factors for widespread adoption. Saief Manzoor, Programme Lead for Climate Resilience, WaterAid Bangladesh, stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, citing successful sanitation interventions from Nepal and Indonesia as scalable models.
A major focal point of the discussion was financing mechanisms for scaling climate-smart WASH technologies. Panelists explored funding opportunities through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), carbon credit programs, and blended finance models to accelerate adoption in developing countries. The panel underscored the role of public-private partnerships and research-driven policies in fostering sustainable innovation within the sanitation sector.
The session included with an engaging Q&A session, where experts reinforced the need for continued research, investment, and collaboration across governments, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. Organized by ICWFM and supported by Gates Foundation, ITN-BUET, around 250 participants took part in the ICWFM 2025.
The session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Rowshan Mamtaz, Director of ITN-BUET, highlighted the need for climate-smart sanitation solutions. Prof. Mamtaz stressed that while addressing emissions is essential, the primary goal of sanitation systems should remain focused on public health, ensuring access to safe sanitation for all, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In her closing remarks, she also addressed the challenges of biodigester toilet technology in flood-prone areas, noting that flooding can disrupt biodigesters and contaminate water sources. She emphasized the need for context-specific planning to ensure successful implementation.
The event fostered meaningful dialogue and paved the way for actionable strategies to integrate low-carbon WASH technologies into climate mitigation efforts. The technical session of ITN-BUET event served as a crucial platform for advancing discussions on sustainable sanitation solutions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change through technological innovation and policy-driven action.
