From Waste to Resource: Reimagining Wastewater Treatment Through Innovation

Exploring how engineering, technology, and environmental stewardship are transforming wastewater treatment and creating new opportunities.
About this Event

Admission Tickets are Required, but Free

Admission Tickets are FREE, but all wishing to attend are required to obtain "free-admission" tickets from EventBrite. Click the big "Reserve a Spot" button on this page to get one ticket per guest attending.

Event Parking

Pay parking is available onsite. There is also some street parking in the neighbourhood nearby.

Refreshments

This is the time to enjoy a bite and drink as you socialize with other guests and the speaker.

ARPICO and ZENO FARINELLI present:




FROM WASTE TO RESOURCE:
REIMAGINING WASTEWATER TREATMENT THROUGH INNOVATION
a talk by Zeno Farinelli

In his talk, “From Waste to Resource: Reimagining Wastewater Treatment Through Innovation,” Zeno Farinelli will explore how engineering, technology, and environmental stewardship are transforming wastewater treatment and creating new opportunities for resource recovery.
Although wastewater infrastructure is rarely visible in our daily lives, it is fundamental to modern society. Metro Vancouver's network of sewers, pumping stations, and treatment facilities collects and treats billions of litres of wastewater, protecting public health, rivers, and coastal waters while serving more than three million residents.
As urban regions face growing populations, climate change, aging infrastructure, and increasingly stringent environmental requirements, wastewater treatment is evolving beyond simply cleaning water. Modern facilities are becoming resource recovery centres, with the potential to produce renewable energy, recover valuable materials, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A central focus of Zeno Farinelli's presentation will be Metro Vancouver's Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Project, an innovative initiative aimed at transforming wastewater biosolids into renewable biocrude oil and other valuable products. Using high temperature and pressure, hydrothermal liquefaction can convert organic waste materials into useful resources, offering an innovative approach to reducing waste and advancing a circular economy.
Drawing on real-world projects and his experience at Metro Vancouver, Zeno Farinelli will provide an accessible look at how innovation and engineering can turn materials traditionally considered waste into valuable resources and how critical infrastructure can contribute to building more sustainable and resilient communities.

Born and educated in Italy, Zeno Farinelli earned a Master's degree in Engineering before pursuing an international career that took him across Asia, Africa, and South America, and ultimately to Canada. Throughout his career, he has worked on major infrastructure projects, developing expertise in engineering design, project management, and construction delivery. At Metro Vancouver, he leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for major wastewater infrastructure projects designed to improve the performance, resilience, and sustainability of essential public services.

EVENT DETAILS

6:30 PM - Check-in for all guests.

6:50 PM - Welcome remarks by ARPICO President, Valentina Marchetti

7:00 PM - Introduction of Zeno Farinelli

7:15 PM - From Waste to Resource: Reimagining Wastewater Treatment Through Innovation by Zeno Farinelli

Q&A - Following the lecture.

Socializing - Refreshments will be served.

9:45 PM - Clean up and closure. Help is welcome from anyone willing.

ADMISSION TICKET IS MANDATORY

Please click the large "Reserve a Spot" button on this page to secure your admission ticket. Tickets are necessary to help organizers plan for room capacity, fire regulations, and refreshment needs.

Please be sure to supply the first name, surname and email of each person in your order.

1. Admission Cost? – We don’t charge for admission into the event.

A special thank you to the ARPICO members who generously cover the venue and equipment rentals, speaker travel, and thank-you costs for "regular" events throughout the year. Their support allows us to offer free admission to all attendees.

2. Donations to ARPICO's Scholarship Fund – Your donation helps ensure the continuation of our educational initiatives. If you enjoy attending ARPICO public lectures and appreciate the opportunity to engage with the speaker and fellow attendees, please consider donating to support our Scholarship Fund.

Not ready to donate at the moment? Take your time and decide after you have experienced the evening's full offering.

ARPICO is able to accept your donation at the venue whether cash, debit card or credit card.

EVENT PARKING

Pay parking is available onsite. There is also some street parking in the neighbourhood nearby.