1.1 Course Overview

Summary

In this course introduction, Christoph Lüthi from Eawag's Sandec department explains the essentials of urban sanitation planning. With a focus on sustainable sanitation solutions, the course covers topics such as technologies for sanitation systems, engineering, finance, regulation, and community engagement. Over five weeks, participants will explore the basics of urban sanitation, various sanitation technologies, and planning tools. Practical activities and case studies from around the world offer insights into both successful and failed sanitation projects. This course is ideal for those passionate about creating sustainable solutions for urban areas, even without a degree in environmental engineering.

Takeaways

• 🌆 More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, and this number is expected to grow.
• 🚱 Many cities in low and middle-income countries face challenges in providing adequate sanitation services, leading to pollution, disease, inequality, and economic losses.
• 🛠️ Addressing sanitation challenges is crucial to ensure access to safe and dignified sanitation in urban areas.
• 👨‍🏫 Christoph Lüthi works at Eawag in the Department of Sanitation, Water, and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec).
• 🌍 Sandec is a competence center that has been active for 30 years, working in over 30 countries to improve water and sanitation systems.
• 📚 This course focuses on essential knowledge for planning sanitation systems and technologies in urban and peri-urban areas.
• 🔧 The course covers both technical aspects, such as engineering and sanitation technologies, as well as financial, regulatory, and community engagement strategies.
• 📆 Over five weeks, the course will introduce urban sanitation planning basics, explore technologies, and share planning tools and case studies.
• 💡 Students will learn through practical activities and case studies, applying concepts to real-world problems.
• 📖 Additional readings and bonus materials are provided for those interested in exploring the topics further.

Q & A

What is the current trend in urban population growth?

More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years.

What challenges do cities in low and middle-income countries face regarding sanitation?

Many cities in low and middle-income countries are struggling to provide adequate sanitation services for their growing populations, leading to environmental pollution, disease outbreaks, social inequality, and economic losses.

Who is Cristoph Lüthi and what is his role at Eawag?

Cristoph Lüthi works for the Department of Sanitation, Water, and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) at Eawag.

What is Sandec and how long has it been operating?

Sandec is a competence center for water sanitation and solid waste that works in over 30 countries and has been operating for about 30 years.

What is the purpose of the course mentioned in the transcript?

The course aims to equip participants with the essentials of planning for sanitation systems and technologies for urban and peri-urban areas, covering both technology and engineering aspects, as well as finance, regulation, and community engagement.

What are the main requirements for the course?

There is no need for a degree in environmental engineering, but participants should be passionate about planning and implementing sustainable sanitation solutions that protect human health and the environment.

What can participants expect to learn in the first week of the course?

In week one, the course introduces the basics of urban sanitation planning and the crucial role of safely managing sanitation in urban development.

What topics are covered in weeks two and three of the course?

Weeks two and three present different sanitation technologies across the sanitation service chain, starting with onsite dry and wet toilets, then safe containment, transport, and various treatment options.

How does the course contextualize sanitation in week four?

In week four, the course contextualizes sanitation and introduces different planning tools currently used in sanitation planning.

What does the final week of the course offer?

The final week provides case studies from around the globe that offer insights into both successful and failed sanitation planning and implementation.

How does the course ensure practical application of theoretical concepts?

The course includes practical activities for participants to complete throughout, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems and scenarios.

Are there additional resources provided for those interested in learning more?

Yes, the course provides additional readings and bonus material for those interested in learning more.