VCS Denmark

Digitalization is a key factor in developing the water sector. Digitalization paves the way for the green transition, and here at VCS Denmark, we are at the forefront of using the technological tools that digitalization brings with it. Tomas Møller Christensen plays a central role in making this possible. He is our head of GIS and Documentation and works with data quality, the integration of GIS data between specialized systems, and employee development. In addition to his work with making sure, the systems support our efficient handling of water and wastewater, Tomas contributes his experience and know-how to international projects, where foreign utilities seek VCS Denmark's expertise in digitalization within the water sector. Tomas has 30 years of experience in the GIS and geodata industry, initially as a consultant and software developer, and later as a manager - the last nine years within the utility sector. If you need Tomas’ profile to develop your utility, do not hesitate to contact us. VCS Denmark specializes in catchment, treatment, and distribution of potable water and transport, as well as climate adaptation, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. Our open mind on digitalization and innovation in general has made us a front-runner within the water sector. 

Last week we welcomed our colleagues SIMON Mbogo and Paul Baru from Thika Water and Sewerage Company (Thiwasco) in Kenya. They’re operations managers in their respective wastewater and machinery departments. During their stay, Simon and Paul will tour VCS Denmark and follow our daily operations to gather inspiration and knowledge for their continued work back in Thika. Kenya is struggling with heavy rain and a lack of clean drinking water. VCS Denmark is together with Aarhus Vand adding to a project from DSIF (Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance) by providing Thiwasco with knowledge on how to reduce water loss and build new treatment plants and water facilities. These photos were taken when our guests visited the laboratory at our water resource recovery facility, Ejby Mølle. Simon and Paul enjoyed the experience in the lab. They were let through the processes of ensuring that the water VCS Denmark let out from our wastewater treatment plants is within government-set quality levels. The introduction was done by wastewater analyst, Betina Lundbirk Bjerregaard, who has also shared her experience at Thiwasco in Kenya at an earlier stage of the project. We look forward to sharing even more knowledge with our visiting Kenyan colleagues.

Urban water runoff is a major transporter of pollutants from the urban surroundings into the aquatic environment. On World Water Monitoring Day September 18th, 2024, at 10 a.m. CET, this issue will be addressed at a free webinar that highlights innovative solutions for managing urban water runoff 🌧 🏦 🚘 From VCS Denmark Uffe Gangelhof will share insights. He is the project coordinator for D4RUNOFF that consists of 13 partners from 5 countries from North and South of Europe and receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. 👉 To participate in the webinar please enter the news section of the D4runoff website. Photo: Erling Holm and VCS Denmark

Earlier this week we welcomed a Ukrainian delegation in Odense as part of a utility twinning between Mykolaiv Vodokanal and VCS Denmark 🇺🇦🇩🇰 Over three days colleagues from Mykolaiv Vodokanal explore options for energy efficiency at a utility - and look at possible implementation in a Ukrainian setting. This includes provision of green energy from biogas, which we have great experience with at our Ejby Mølle wastewater treatment plant. On our agenda is also how to minimize energy consumption at pumping stations, for both drinking water and wastewater – which is another relevant aspect, when it comes to energy efficiency. With the aim of optimizing pumping stations in Mykolaiv, we share our approach on design, operation and maintenance. The visit is part of a broader cooperation between Denmark and Mykolaiv and this specific initiative is part of Local Government Denmark (KL) activities in Ukraine. We thank our colleagues from Mykolaiv Vodokanal for the visit and look forward to future meetings and exchanges!  

We celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Elmelund Forest in Odense this may! A decade ago we established the forest with a clear purpose: to protect groundwater from pesticides and other sources of pollution. Denmark relies on groundwater for its drinking water, safeguarding this precious ressource therefore is crucial. A way to ensure drinking water for future generations is afforestation and thus Elmelund Forest was created in collaboration with Odense Kommune and Naturstyrelsen. Additionally, the forest contributes to CO2 absorption, enhances biodiversity, and creates possibilities for outdoor activities. After the initial success of the Elmelund-project, we have been engaged in other afforestation projects and cooperations – and have established several other forests near Odense. 

Summer is upon us and at VCS Denmark we can look back upon a first half year of exciting jobs abroad and valuable visits here. In June we had a delegation from Marocco visiting both us and other Danish companies covering and discussing aspect such as digitalization, SCADA, smart meters, production and monitoring of drinking water – and with a short visit to get a glimpse of Danish history in the Funen Village. Other countries we work with in 2024 are e.g. Kenya, Ukraine, Ethiopia, South Africa, and India. - We look forward to it all! 📷 Photos by Jan Møller Hansen and Martin Westerboe Sorensen

An important part of our company culture is #knowledgesharing 💡🌎 We do this in our international work – working for donors and engineering companies and engaging in research and conferences. And we do this in our national branch. This Friday an estimated 1,500 colleagues from the Danish wastewater utilities and wastewater industry, joined us at our premises in Odense for two days of professional networking and inspiration gathering. The occasion was the annual meeting of Spildevandsteknisk Forening which is a Danish association for everyone working with wastewater and rainwater management - practically, theoretically, or as a supplier to the industry. Ejby Mølle wastewater treatment plant was the main venue of the event, hosting both sessions, meetings, award ceremony and an exhibition. Some 140 exhibitors presented their solutions on 10,000 square meters of exhibition space. Our Head of Department for Wastewater Ivan Voelund, coordinator Arne Michelsen – and a lot of hardworking colleagues from all over our organization – made these fabulous days of learning, listening, and connecting possible 😊

VCS Denmark has been "on the job" in Kenya together with our colleagues from the local utility company Thiwasco. 👉 Our flushing truck operator, Tom, has been on the job with SIMON Mbogo and Paul and their sewer flushing team.  👉 Likewise, in the laboratory department, Betina Lundbirk Bjerregaard has given hands-on input to the planned upgrades and improvements to the workflow; with Emily, Njoroge Lavinia, and their colleges. 👉 In the meantime, Ivan has shared his extensive knowledge of wastewater and sanitation management. "On-the-job training" and knowledge sharing at eye level provide a fruitful collaboration. Soon, Thiwasco employees will come to Denmark to do "on-the-job-training" at VCS Denmark and Aarhus Vand A/S and return with insights and hopefully plenty of inspiration for our future collaboration. The project is financed by Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) which is administered by the Investment Fund for Developing Countrie (IFU).

This beautiful piece of nature is really a technical facility; a nature-based solution that treats rainwater from the nearby suburb. It is a wetland area called Everenden - situated in the northern part of Odense, Denmark. To avoid rain in the sewer systems VCS Denmark work with different methods. One method that’s applied in some areas, are separate pipes for rainwater. One benefit of this method is that rainwater does not have to undergo the same intensive treatment process as wastewater, thus saving energy. However, some minor treatment must take place even for rainwater. And this is what Everenden does. In the wetland area, sedimentation and biological processes removes particles and nutrients from the rainwater.     After passing through the area, the rainwater is discharged into Odense Fjord. The aquatic environment here is vulnerable, and the treatment at Everenden reduces the pollution load on the fjord. At the same time Everenden offers recreational value as well as supporting animal life and biodiversity. #naturebasedsolutions #biodiversity 👉 If you want to know more about our work with nature-based solutions, please reach out via vcsdenmark.com to Martin Westerboe Sorensen

Polluted urban water runoff poses a significant threat to public health and biodiversity. In the Horizon Europe funded project D4RUNOFF, VCS Denmark alongside other European partners are working on solutions to combat this persistent challenge. Changing rainfall patterns causing combined sewer overflows and the discovery of new contaminants are only increasing the challenge and it is important for urban planners, policy makers and water utilities to work together to mitigate the effects of diffuse pollution.    In the video, our Project Director, Uffe Gangelhof, explains how sensor technologies and monitoring systems are vital in assessing nature-based solutions – solutions that are inspired and supported by nature. D4RUNOFF is funded by the European Union and three case study areas have been appointed: Odense in Denmark, Santander in Spain, and Pontederia in Italy – thereby testing the results of the project in different climate conditions.