Water Efficiency First: Transforming Industry, Agriculture and Circular Water Use

This workshop will focus on advancing a water-smart economy, placing water efficiency at the core of policy and investment decisions. The “Water Efficiency First” principle will be explored as a guiding approach to optimize resource use across sectors, reducing pressure on water systems while supporting economic growth. The session will highlight the potential of water reuse, both within agriculture and across industrial and urban applications, as a key lever for resilience. Particular attention will be given to the role of industry under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and the development of pilot clusters for water efficiency. A broad range of water-intensive sectors will be addressed, including traditional industries as well as emerging strategic sectors such as data centres, hydrogen, batteries, and microchips. Technological solutions such as dry cooling systems and sustainable desalination will be discussed as part of a diversified water supply portfolio. Finally, the workshop will examine the need for large-scale infrastructure for water supply in agriculture, particularly at irrigation district level, to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness in a context of increasing water scarcity.

Session Chairs

Attilio Toscano, Ecomondo STC and University of Bologna
Francesco Fatone, Ecomondo STC and Marche Polytechnic University 
Susanna Murtas, Italian National Institute of Health

Program 

Introduction by the Chairs

Opening High-Level Session
The opening high-level session will provide the European policy and strategic framework for implementing the Water Efficiency First principle across industry, agriculture and urban water services.

Policy Update on Water Reuse: Advancing the European Agenda through the Common Implementation Strategy (CIS)
Delia Sanchez Tranco, Policy Officer – Water Reuse European Commission, DG Environment (TBC)

Modern Irrigation Infrastructure for Water Resilience and Agricultural Competitiveness
Massimo Gargano, Director General, ANBI – National Association of Land Reclamation and Irrigation

Building a Water Smart Economy in the Euro-Mediterranean Region: Evidence from 1,500 Companies
Daniela Bernacchi, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Italy

Water Utilities at the Core of the Water Efficiency First Transition
Francesco Mascolo, UTILITALIA

Speeches selected from the Call for Papers

Discussion and closure by the Chairs