Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority
Computer simulation helps test future waste management plans on Merseyside
6/9/2006The computer game Sim City is the inspiration behind an innovative training programme which is being used to tackle serious environmental problems over the coming years.
The £22,000 DEFRA-funded programme – called PlanitWASTE - has been piloted across the region by sponsors Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority (MWDA) and developed by software experts Pixel Fountain. The gaming technology aims to help local areas and decision makers virtually simulate and solve potential future waste management problems.
Carl Beer, Director of MWDA said: “This simulation is an ideal way of promoting awareness of the serious waste management issues that affect us all and will continue to do so over the coming years.
“This is a great model for future scenarios because it encourages a partnership approach between local authorities, businesses and the community. The unique aspect of using a computer game acts as a very productive learning tool for decision makers.”
The training simulation consists of a model of a ‘virtual’ county area with three districts (all with different socio-economic, environmental and waste profiles).
The users input decisions that are being made by local authority officers and see how these areas will change over the next 15 years. They can affect everything from kerbside collection and the scale of recyclables to recycling centres and waste treatment/disposal. They can manipulate various factors and explore ‘what if’ future scenarios for their community.
Cllr Kevin Cluskey, Chairman of MWDA said: “This will raise awareness and could help reduce waste in the long term. Merseyside taxpayers will continue to suffer unless we stop exceeding our landfill quota and manage waste more effectively.”
A different version of simulation software – called Planit North West – has been successfully rolled out to virtually all Local Strategic Partnerships in the North West by Pixel Fountain. This sustainability simulation was the brainchild behind the idea for PlanitWASTE.
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