Cambrian, a leader in water reuse technology, in partnership with Anheuser-Busch, has been awarded a Distinction in the Industrial Project of the Year category at the 2025 Global Water Awards. This accolade underscores the project's innovative use of Cambrian's BlueCycle™ membrane bioreactor (MBR) system at Anheuser-Busch's Houston brewery, which treats over 400,000 gallons of high-strength wastewater daily, producing water of drinking quality for non-potable reuse. This initiative not only significantly cuts down the brewery's freshwater consumption but also sets a benchmark for sustainable industrial water management.
The project's financial model, Cambrian's Water-Energy Purchase Agreement (WEPA), eliminated the need for upfront capital investment from Anheuser-Busch. Cambrian took on the financing, construction, and operation of the system, charging solely based on the volume of water treated. This partnership was facilitated through the 100+ Accelerator, Anheuser-Busch InBev's platform for sustainability innovation, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts in driving environmental and economic benefits.
Over its 20-year lifespan, the system is expected to treat 3.45 billion gallons of water, achieve a 20% reduction in water and wastewater costs, and prevent over 23,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. This project marks the first full-scale application of Cambrian's WEPA model within the beverage industry, illustrating a scalable solution to water scarcity and sustainability challenges.
Matthew Silver, Cambrian's Founder and CEO, highlighted the project as a testament to the synergy between environmental stewardship and economic efficiency. The Global Water Awards, organized by Global Water Intelligence, celebrate projects that excel in technical innovation, sustainability, and scalability, making Cambrian and Anheuser-Busch's achievement a notable example of how industries can address water management challenges effectively.
This recognition reflects a broader shift towards outcomes-based infrastructure, where environmental and economic objectives are seamlessly integrated. Cambrian's work with Anheuser-Busch exemplifies how innovative technologies and partnerships can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective industrial water management practices, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
