The European Commission has published today a Eurobarometer survey showing that an overwhelming majority of Europeans would find it useful to have European legislation on radioactive waste management. The concern for the safety risk related to radioactive waste is shared both in countries with nuclear power plants and those with no nuclear energy. Günther Oettinger, Commissioner responsible for Energy said: "People throughout Europe share the same concerns, whether have nuclear power plants in their country or not. We have to take these concerns seriously and make sure that radioactive waste is disposed safely, for our people and for our environment."

Radioactive waste management

An overall majority of 82% European citizens say nuclear waste management should be regulated at EU level, according to the Special Eurobarometer survey "Europeans and Nuclear Safety". This belief is extremely consistent all across the European Union. Agreement is almost unanimous in Cyprus (93%), Hungary (90%), the Netherlands (90%) and Slovenia (90%). On the other end of the spectrum - in those countries where the smallest number of people share the view - a consistent majority exist (Austria 59%, UK 60%, Malta 62%).

Grontmij has won a major contract to create a modern and environmentally sound waste management system in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Through close collaboration between consultants from Denmark and Sweden, Grontmij will deliver world-leading Nordic excellence in the field. The project is part of the aid-financed development cooperation that Sweden has with Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to reduce the environmental and health risks in the country with the aim of eventually qualifying for EU membership. The contract is worth € 2.4 million for Grontmij and will run for just over 4 years. Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) assists in the creation of an effective system of waste management in the country. Grontmij has been appointed to advise and support at both the municipal and state level. "Securing this contract represents our combined expertise within Grontmij to deliver a substantial-capacity building in Bosnia-Herzegovina along with a modern and environmentally sound waste recycling programme. As a group-wide project, this is another example of how our cross-border collaboration strengthens our ability to win complex international assignments", says Sylvo Thijsen, Grontmij N.V. CEO.

Source: Grontmij

Waste management and recycling is fast losing its rough and ready image. Many of the businesses that grew from roots in haulage and scrap metal have now developed to be sophisticated companies with professional management teams that can hold their own in any sphere. Many are now successful public companies. Cleantech generally is becoming sexy. Recent figures from the Cleantech Group and Deloitte show that the venture capital community invested over £5bn in the sector in 2009, with 557 firms receiving fresh venture capital funding. As global environmental imperatives making the sector look like a good long term career bet, the cream of finance, management and technology professionals are being drawn to this sector.

As executive recruiters who operate exclusively in this area, Altium Associates are particularly aware of the increase in demand for the best. Altium was formed by a group of experienced executive search and HR specialists to work primarily with early stage and fast growth businesses in Cleantech. Our clients include venture capital backed businesses in renewable energy, recycling and nanotechnology. Over the past year we have been asked to recruit a raft of senior talent, equipped with the skills to make these companies global players. This is partly due to the fact that ‘Green' investment is perceived as sexy and that there is a queue of Cleantech businesses waiting to IPO. So whilst these businesses are the brain-children of technologists and entrepreneurs, backers are insisting that they beef up the management teams with impressive, high-calibre finance and operational managers to wow brokers and entice new investors.