Call for sponsorship: deployment of a value chain for human urine in agriculture

Urivalyon is a collective project of general interest aimed at deploying a circular and integrated value chain model for the recovery of human urine in agricultural environments at local level.It brings together some twenty players from a variety of backgrounds (Le CentSept, ALEC, social landlords, waste collection operators, the Rhône Chamber of Agriculture, researchers, local authorities, etc.).), who wish to create a secure framework for the development and sustainability of the sector in the Lyon area.

This collective dynamic represents a lever for :

1. Consolidate an integrated local industry model that generates economic, social and environmental value.
2. Create the conditions necessary for its development and acceptance by an ecosystem of players.
3. Real-life testing of protocols and implementation of separation systems in different types of building: office, ERP, housing.
4. To test urine-based fertilization protocols in real-life conditions, in different crop contexts.

Why set up a urine chain?

A key issue for the building sector: The challenge is to optimize water and effluent management in buildings by integrating innovative urine source separation systems. Sewage is the norm, resulting in high consumption of drinking water (between 3 and 9L of water per flush) and increasing pressure on sanitation infrastructures.

A key challenge for the agricultural sector: The recovery, transformation and valorization of nutrients naturally present in urine (phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium) would considerably reduce dependence on imported fertilizers and strengthen the resilience of local agriculture.

Areas of work for the building sector:

Through Urivalyon, the members of the collective wish to:

Raise awareness and support building professionals and developers in adopting new design and operating practices.

1. Test and experiment with new technical solutions integrated into buildings, enabling differentiated urine management, by integrating these innovations into the construction or renovation phase.

Our funding requirements

We are seeking funding to co-finance the project for its experimental phase between 2025 and 2027, in the form of grants or financial sponsorship.

Contact

Matthieu Cnudde - matthieu.cnudde@alec-lyon.org