Company/Organization Profile

This Project is the first underground reclaimed water plant with above-ground Intelligence Manufacturing Park not only in Ningbo, but also in China The above-ground portion is the Beikun Smart Manufacturing Park, which is committed to building a green, low-carbon smart manufacturing industrial park that integrates production and manufacturing, R&D and office space, and business supporting facilities. The underground portion is the Zhuangqiao Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is affiliated with Ningbo Water & environment group co., ltd.

1、The Zhuangqiao Wastewater Treatment Plant is a submerged-type reclaimed water treatment facility occupying a total area of 122 mu. The project is designed with a civil works capacity of 150,000 m³/day and an installed mechanical treatment capacity of 100,000 m³/day. The plant's service area encompasses several key districts in Jiangbei District, including Cicheng Town, Hongtang, Zhuangqiao, and the Airport area, serving an estimated population of 300,000 in the near term.

2、The Beikun Smart Manufacturing Park encompasses a total gross floor area of approximately 130,000 m², with 21 above-ground buildings accounting for about 129,000 m² of the total.

机构简介

本项目为全国首座宁波市第一座地下再生水厂，地上智造园的建设开发模式。地上为北坤智造园，致力于打造集生产制造、研发办公、商务配套为一体的绿色低碳智造产业园；地下为庄桥净化水厂，隶属宁波市水务环境集团股份有限公司。

1、庄桥净化水厂为下沉式再生水厂，占地122亩，土建规模15万吨/日，配套设备安装10万吨/日，服务范围包括江北区慈城镇片区、洪塘、庄桥、机场片等几大片区，近期服务人口30万人。

2、北坤智造园园区总建筑面积约13万平方米，其中地上建筑21幢的面积约12.9万平方。

Project Overview

To address the dual challenges of wastewater treatment and land resource constraints in Jiangbei District, Ningbo, the Ningbo Municipal Government has put forward an innovative reclaimed water plant development model characterized by "one parcel of land, two land-use certificates" and coordinated development.

Owing to the distinctive nature of this submerged reclaimed water plant model featuring integrated above-ground and underground development, and given that the above-ground and underground components are vested in different ownership entities, the government has taken proactive measures to streamline the project approval process and optimize the associated workflow through innovative administrative approaches. During the preliminary land-use planning phase, the land-use designation was reclassified as mixed-use land, with the underground portion zoned for municipal public utility facilities and allocated to Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. on a no-cost basis for the construction of the submerged reclaimed water plant, while the above-ground portion was designated as Class I industrial land and made available via public tender, auction, and listing for the development of industrial facilities. In light of the unique characteristics of this integrated above-ground/underground development model, Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. has maintained close coordination with relevant municipal and district government authorities. Through the concerted efforts of all project stakeholders, the approval timeframe has been substantially reduced.

With respect to Ningbo's innovative model of an underground wastewater treatment plant combined with comprehensive above-ground development, Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. adopted a BIM forward-design approach during the scheme design phase. Leveraging digital tools, the team implemented refined project management, construction process simulation, spatial clash detection, on-site quality and safety oversight, and operations and maintenance planning, effectively translating abstract design concepts into concrete visual representations. This approach delivered more intuitive outcomes for construction presentation and subsequent project execution, adeptly resolving various on-site construction challenges and markedly enhancing overall construction productivity.

In confronting the engineering challenges associated with an oversized and ultra-deep excavation pit, the project team of Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. convened multiple expert review sessions to conduct rigorous professional evaluations and iteratively refine the excavation support scheme. The team substituted the conventional diaphragm wall approach with cast-in-place bored piles, optimized the three-tier support configuration to a two-tier support system supplemented by a trestle bridge design, thereby substantially improving both the efficiency and safety of deep-soil excavation operations. The ultimately adopted innovative solution—featuring "double-row piles, two-tier support, and a trestle bridge"—successfully shortened the construction schedule by three months and achieved cost savings of approximately RMB 30 million. The project broke ground on September 15, 2020, and officially achieved its structural topping-out on June 28, 2022, thus truly demonstrating the expeditious construction capability of a submerged water plant.

In response to the operational requirements and spatial constraints inherent to the submerged reclaimed water plant, the project team of Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. has proposed and implemented a series of targeted technical measures. To ameliorate issues such as inadequate air circulation and the hot, humid, and sultry conditions within the underground box structure during summer months, the facility has been outfitted with 18 supply fans and 20 exhaust fans. The supply and exhaust ductwork extends throughout all zones of the box structure, substantially enhancing air exchange between the above-ground and underground spaces and significantly improving both the comfort level and safety of the personnel working environment.

With regard to flood prevention and control, the project team of Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. conducted a comprehensive review of the design scheme and raised the ground elevation at the top of the underground box structure to 5.4 meters above the Yellow Sea Datum, thereby preventing external water intrusion due to backflow. Furthermore, quick-closing gate wells have been installed at the surface-level water intake points, capable of automatically isolating the influent flow within 30 seconds under emergency conditions. This design effectively mitigates the risk of overflow incidents within the underground box structure and ensures the ongoing operational safety of the facility.

项目背景

长期以来，江北区域污水处理主要依赖宁波岚山净化水厂，但该厂自身也面临发展瓶颈——受限于现有用地，扩建空间严重不足。规划远景污水处理能力虽为55万立方米/日，实际用地却仅能支撑35万立方米/日，存在明显的缺口。

与此同时，江北区的污水输送系统也遭遇现实困境。区域内污水需通过管网远距离输送，下游镇海区污水还时常产生顶托效应，导致上游江北区排水不畅。随着慈城、洪塘等重点片区快速发展，江北区污水量持续激增，管网负荷过重，还对周边河道水体造成了影响。

为破解该难题，2019年初，宁波市根据浙江省环境保护督察工作要求，针对慈城、洪塘、庄桥三个镇（街道）及宁波大学片区出现的污水溢流问题召开专题会议，明确提出在江北区建设一座地下再生水厂的解决方案。该方案将污水处理设施全部置于地下，高效集约利用珍贵的地表资源——地上同步规划建设“江北新兴智能智造产业园”，集成智能制造、研发办公与商务配套功能，实现“水—地—能”三位一体的循环利用模式。

Project Implementation

In response to the challenges of wastewater treatment and land scarcity in Jiangbei District, Ningbo, the Ningbo Municipal Government has innovatively proposed a reclaimed water plant model featuring "one piece of land, two land-use certificates" and integrated development. Due to the unique nature of the submerged (underground) reclaimed water plant model with coordinated above-ground and underground development, and the fact that the above-ground and underground portions are owned by different entities, the government has actively facilitated the project approval process and innovatively optimized the workflow. During the preliminary land use planning stage, the land use designation was adjusted to mixed-use land, with the underground portion designated as municipal public utility facilities, allocated to Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. at no cost for the construction of the submerged reclaimed water plant, while the above-ground portion was designated as Class I industrial land and transferred through open bidding, auction, and listing for the construction of industrial facilities. Given the particularity of this integrated development model, Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. engaged in extensive communication with municipal and district government departments, and with the joint efforts of all project participants, the approval timeline was significantly shortened.

In addressing the innovative model of underground wastewater treatment plant combined with above-ground comprehensive development, Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. adopted BIM forward design during the schematic design phase. Through digital means, the team applied refined project management, construction process simulation, spatial clash detection, on-site quality and safety management, and operations and maintenance, transforming abstract concepts into tangible visualizations. This brought more intuitive results for construction presentation and subsequent project construction, effectively resolving various issues during the construction process and greatly improving construction efficiency.

To tackle the challenges posed by the oversized and ultra-deep excavation pit, the project team of Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. organized multiple expert panel reviews to conduct professional assessments and repeatedly optimized the excavation support scheme. The team replaced the conventional diaphragm wall scheme with cast-in-place bored piles, optimized the three-tier support system into a two-tier support system combined with a trestle bridge design, significantly improving the efficiency and safety of deep soil excavation. Ultimately, the innovative scheme of "double-row piles + two-tier support + trestle bridge" was implemented, shortening the construction period by three months and saving approximately RMB 30 million in construction costs. The project commenced construction on September 15, 2020, and officially reached its structural topping-out on June 28, 2022, truly realizing the rapid construction of a submerged water plant.

In response to the operational characteristics and spatial particularities of the submerged reclaimed water plant, the project team of Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. proposed the implementation of multiple targeted technical measures. To address issues such as poor air circulation and hot, humid, and stuffy conditions within the underground box structure during summer, the system is equipped with 18 supply fans and 20 exhaust fans. The supply and exhaust ducts run through all areas of the box structure, effectively enhancing above-ground and underground air circulation and significantly improving the comfort and safety of the working environment for personnel.

With regard to flood prevention and control, the project team of Ningbo Water & Environment Group Co., Ltd. evaluated the design scheme and raised the ground elevation at the top of the underground box structure to 5.4 meters above the Yellow Sea Datum, preventing external surface water from backflowing into the facility. Additionally, quick-closing gate wells were installed at the ground-level water inlets, which can automatically shut off the influent flow within 30 seconds under emergency conditions, effectively preventing overflow incidents within the underground box structure and ensuring the operational safety of the plant.

项目实施

针对宁波市江北区污水处理及土地紧张的问题，宁波市创新提出一地两证、统筹开发的再生水厂模式，由于地上地下统筹开发的下沉式再生水厂模式的特殊性，且地上地下为不同的产权单位，政府积极推动项目审批，创新优化工作流程。项目前期用地规划阶段已将项目用地性质调整为混合用地，地下为市政公用设施，土地无偿划拨给宁波市水务环境集团用于建设下沉式再生水厂，地上为一类工业用地，通过招拍挂出让用于建设工业厂房。鉴于地上地下统筹开发的下沉式再生水厂模式的特殊性，宁波市水务环境集团与市、区各部门沟通，在各参建方共同努力，审批时间得以显著缩短。

针对宁波市创新提出地下污水处理厂+地面综合开发的模式，宁波市水务环境集团在方案设计阶段，采用BIM正向设计，以数字化手段在项目精细化管理、施工过程模拟、空间碰撞检测、现场质量安全管理、运营维护等方面，将抽象变具象，为施工展现及后期建设带来更直观的效果，有效解决施工过程中的各类问题，大大提高施工效率在施工阶段。

针对超大超深基坑的难题，为加快施工建设，宁波市水务环境集团项目团队多次组织专家进行专业论证，对基坑维护方案进行反复优化，用灌注桩代替常规地下连续墙方案，将三道支撑优化成两道支撑并搭配栈桥设计，显著提高深层土方开发效率和安全性，最终以“双排桩+两道支撑+栈桥”的创新方案实施，缩短工期3个月，节约造价约3000万元。项目于2020年9月15日开工建设，2022年6月28日正式封顶，真正实现了下沉式水厂的快速建设。

针对下沉式净化水厂的运行特点与空间特殊性，宁波市水务环境集团项目团队提出采取多项针对性技术措施。为改善箱体内空气流通不畅、夏季闷热潮湿等问题，系统配置18台送风机与20台排风机，送排风管道贯通箱体各区域，有效增强地上地下空气循环，显著提升人员作业环境舒适度与安全性。

针对防汛防洪问题方面，宁波市水务环境集团项目团队研判设计方案将箱体顶部地面标高提升至黄海高程5.4米，防止外部积水倒灌。同时，在地面进水口处设置了速闭闸门井，可在紧急情况下于30秒内自动切断进水水流，有效避免箱体内溢水事故发生，保障厂区运行安全。

Project Outcome

I. Environmentally Friendly: From "NIMBY" to "YIMBY"

Adopting an innovative development model characterized by intensive underground facility construction and efficient above-ground land utilization, this project has forged a green development trajectory that achieves coordinated enhancements in ecological, economic, and social benefits. Following the successful completion of the environmental protection acceptance inspection on May 16, 2020, the Zhuangqiao Reclaimed Water Plant has maintained safe and stable operations for a period of three years as of July of the current year. Over this operational period, the plant has cumulatively treated 92,098,300 tons of wastewater, with 89,884,600 tons of reclaimed water being reused. The pollution reduction achievements include 11,064.08 tons of COD, 1,998.86 tons of ammonia nitrogen, 1,617.96 tons of total nitrogen, and 240.14 tons of total phosphorus. Through its distinctive model of underground space-intensive facility construction paired with above-ground value-added development, the project has successfully established a sustainable development paradigm that delivers mutually reinforcing ecological, economic, and social dividends.

II. Notable Achievements in Green and Low-Carbon Development

The project has comprehensively fulfilled its commitments to high-quality reclaimed water reuse, green energy recovery and utilization, carbon emission reduction, and efficient land utilization. The newly expanded reclaimed water reuse portfolio encompasses applications such as (reclaimed water car washing, municipal road flushing) as well as ecological water replenishment for river systems. The water plant is outfitted with a water-source heat pump system, capable of supplying heating and cooling services to surrounding buildings encompassing a total floor area of 200,000 square meters. Furthermore, a 1.847 MW photovoltaic power generation facility has been deployed on the rooftop and available spaces of the above-ground industrial park, with an annual peak generating capacity exceeding 1.5 million kWh. Currently, the electricity generated is sufficient to meet the full demand of the above-ground industrial park enterprises, with any surplus green electricity being made available for subsequent use in the production operations of the underground water plant.

III. State-Owned Capital as a Catalyst for Small and Micro Industrial Park Development, Fostering High-Quality Local Industrial Growth

Leveraging state-owned capital as a driving force, the project is dedicated to the development of a small and micro industrial park with a strategic emphasis on supporting start-up and early-stage enterprises. By deepening the synergy between technological innovation and industrial upgrading, the park aims to make meaningful contributions to the high-quality industrial development of Jiangbei District. Concurrent with the construction process, investment promotion and tenant recruitment initiatives are being actively pursued, guided by a "3+X" sectoral positioning framework. The three pillar industries—"next-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, and advanced medical devices"—are complemented by synergistic sectors including "new materials, biotechnology, intelligent manufacturing, and 2.5 producer services." This integrated approach is designed to cultivate a distinctive green and low-carbon industrial park, with a focus on green environmental protection, clean energy, and other sustainability-oriented industries.

成果亮点

一、环境友好“邻避”变“邻利”。以地下集约建厂、地上高效赋能的创新模式，走出一条生态效益、经济效益、社会效益协同提升的绿色发展之路。自2023年5月16日环保验收之后，截止今年7月庄桥净化水厂已安全稳定运行3年，累计处理污水9209.83万吨，再生水回用8988.46万吨，COD减排量11064.08吨，氨氮减排1998.86吨，总氮减排1617.96吨，总磷减排240.14吨。以地下集约建厂、地上高效赋能的创新模式，走出一条生态效益、经济效益、社会效益协同提升的绿色发展之路。

二、绿色低碳模式显成效。项目全面实现本项目全面实现高品质再生水回用、绿色能源回收利用、碳排放减量、土地资源高效利用，新增再生水回用（再生水洗车、市政道路冲洗）及河道生态补水；水厂配套水源热泵系统，可为周边20万㎡建筑面积供暖供冷。地面产业园建设1.847MW光伏发电项目，年最大发电量超150万度，目前可覆盖地上产业园企业用电量，富余部分绿电后续可用于地下水厂生产。

三、国资引领小微产业园建设服务地方产业高质量发展。打造以支持初创型企业为重点的小微产业园，加强科技创新和产业创新融合，为促进江北产业高质量发展添砖加瓦。招引工作同步开展，以“3+X”产业定位为导向，以“新一代信息技术、高端装备制造、高端医疗器械”三大产业为主题，以“新材料、生物技术、智能制造和2.5生产性服务业”等为协同，打造绿色环保、清洁能源等为代表的绿色低碳特色产业园。

Project Highlights

I. Ecological and Environmental Value

Underground: Transforming "Ecological Arrears" into "Environmental Dividends"The Zhuangqiao Reclaimed Water Plant functions as the implementing platform for the public-interest compensation funds through broad-based water ecological benefit distribution. The plant's replenishment service area extends to over 360,000 square meters of water surface within the Jiangbei Grand River system. On an annual basis, the plant delivers tangible water quality improvement to the Jiangbei Grand River, with quantified purification outputs of 40.09 tons of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and 3.11 tons of total phosphorus.

Above Ground: Transforming "Underutilized Rooftops" into "Green Energy Assets"The Phase I and Phase II rooftop photovoltaic installations at the Beikun Smart Manufacturing Park have effectively utilized 26,444 square meters of previously idle rooftop space, achieving a total installed capacity of 1,815.82 kWp and an average annual electricity generation of 1.816 million kWh. Over the period from 2024 through July 2026, cumulative generation has amounted to 2.7035 million kWh. Annually, the project yields savings of 549.4 tons of standard coal equivalent and achieves carbon dioxide emission reductions of 1,504.4 tons. The park also features an eco-friendly parking lot that incorporates a constructed composite wetland system for advanced purification of effluent from the reclaimed water plant. The treated water is recycled for on-site green space irrigation and road cleaning, forming a closed-loop "sewage – purification – reuse" system with a daily treatment capacity of 20,000–30,000 tons.

II. Social Impact

The site organizes ecological and environmental education activities, leveraging key dates such as World Water Day and China Water Week to engage young people in hands-on activities centered on water conservation and water protection. Water-saving lectures and environmental public welfare courses are delivered to schools and communities, with over ten such youth-oriented sessions held annually. Each year, the site receives more than a thousand visits from citizens, students, and industry peers.

As a national public-facing facility for environmental protection, the site has been featured multiple times in mainstream media coverage, generating considerable positive social influence. Notably, in 2025, the site served as the filming location for China's first children's short drama centered on reclaimed water, pioneering a new pathway that integrates water education with film and television production, thereby further expanding its reach and impact.

成果影响力

一、生态环境价值

地下：“生态欠账”变“环境红利”庄桥净化水厂作为公益损害赔偿金水生态普惠式兑付的落地载体，补水范围辐射河道内江北大河流域的36万余平方米水域，年均对江北大河水质净化实物量为化学需氧量40.09吨和总磷3.11吨。

地上：北坤智造园一、二期屋顶光伏项目盘活闲置屋面26444平方米，总装机容量 1815.82kWp，年均发电量181.6万 kW・h，2024年至2026年7月累计发电270.35万kWh。项目每年可节约标准煤549.4吨、减少二氧化碳排放1504.4吨。园区生态停车场，通过构建复合人工湿地系统，对再生水厂外排水进行深度净化。净化后的水体回用于园区绿化灌溉及道路清洗，形成“污水-净化-回用”的闭环，日处理能力达2-3万吨。

二、社会影响方面

开设生态环保研学活动，结合“世界水日”“中国水周”等时间节点，组织青少年参与节水护水主题实践。将节水宣讲、环保公益课程送入校园和社区，年均开展青少年节水宣讲、环保公益活动十余次，年均接待市民、学生、同行等千余人次。阵地作为全国环保设施对外开放单位，相关工作多次获主流媒体报道，形成了良好的社会影响力。值得一提的是，2025年阵地作为全国首部再生水主题儿童短剧的取景拍摄地，开辟了水情教育与影视创作融合的新路径，进一步扩大了影响力和传播力。

Reviews & Honors

In November 2023, the project was conferred the designation of "Ningbo Ecological Civilization Education Base."

In April 2024, it was distinguished as one of the "Top Ten Enterprises in Ecological Environment Governance" for the year 2023 in Ningbo.

In May 2024, it was selected as one of the "Top Ten Best Practices for Water Conservation Actions" in Ningbo for the year 2024.

In March 2025, it was officially included in the fifth cohort of nationally designated facilities open to the public for environmental protection and urban sewage/waste treatment operations.

In July 2026, it was recognized with the "Three-Star Water Plant for Socialization and Resource Utilization" award under the "Dual-Hundred Leap" Wastewater Treatment Benchmark Initiative.

Following the project's commissioning, it has attracted considerable attention from peer organizations within the domestic water sector, with numerous exchanges and site visits taking place. Furthermore, the project has been covered by a range of prominent media outlets, including People's Daily, CNR News, Economic Net, and Ningbo Evening News.

评价与荣誉

2023年11月 荣获宁波市生态文明教育基地；

2024年4月 荣获2023年度宁波市生态环境治理双“十佳”企业；

2024年5月 荣获宁波市2024年节水行动十佳实践案例；

2025年3月 列入第五批全国环保设施和城市污水垃圾处理设施开放单位；

2026年7月 荣获“双百跨越”污水处理标杆社会化、资源化三星水厂称号。

项目建成后，国内水务同行单位多次参观交流，同时人民日报、央广网、经济网、宁波晚报等多家媒体也进行报道。