(103-1) We use natural resources in the most efficient way, since the permanence of our business over time depends on this. For this reason, we implement best practices for energy saving, the correct disposal of solid waste, the management of dumping and the control of atmospheric emissions.
(103-2)
Our Environmental Policy directs the efficient management of natural resources, taking into account the Stakeholders identified for the organization and leveraging our operation towards the future. For this reason, we demonstrated the correct use of resources by meeting the socio-environmental goals defined in the short, medium and long term.
We maintain controls for:
Adequately separate the waste, decrease its generation and ensure its correct disposal.
Achieve proper management of all the chemicals we use in our processes.
Measure the quality of the physical environment media and, according to the results, establish action plans.
Improve and promote the optimization of natural resources.
Mitigate air pollutants from fixed and mobile sources.
Improve soil stability and avoid soil degradation.
Promote the sustainable use of water and biological resources.
Avoid environmental accidents.
(103-3)
We installed containers for the adequate separation of waste in the area of direct influence of the Bahía Las Minas Thermal Complex in Colón, Panama.
We achieved the optimization of the water resource through the elimination of a water leak in the snail and suction pipe of Groups 1 and 2 of the Calima Hydroelectric Plant, in Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
We managed to improve the efficiency of the Unit 1 Francis turbine of power generation in the Alto Anchicayá Hydroelectric Plant, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Thus, we increased its value by 3.1%, which means an estimated saving of 16,000,000 cubic meters in the use of water for power generation.
We made an agreement with the Water for Life and Sustainability Fund Foundation to establish Landscape Management Tools (LMT) in 10 basins of the Department of Valle del Cauca by promoting actions that support the care and conservation of soil, water , fauna and flora, with special emphasis on the Riofrío basins (Riofrío I-II plants), the Tuluá River basin (Alto and Bajo Tuluá and Rumor Hydroelectric Plants), Amaime-Nima basin (Amaime, Nima I-II Hydroelectric Plants), Calima and Cali River basins (Río Cali I-II plants), all located in Colombia, within the framework of compliance with the plans for saving and the efficient use of water at these plants.
We achieved the formal closure of the forest compensation obligations defined in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Investment Plan of 1% of the Alto and Bajo Tuluá Water Plants, and the acquisition of a lot of land to be used for conservation.
We prevent the affectation of human health and environmental contamination by applying appropriate practices in solid-waste management, thus ensuring legal compliance and achieving better performance based on guidelines and responsibilities that must be applied by us and our contractors in the framework of corporate policies.
Within our environmental guidelines, we have commitments in the separation, classification and integral management of waste, which allow us to properly manage those that are hazardous and those that are not hazardous generated by our employees and contractors.
(306-2)
We take advantage of 100% of the non-hazardous waste considered to have potential for use within the Organization, thus reaching the goal established for 2019.
We had a 34% increase in the generation of non-hazardous waste compared to 2018, due to the disposal of the ashes of the Bahía Las Minas Thermal Power Plant, Colón, Panama), carried out in 2019, which corresponds to 2018 on-site storage and which was taken to the landfill or sanitary landfill in 2019.
(306-2)
We increased the generation of hazardous waste by 0.18% compared to 2018, due to the purchase of new assets and the dynamics of maintenance during 2019. Likewise, we met the goal established for the generation of waste or hazardous waste: 91% of these were used.
(306-2)
It is important to highlight that this type of waste is generated by the combustion of the Bahía Las Minas Thermal Power Plant. In this sense, the reuse of the ashes depends (2019), we reused 1,903 tons of ash, corresponding to 10.5% of its generation. Our plants in Colombia do not generate ash and gypsum waste.
- We developed a tool that allows us to calculate the emissions generated by combustion in a period not exceeding one month. This will help us make short-term decisions in the event of deviations.
- We continued with the improvements and replacement of equipment in the substations to eliminate SF6 leaks: we achieved a 66% reduction for 2019.
- We had a 42% decrease compared to 2018 in SF6 recharges.
- We have replaced 88% of the air conditioners with R22 refrigerant.
- We did not generate SOx emissions for our operations in Colombia in 2019, since the thermal generation was only for natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- We reduced 24% of NOx emissions due to the low dispatch of the Bahía Las Minas Thermal Power Plant.
- We carried out the first measurement of mercury emissions for the Colón Thermal Power Plant, which yielded a result well below the limits allowed by current regulations.
(305-7)
(303-4) In all of our operations where we have camps or use water for domestic purposes, we have domestic wastewater-treatment systems that allow us to dump; thus, we comply with the requirements of the legislation of each country where we operate.
New Challenges
- Short Term0 to 2 years
- Medium Term3 to 5 years
- Long Term6 years or more
Standardize the comprehensive waste-management procedures for Central America and Colombia.
Achieve Zero Waste Certification for the administrative offices in Central America.
Decrease the generation of waste by 10% in the generation plants of Central America.
Take advantage of 100% of the non-hazardous waste that we generate and that is considered to have potential for use.
Continue with the project to eliminate SF6 leaks in the substations of the Bahía Las Minas Thermal Plant.
Develop projects with our recyclable waste, either in conjunction with NGOs, public entities or educational centers.
Replace 100% of Transmission and Distribution equipment with PCBs by 2025.
Plant 5,000 seedlings in order to secure our natural water sources.
Expand the coverage of automated and monitored buildings in order to perform remote monitoring.
Plant 1,800 trees to secure the water sources found on the grounds of the Guanacaste Wind Plant.
Glossary
Non-Hazardous Waste
Waste that does not cause damage to the environment or the health of living beings, since it does not undergo significant physical, chemical or biological transformations.
Hazardous Waste
Non-recyclable waste considered hazardous because it has intrinsic properties that pose risks to health and the environment.
Atmospheric Emissions
Pollutants released directly into the atmosphere. Some originate as a consequence of chemical reactions and others correspond to the continuous or discontinuous discharge of matter, substances or forms of energy coming directly or indirectly from any source that may cause air pollution.