(103-1) We promote innovative actions for the conservation and efficient use of natural resources, the integral management of environmental impacts and due diligence throughout the value chain. With these actions we seek to guarantee the permanence of the business over time, taking into account the expectations of our Stakeholders and timely risk management. Environmental preservation is part of our DNA.
Our Environmental Policy directs the framework of action of the employees for their interaction with Stakeholders, covering our operations in:
- Energy generation.
- Energy-distribution processes, products and services.
- Management of waste, suppliers and contractors.
- Operations managed by third parties.
- Due-diligence processes.
- Development of new projects.
Likewise, we ratify and continue with the commitments that we have set for ourselves in the medium and long term, among which we highlight the diversification of the generation matrix, carbon bonds, the increase in non-conventional renewable energy, the operational efficiency of the assets, the conservation of the hydrographic basins in the departments where we are present, and support for biological research.
We work on issues to mitigate, reduce and compensate climate change, which makes us one of the companies in the country that generate relevant actions to face climate-related impacts.
We achieved the Zero Waste Certification, a program of the Office of the Mayor of Panama City, in the Colón Thermal Complex.
We were able to complete construction activities on the Comayagua Solar Farm without significant environmental incidents, which was certified by the Environmental Department of the Municipality of Comayagua, Honduras.
We achieved an environmental investment that – in 2019 – amounted to COP 35 billion in Colombia (13% voluntary and 87% mandatory) and USD 630,000 in Central America (7% voluntary and 93% mandatory); these resources are reflected in voluntary initiatives in Colombia, such as the ReverdeC Program, and research agreements with universities, as well as the Alliance for the Million Hectares in Panama, among others. The mandatory resources are related to the implementation of management measures for the environmental impacts of the operation and development of new projects.
(103-3)
We certify power generation under ISO 14001-2015 Standards, whose verification coverage percentage is 98.6%. With this we ensure that the operation and maintenance activities of our Organization comply with current applicable regulations and that they have socio-environmental criteria that promote, in all our Stakeholders, innovative actions for the conservation and efficient use of natural resources, the mitigation of negative impacts and the enhancement of positive impacts.
For the operation in Colombia and Central America, the scope of the certification during 2019 was for:
- Cucuana.
- High and Low Tuluá.
- High and Low Anchicayá.
- Salvajina.
- Calima.
- Nima I y II.
- Cali River I and II
- Río Piedras.
- Montañitas.
- Prado.
- The Dos Mares Complex (Gualaca, Lorena, Prudencia).
- Zona Franca and Meriléctrica.
- Colón.
- Costa Rica.
- Celsia Solar Bolivar.
- Celsia Solar Yumbo.
Learn more about our Asset Management System (AMS) certificates: https://www.celsia.com/en/sustainability/how-we-understand-sustainability/environmental-dimension
New Challenges
- Short Term0 to 2 years
- Medium Term3 to 5 years
- Long Term6 years or more
Guarantee compliance with environmental legislation and management without significant environmental incidents through our Environmental Management System.
Advance in the valuation of our environmental impacts through the Value-Added-to.- Society (VAS) methodology.
Achieve the certification of the ReverdeC Program as a carbon-emission capture project.
Achieve 100% certification of the Environmental-Management System under ISO 14001.
Innovate in the development of mitigation and compensation strategies for the environmental impacts of our operation.
Achieve 100% approval of good environmental practices in Central America and Colombia.
Ensure a positive net contribution to the environment through the proper identification and measurement of impacts and the development of mitigation and compensation strategies.
Glossary
Diversification of the Generation Matrix
A combination of renewable and non-renewable energy sources used in a geographic area.
Carbon Bonds
International decontamination mechanism to reduce polluting emissions to the environment. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reductions are measured in tons of CO2 equivalent, and are translated into Certified Emission Reductions (CERs). A CER is equivalent to a ton of CO2 that is no longer emitted into the atmosphere, and can be sold on the carbon market to industrialized countries. An example of the types of projects that can be applied to a certification: generation of renewable energy, improvement of energy efficiency of processes, reforestation, cleaning of lakes and rivers (Kyoto Protocol).
Environmental Impact Studies (EIA)
The basic instrument for decision-making on projects, works or activities that require an environmental license; it will be required in all cases that require it, in accordance with the law.
Carbon Footprint
An environmental indicator that aims to reflect the totality of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted by the direct or indirect effect of an individual, organization, event or product. Such environmental impact is measured by carrying out an inventory of GHG emissions or a life-cycle analysis, according to the type of footprint, based on recognized international regulations, such as ISO 14064, ISO 14069, ISO 14067, PAS 2050 or GHG Protocol, etc. The carbon footprint is a mass equivalent measurement of CO2. Once the size and footprint are known, it is possible to implement an emission reduction or compensation strategy, through public or private programs.