Aigües de Barcelona was internationally recognized as a “Climate Smart Utility” by the International Water Association, IWA.
It is the first Catalan company to receive this award, thanks to its strategy and actions to mitigate the climate emergency related to climate adaptation, mitigation and leadership.
The results obtained by the company thanks to climate action also allowed it to rank among the 10 most inspiring “Climate Start Cases”.
Aigües de Barcelona was recognized among 34 companies presented from different countries around the world.
The award was presented at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Copenhagen (Denmark), during the closing ceremony of the congress.
The objective was to select integrated water cycle companies that have advanced strategies in three interconnected pillars: adaptation, mitigation and climate leadership. It was also taken into account that it is an inspiring company for the green transformation of the water sector.
Xavier Bernat, the company’s climate action director, expressed his pride at this double international recognition.
He added that “it is a motive that drives us to continue under the same guidelines and objectives. Also to intensify our action in order to accelerate the much needed ecological transformation for the planet”.
Aigües de Barcelona: water sector leader in climate action
Its objective is to continue developing local and sustainable models to drive climate neutrality, among other issues.The company has become a driver of ecological, digital and social transformation.
In fact, in November 2021 it presented its Climate Action Policy. In doing so, it sought to lead a paradigm shift in all actions related to environmental protection and climate emergency.
There is a roadmap for achieving climate neutrality. That is, net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
To this end, Aigües de Barcelona promotes energy efficiency and the implementation of renewable energy systems in its facilities.
It is also committed to the production of biogas in wastewater treatment plants through the valorization of sludge.
In 2021, the company recovered 97.26% of the waste managed at the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and 62.01% of the waste managed at the drinking water treatment plants (DWTP).
The Llobregat River
Aigües de Barcelona regenerated a total of 38 cubic hectometers of water last year.
The most requested uses of reclaimed water are to meet environmental objectives. The most important of these is the maintenance of the ecological flow of the Llobregat River. Also injection into aquifers to prevent saline intrusion.
The objective is to continue promoting the use of reclaimed water in order to free up natural water resources and regenerate water from the sustainable reuse of the resource.
