Global warming, air pollution, water shortages, gas emissions and the reduction of biodiversity are some of the main environmental issues faced by the world. At Enel Colombia, we are fully aware of our responsibility in this area, and mindful of what such challenges imply.
This has led us to pursue a culture of change and respect for the environment. We have developed a wide range of initiatives in all aspects and areas of our business that are geared toward the responsible use of electrical energy and the protection of our natural resources, as well as flora and fauna, with education playing an integral role in our culture of environmental responsibility.
Serving as an active agent of transformation for the nation through the protection of the environment is one of the attributes that defines us as a company. Enel's environmental protection takes place at the local level through community and regional channels that form part of our projects throughout Colombia, and globally, by contributing to the development of renewable energy sources and to the reduction of our carbon footprint.
A clear example of Enel Group's responsibility and commitment to the environment is its agreement with the United Nations, which states that by 2050 it will be a fully carbon neutral company; this means that greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operations will be zero. To achieve this goal, and impeccable environmental management, the Group is committed to renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and cogeneration plants.
Enel Group Companies in Colombia promote on-going performance improvement by identifying, controlling, reducing and preventing any negative environmental aspects and impacts of their operations. In line with this principle, several initiatives were conducted throughout 2015, including:
- Rational use of water, where Enel Generación, through the improvement of aqueduct pipelines, managed to reduce the consumption of water at Enel Generación facilities.
- In order to reduce its environmental liabilities, Enel Distribución replaced 165 transformers that had a high probability of containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). The company also finished the pilot project for transformer decontamination - work done in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and the partner company LITO S.A.S.