Aqualia ‘I just received the award’Impact project/investment of 2023‘ Provided by Environmental Finance publication. The award recognizes the “diverse and large-scale geographical impact” of the €1.1 billion green syndicated loan the company received in 2022 from ten banking institutions led by CaixaBank.
A panel of industry experts along with the editorial team ‘Environmental Finance, It was decided that the award would be given to the operation carried out in June 2022. The largest green loan issued in Spain and last year one of the largest in Europe. Norwegian foundation DNV, which specializes in assurance and risk management, issued a second opinion on the loan in line with the Green Lending Principles. Credit Market Association. The annual Environmental Finance Impact Awards aim to recognize the work of investors and highlight best practices across asset classes and geographies.
Aqualia uses the loan to increase the energy efficiency of wastewater plants, optimize energy consumption and water losses in water supply systems, develop desalination plants with a reduced carbon footprint, and generate hydroelectric power with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, among other purposes. , the purchase of vehicles with zero greenhouse gas emissions, and the construction of anaerobic digestion plants for sewage sludge and biological waste to generate electricity while minimizing methane leaks.
As noted Isidoro Marbán, Economic and Financial Director (CFO) “One of our 2023 milestones is that almost 50% of our EBITDA will come from international activities. But we want to measure our performance not only in economic terms,” from Aqualia. “We are constantly trying to improve the seven lines that make up our sustainability strategy.”
By the end of 2022, Aqualia has achieved the following environmental advances within its Green Financing Framework and Strategic Sustainability Plan. Increased the use of renewable energy to 34.15% with a target of 50% by 2030, reduced energy use by more than 3% of the target, reduced the amount of non-revenue water by 1%, approached the 2023 target and was audited by 13%. Adoption of low-emission vehicles in the Spanish fleet.
As the first company in the industry to be certified by AENOR for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Aqualia demands management of water resources that recognizes water as an element The foundation of development and the engine of change to promote a more equitable societyThe company bases its purpose on the understanding that: ensuring the well-being of people in the communities in which it operates, through the sustainable delivery of integrated water cycle services and the universal and global right to this natural resource.