Within the transformation plan, the goal is to cut freshwater retention by 20% in water-stressed regions by 2025, building on decisions made in 2019. This move stands as one of the energy sector’s most ambitious commitments on the global stage, aiming to save more than 3 million cubic meters of fresh water each year.
The target is guided by Water Table, a company working group charged with identifying and assessing projects that enable more efficient water use across operations. Through this interdisciplinary committee, Cepsa seeks to raise efficiency in water use across all businesses, especially in water-stressed zones, while expanding knowledge about the water cycle in large facilities and tracking the proportions of recycled and reused water.
The company will pursue several initiatives to curb fresh water consumption. Notable among them is the water reuse project at the wastewater facility of the Energy Park in San Roque, Cádiz, which will significantly reduce water demand by about 20%. Recycled water will feed cooling towers after undergoing ultrafiltration to raise quality. Another important effort is the improvement project for the La Rábida Energy Park liquid waste treatment plant.
Alvaro Diaz Bild, Cepsa’s Health, Safety and Environment director, affirmed: “Cepsa sets ambitious targets to contribute positively to society and to the planet’s future. The commitment announced today positions the company among industry leaders in an area where leadership already exists, with a view to continuous progress. The ecological transition involves more than promoting sustainable energies; it requires responsible resource management. Cepsa recognizes water as a vital resource and a fundamental human right to access and availability. Water is essential to operations and a priority, and the company commits to its efficient and responsible use.”
Cepsa stands out in water management within its sector, holding an A-Leadership rating in the Water Safety ranking by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). CDP analyzes the work of thousands of companies annually, making it a leading global environmental information platform. In 2021, only 7% of oil and gas companies reached Leadership in water, placing Cepsa above regional and European averages.
The company’s passion extends beyond its own activities, extending to third parties it collaborates with. In line with the sustainable purchasing policy, Cepsa prioritizes partnerships with organizations that emphasize environmental stewardship, especially those focused on responsible water use and decarbonisation plans.
These initiatives contribute to SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 14 (life below water), alongside other priorities such as SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action).
“One World”
World Environment Day is observed on 5 June globally. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972. The campaign, supported by the United Nations, bears the title of that historic conference: “One World” calling for collective, transformative action to celebrate, protect, and restore the planet.
The 50th anniversary emphasizes a shared responsibility to safeguard water, land, and air, encouraging decisive actions that improve life for communities and ecosystems around the world.
Strategy 2030: “Positive Action”
The new commitments form part of the “Positive Action” transformation plan, a path toward zero net emissions by 2050 and a stronger social and environmental footprint. A bold roadmap targets a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, with Scope 3 reductions ranging from 15% to 20%. The aim is to position the company among the leaders in its industry.
The strategic plan also emphasizes strict adherence to environmental, social and governance principles. Compensation for executives is linked to ESG targets, with 15–25% of variable pay tied to the achievement of these goals.
Several major sustainability rating agencies have recently recognized Cepsa as a benchmark in the sector. Sustainalytics ranked it highest among global oil and gas companies, while the Corporate Sustainability Assessment by S&P placed it at the top quadrant within the same sector.
As a global company, Cepsa champions sustainable mobility and energy with extensive technical expertise built over more than nine decades. The organization also maintains a world-leading chemical business with an increasingly sustainable footprint.
Cepsa unveiled its 2030 strategic plan in 2022, highlighting a proactive stance toward sustainable mobility, biofuels, and green hydrogen, and aiming to be a reference in the energy transition across Spain and Portugal. The company centers its work on customers and collaborates to help them reach their decarbonization goals. ESG considerations guide every action as the company moves toward a Net Positive goal, seeking significant reductions in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% and Scope 3 emissions by 15–20%, with a target of net zero by 2050.