Fator Ambiental

WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROJECT

Large savings with little investment

The sensible use of water resources has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. According to Enrico Freire, head engineer at Fator Ambiental, “if everyone uses this resource excessively, it is likely to run out.”

Fator Ambiental was recently hired by a company in the automotive sector to propose ways to optimize water usage. It conducted a study that stressed sustainable development and environmental preservation.

The client wanted to reduce water consumption and eliminate losses through wastage, while maximizing any options to recycle the runoff and waste water in industrial processes. The company also wanted to ensure that its water supply would meet long term demands for both industrial and sanitary use, and to guarantee a return on its investment in the project.

Various measures were proposed in the analysis prepared by a specialist from Fator Ambiental. These included sanitary and industrial effluent and drainage treatment, use of rainwater, consumption reduction, and diagnostics and recuperation of underground water.

Fator Ambiental conducted a study of water supply alternatives and identified several consumption issues. Additionally, Fator proposed cataloguing all effluent points and evaluating their treatment systems. Evaluations of the waste water treatment system and treatability options were also included in the study.

As a final step in the diagnostics of water usage, projects for water balance and water resource management were prepared for the factory.

If implemented, the project would result in a 60% reduction (140,000 cubic meters per year) in the volume of water required and would eliminate the need for disposal of treated effluents. “This project is an example of modern environmental management, generating financial benefits and adding value,” said Freire.

Other results further demonstrate the proposal’s efficiency: eliminating the wastewater and effluent disposal and the reduction of wastewater disposal (zero waste). The return on investment is high, with payback in 18 months and an internal rate of return of 90% over five years.

Another opportunity created by this project lies in the possible income from sale of recycled water to surrounding companies. “The company economizes with its own reuse of rainwater, and there is also the opportunity to profit from its sale,” said Freire.

The proposed plan from Fator Ambiental is clearly good business for all involved. A company that wants to improve its water usage will reduce its expenditure for intake and wastage of this natural resource. These savings can be directly invested in the company’s growth.

Additionally, it will make a positive contribution to the environment and to the local community, and at the same time add value to the company’s brand with activities that promote sustainability.