sustainable production and · grupo epm consumed 78,226 mwh (21.29% of internal demand) for water...

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Sustainableproduction and

consumption

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Sustainable productionand consumption

The core aspect of the strategic environmental planning of Grupo EPM, which define, coordinates, implements, and monitors initiatives focused on efficient use and saving of energy and water (see water and biodiversity), waste management, rational consumption and saving of materials and input materials, sustainable public procurement, and best environmental practices.

Sustainable production and consumption are a decisive opportunity to optimize the use of resources in the activities required for the provision of public utilities by the Grupo EPM People, to influence the production practices of goods and services carried out by its suppliers and contractors, and to guide habit changes in customers and users, so that the group contributes to business competitiveness and, as corporate citizen, encourages the responsible use of resources and the reduction of environmental pollution.

For the first time, information from the new affiliate EPRio is included.

Main achievements

Goals Achievements Accomplishment

Integrate equipment for energy self-supply from photovoltaic generation in ENSA’s administrative offices.

ENSA installed 450 solar panels with a total capacity of 146.25 kW, as well as a bi-directional meter. The system was energized in August. Currently, an alliance with a third party for the installation of other photovoltaic projects in our facilities is being studied.

Total

Install energy meters in 24 substations to record consumption in Delsur’s own facilities.

Delsur acquired and installed remote-managed meter to record energy consumption in 6 substations. Due to difficulties in their import and planning, it was necessary to adjust the goal from 24 to 6 substations.

Partial

Prepare the initial draft of the 2019-2030 Sustainable Production and Consumption Strategy for Grupo EPM.

The preliminary version of the sustainable production and consumption strategy was structured, along with the guidelines and management axes.EPM and several companies of the business group have records of consumption of water, energy, waste, and materials since 2013 in each of their facilities.

Partial

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Challenges

ChallengeYear in which it is achieved

Scope and coverageAchievement

indicator

Progress in management

in 2018Territory Business Company

Complete the implementation of the online monitoring of the energy efficiency program in the processes of wastewater catchment, purification, primary distribution, and treatment.

2019 Colombia - Antioquia Water

Empresas Públicas de Medellín -

EPM

Number of facilities with online monitoring and energy

consumption of the process.

Implementation and start updating hardware and response to anomalies in communication systems. Online monitoring will allow establishing the baseline for the definition of energy saving targets.

Keep energy generation using biogas in the San Fernando and Aguas Claras wastewater treatment plants to self-supply at least 30% of each plant’s internal demand.

2019 Colombia - Antioquia Sanitation


EPM

(Self-supplied electrical energy /

Electrical energy consumed in each WWTP)

≥ 30%.

Self-generation of 46.80% of the energy consumed in the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant in 2018, based on the use of 5.79 Mm3 of biogas.

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indicator



Sustain the increase in electric power consumption equal to or less than 10% with respect to the previous period.

2019 Colombia - Caldas

Electrical energy

Central Hidroeléctrica de Caldas -

CHEC

(Energy consumption in the current year / Energy consumption

in the previous year) ≤ 1.10.

Various actions aimed at fostering energy efficiency were implemented, such as the automation and replacement of perimeter lighting with LED lights in some facilities and the reduction in the number of lights. This goal applies to the environmental management system life cycle assessment facilities.

Improve energy efficiency in the facilities.

2019Colombia -

Norte de Santander

Electrical energy

Centrales Eléctricas

del Norte de Santander -

CENS

Indicators for calculating

energy efficiency.

Formulation of the guideline for calculating energy efficiency. Implementation of a model in the new distribution building.

Conduct an energy efficiency study in the administrative offices.

2019 GuatemalaElectrical energy

Empresa Eléctrica de

Guatemala - Eegsa

Study conducted.

Action to be started in 2019.

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indicator



Replace chlorine with sodium hypochlorite generated in situ, in the Aguas frías, La Montaña, and Barbosa water purification plants.

2019Colombia - Antioquia

Water


EPM

Change in 60% of the system.

Action to be started in 2019.

Acquire between 450 and 500 vegetable oil transformers, according to the needs generated in the system, due to failure or expansion.

2019 Colombia - Santander

Electrical energy

Electrificadora de Santander

- ESSA

Number of vegetable oil transformers purchased/ Number of

vegetable oil transformers scheduled.

In the year, 652 vegetable oil transformers were added to ESSA inventory.

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indicator



Maintain electrical energy consumption at the EPM building below or equal to 99.23kWh/m2-year.

2020 Colombia - Antioquia

All the businesses


EPM

Electrical energy consumption

≤ 99.23kWh/m2-año.

Implementation of the plan onrational and efficient use of electrical energy. Analysis of the trend and variation in electrical energy consumption. Installation of an application for the monitoring and specialized analysis of energy management solutions.Replacement of fluorescent lamps with LED and eco-lamp technology in some sectors. Change of schedules in technological systems to save energy. The electric energy consumptions in the 2014-2018 period are as follows: 116.17 kWh/m2 (2014), 113.87 kWh/m2 (2015), 100.69 kWh/m2 (2016), 97.89 kWh/m2 (2017), 97.21kWh/m2 (2018).

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indicator



Remove stocks of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

2022 Colombia Electrical energy


EPM

100% of the stocks and

waste identified as of December

31, 2020.100% of the stocks and

waste removed as of December

31, 2022.

Contract for the sampling of dielectric oils in the power distribution equipment.Renewal of accreditation of EPM laboratory for the analysis of oil samples.Operation of the dechlorination process for oils.ESSA treated 119.82 l of dielectric oil through the filter press system.

Develop a plan for removing PCBs.

2022 Guatemala Electrical energy

Empresa Eléctrica de

Guatemala - Eegsa

Number of equipment removed.

Approval of the PCB removal project.

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indicator



Produce, in EPM plant nursery, the organic fertilizer required for the maintenance of gardens and green areas in EPM offices.

2022 Colombia - Antioquia

All the businesses


EPM

Indicator of use of organic waste generated in EPM

offices.

Construction and commissioningof the composting room, with mechanisms to increase process efficiency.Debris from tree felling and pruning, coffee grounds, husks and fruits, and kitchen waste from restaurants in the different offices are subjected to composting in EPM plant nursery. Production of 250 t/year of organic fertilizer.Savings of million COP/year in the purchase of fertilizer.Maintenance of gardens and green areas using organic fertilizer produced in EPM plant nursery. Use of 500 t/year of organic waste, instead of taking it to final disposal in the sanitary landfill.

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Related stakeholders

Customers and users Community StateGrupo EPM people Investors Suppliers and contractors

Actions

• Energy consumption• Waste management• Other consumptions and efficient practices

GRI standards disclosures and EPM indicators

103-1 Explanation of the material topic and its boundary.103-2 The management approach and its components.103-3 Evaluation of the management approach.301-1 Materials used by weight or volume.301-2 Recycled input materials used.302-1 Energy consumption within the organization. 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization. 302-3 Energy intensity.302-4 Reduction of energy consumption.302-5 Reductions in energy requirements of products and services.306-2 Waste by type and disposal method.306-4 Transport of hazardous waste.

Scope and coverage

BusinessesWaterSanitationElectrical energy Gas

TerritoryColombia - Antioquia Colombia - Malambo, AtlánticoColombia - Caldas ChileColombia - Quindío El SalvadorColombia - Risaralda GuatemalaColombia - Santander PanamaColombia - Norte de Santander

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CompaniesEmpresas Públicas de Medellín - EPM Aguas Regionales EPMEmpresa de Aguas del Oriente AntioqueñoEmpresas Públicas de Rionegro - EPRioAguas de MalamboEmpresas Varias de Medellín - EmvariasCentral Hidroeléctrica de Caldas - CHEC Electrificadora de Santander - ESSAEmpresa de Energía del Quindío - EDEQCentrales Eléctricas del Norte de Santander - CENSDistribuidora de Electricidad del Sur - DelsurEmpresa Eléctrica de Guatemala - EegsaEPM ChileHidroecológica del Teribe - HETElektra Noreste - ENSAAguas de Antofagasta - Adasa

Sustainable Development Goals

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ESSA installed solar panels in one of its administrative buildings to cover 50% of the demand of this headquarters.

Eegsa generated 12% of the total electrical energy required from solar panels and is making progress in the installation of panels in power distribution substations.

Energy consumptionIt aims to optimize the use of energy (electricity, gasoline, diesel, gas, and other fuels) based on the monthly report of consumption, the comparative analysis using historical figures, and the search for strategies to reduce or stabilize consumption.

Grupo EPM carries out actions such as the replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED (light emitting diode) lighting, the installation of motion detectors and solar panels for self-consumption energy in administrative offices, the maintenance and adaptation of cooling systems, the replacement of transformers to avoid failures and damage to the network and equipment, the conversion of its own vehicles to natural gas, the replacement of gasoline or diesel cars with electric vehicles, and the execution of awareness sessions aimed at internal staff, as part of the savings and efficient use program and campaigns among clients and users.

The power distribution and water supply companies are reducing losses in their networks.

Management in 2018

Grupo EPM requires energy for the development of its activities. 85.70% of the total internal energy demand, equivalent to 314,846 MWh, corresponds to the percentage required for the group’s fleet and stationary equipment, the water supply, the power generation in the thermal stations, and the lighting in the power generation stations and administrative buildings.

The total energy consumption in Grupo EPM decreased by 0.76% compared to 2017. The favorable hydrological conditions in 2018 did not require the frequent operation of the thermal stations and allowed to have a similar power demand in pumping for the supply of drinking water to that in 2017.

Fuels such as natural gas, diesel, regular gasoline, premium gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas come from non-renewable sources. Biogas and self-supplied electrical energy come from renewable sources. The electrical energy consumed from the network has a renewable and non-renewable component, which depends on the participation of the thermal stations in the generation of the country’s energy.

Until 2017, energy consumption was reported in GJ. As from 2018, it is expressed in MWh. In 2018, self-supplied electrical energy was included for EPM Chile and Eegsa.

The figures for 2017 were corrected because, due to an involuntary mistake, Emvarias reported the electric energy consumption corresponding to only one month.

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Energy consumption in 2018 - Grupo EPM

Energy consumptionin 2018 - Grupo EPM

377,858 MWh(100.00%)

Internal energyconsumption

367,381 MWh(97.23%)

External energyconsumption

10,477 MWh(2.77%)

Water supply

78,226 MWh(21.29%)

Energy consumption inhydroelectric power

stations46,834 MWh

(12.75%)

Power generation inthermal power stations

59,734 MWh(16.26%)

Own vehicle fleet andstationary equipment

97,980 MWh(26.67%)

Administrative buildings

32,072 MWh(8.73%)

Other activities

16,725 MWh(4.55%)

Customer service points

2,767 MWh(0.75%)

Energy substations

12,718 MWh(3.46%)

Wastewatermanagement

17,791 MWh(4.84%)

Gas business facilities

2,535 MWh(0.69%)

Source: Idsos application.

Other activities include warehouses, storehouses, camps for power generation plants and technical centers.

Energy consumption in 2018 - EPM

Energy consumptionin 2018 - EPM

259,377 MWh(100%)

Internal energyconsumption

251,222 MWh(96.86%)

External energyconsumption

8,154 MWh(3.14%)

Power generationin thermal power station

55,963 MWh(22.28%)

Own vehicle fleet andstationary equipment

25,707 MWh(10.23%)

Energy consumption inhydroelectric power

stations44,735 MWh

(17.81%)

Water supply

67,169 MWh (26.74%)

Administrative buildings

17,172 MWh(6.84%)

Other activities

14,766 MWh (5.88%)

Gas business facilities

2,535 MWh(1.01%)

Substations

5,613 MWh(2.23%)

Wastewatermanagement

16,503 MWh(6.57%)

Customer service points

1,060 MWh(0.42%)

Source: : Idsos application.

Other activities include warehouses, storehouses, camps for power generation plants and technical centers.

The use of own vehicles and stationary equipment was the activity that required more energy during 2018 in Grupo EPM.

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Internal energy consumption - Grupo EPM (MWh)

Source of energy 2016 2017 2018Electrical energy 2,988,664 160,275 176,685

Diesel 45,523 55,574 56,915

Natural gas 1,335,414 35,900 52,288

Self-supplied electrical energy 29,639 46,585 39,162

Biogas 28,204 32,201 35,410

Vehicular natural gas 1,526 33,901 34,792

Gasoline 7,407 6,500 6,272

Liquefied petroleum gas 21,553 2,514 1,266

Fuel oil 824,959 13,032 0

Total 5,254,684 354,281 367,381Source: Idsos application.

The internal energy consumption increased by 3.70%. The most used sources were electrical energy (48.09%), diesel (15.49%), and natural gas (14.23%). The self-supplied electrical energy in power stations and use of biogas supplies 10.66% of the energy demand.

91.23% of natural gas was used in Termosierra and 5.73% in Termodorada, which operated only with this fuel. This explains the 45.65% increase in natural gas and the 100% reduction in fuel oil.

Biogas is excluded from the total because it is considered in self-supplied electrical energy.

Water supply was the business with the highest internal energy demand at EPM in 2018.

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Internal energy consumption - EPM (MWh)

Source of energy 2016 2017 2018Electrical energy 2,950,954 125,115 137,143

Natural gas 1,138,510 30,749 48,755

Self-supplied electrical energy 29,639 46,585 38,351

Biogas 28,204 32,201 35,410

Diesel 16,400 15,471 20,182

Gasoline 5,684 4,866 4,408

Liquefied petroleum gas 21,553 2,514 1,266

Vehicular natural gas 508 1,090 1,117

Fuel oil 810,584 11,018 0

Total 4,973,832 237,408 251,222Source: Idsos application.

EPM consumes 68.48% of the group’s energy. The internal energy consumption increased by 5.82%. Electrical energy (54.59%) and natural gas (19.41%) had the highest consumption rates. The self-supplied electrical energy (energy use in power stations and biogas) supplies 15.26% of the energy demand.

The 49.66% reduction in liquefied petroleum gas is due to the fact that, in 2017, there was a greater occupation of the camps at the Guatapé and Playas power plants.

The increase in diesel is due to the higher use of own vehicles.

The EPM building, administrative headquarters that concentrates most of the staff, reduced electrical energy consumption by 101.14 MWh compared to 2017, due to changes in the schedules of technological systems, the installation of LED and eco lights, the implementation of lighting switches in areas that did not have them, the disabling of automatic doors, and the installation of stairs between floors that could only be accessed through the elevator, among others.

EPM’s annual goal (2017-2019 period):

Non-renewable energy consumption ≤ 2,500 GWh (in a year with El Niño) or non-renewable energy consumption ≤ 350 GWh (in a year without El Niño). EPM’s non-renewable energy consumption in 2018 = 75.73 GWh.

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Energy consumption in water supply - Grupo EPM

CompanyEnergy consumption

(GWh)Drinking water

(Mm3)MWh consumed/Mm3

of drinking water2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018

EPM 123.58 59.60 67.17 210.77 281.41 281.50 586.30 211.78 238.61

Aguas Regionales 7.81 4.96 4.51 35.44 23.87 27.48 220.45 207.80 163.93

Aguas de Malambo 4.61 4.63 4.93 6.24 7.89 8.59 737.59 586.20 573.88

Aguas del Oriente 0.22 0.19 0.17 0.71 0.74 0.80 311.80 250.67 207.36

EPRio N.D. N.D. 1.46 N.D. N.D. 7.92 N.D. N.D. 183.97

Adasa N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. 8.19 10.93 N.D. N.D. N.D.

Total 136.22 69.37 78.23 253.17 322.10 337.22 538.05 220.99 239.75 Source: Idsos application.

Consumption of electrical energy in the DWTP, tanks, pumping stations, wells, and collection stations is included.

EPRio and Adasa report for the first time.

Grupo EPM consumed 78,226 MWh (21.29% of internal demand) for water supply. 67,169 MWh were used by EPM.

The energy intensity in water supply at EPM increased by 12.67%, that is, more energy was required for each unit of drinking water. The energy consumption in pumping stations and tanks accounted for 95.20% of the demand for this process.

In the Apartadó (Urabá), Aguas Regionales decreased energy consumption in water supply by 9.17%, due to the reduction of the flow for primary treatment and distribution in times when there is little consumption. Simultaneously, the volume of water to be treated increased by 15.14%. As a result, the energy intensity in this process reduced by 21.11%.

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Energy consumption in wastewater management - EPM

Aspect 2016 2017 2018Energy consumption (MWh). 14,380 16,081 16,503

Volume of wastewater treated (thousands of m3). 41,472 38,575 43,440

Renewable energy generated (MWh). 5,957 6,849 7,619

Amount of renewable energy compared to energy consumed.

41% 43% 46%

kWh consumed/thousands of m3 of wastewater treated 347 417 380


Aguas Regionales implements energy efficiency measures (replacement of 78 lights, installation of a speed shifter in the catchment system to reduce consumption through reactive energy, replacement of standard motors with high efficiency motors, among others) in the design of drinking water treatment systems and the sewage lift station, while maintaining the provision of the service.

Energy consumption in wastewatermanagement - Grupo EPM

CompanyEnergy consumption (MWh)

2016 2017 2018EPM 14,380 16,081 16,503

EPRio N.D. N.D. 931

Aguas Regionales 1,506 591 301

Aguas de Malambo 71 64 56

Total 15,957 16,736 17,791 Source: Idsos application.

Consumption of energy in the WWTPs and in the pumping stations is included.

The energy consumption for wastewater management in Grupo EPM was 17.791 MWh (4.84% of the internal energy demand). This consumption increased by 6.30% compared to 2017. Part of this result is due to the inclusion of EPRio.

The 49.17% decrease in energy consumption in Aguas Regionales is due to the fact that the Chigorodó wastewater treatment plant (Urabá) has not been operational since December 2017, as a collector is being built, which will transport wastewater to the plant.

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Data on energy consumption and wastewater treated correspond to two wastewater treatment plants; energy generation occurs in one of them from the capture of biogas.

The energy consumption for wastewater management was 16,503 MWh (6.57% of the internal energy demand). With the methane produced in the anaerobic digestion of sludge, the company self-supplied 46.80% of the electrical energy required in wastewater management at the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant, where the heat of motor generators is used to heat up the sludge in digesters.

Diesel

45,523

Vehicular natural gas Regular gasoline Premium gasoline

Energy consumption in the vehicle fleet andstationary equipment - Grupo EPM (MWh)

33,901

5,437

34,792

2016 2017 2018

6,0316,936 5,762

55,574 56,915

468471 511


The energy consumption by EPM’s vehicle fleet was 97,980 MWh (26.67% of the energy demand). Diesel accounts for 58.09% of consumption, followed by vehicular natural gas (35.51%).

The natural gas used by Emvarias in its waste collection trucks accounted for 96.74% of this fuel consumption for the group, while diesel accounted for 41.97%. EPM is the second company with the highest diesel demand, as it consumes 35.46% of this fuel.

The figures for 2017 were corrected.

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16,400

Vehicular natural gasRegular gasoline Premium gasoline

Energy consumption in the vehicle fleet andstationary equipment - EPM (MWh)

4,8395,6354,378

2016 2017 2018

1,0901,810

1,117

15,471

20,182

2749 31


The energy consumption by EPM’s vehicle fleet increased by 19.98% compared to the previous year, among other reasons because many trips that were contracted with third parties were done using its own vehicle fleet. Total consumption amounted to 25,708 MWh (10.23% of the internal energy demand). Diesel accounts for 78.50%, followed by regular gasoline (17.03%).

Diesel had the greatest variation (30.45% increase) compared to 2017.


External energy consumption

Energy consumption of the vehicle fleet hired - Grupo EPM (MWh)

Fuel 2016 2017 2018Diesel 17,716 24,899 9,437

Regular gasoline 1,283 1,372 961

Vehicular natural gas 196 188 79

Premium gasoline 0 7 0

Total 19,195 26,466 10,477Source: Idsos application.

The external energy demand is calculated based on fuel consumption by the vehicle fleet hired by Grupo EPM. In 2018, this consumption was 10,477 MWh (60.41% less than that of the previous year), which corresponds to 2.77% of the total energy demand. Diesel accounts for 90.07% of fuel consumption.


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Energy consumption of the vehicle fleet hired - EPM (MWh)

Fuel 2016 2017 2018Diesel 13,701 15,378 7,181

Regular gasoline 993 1,300 951

Vehicular natural gas 104 161 22

Premium gasoline 0 7 0


The energy consumption by the vehicle fleet hired by EPM decreased by 51.60%. The most significant reductions were in vehicular natural gas and diesel. The latter accounts for 88.07% of fuel consumption.

The bid specifications of personal transport contracts for infrastructure projects under construction require that vehicles operate with diesel.



302-1 Energy consumption within the organization. 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization. 302-3 Energy intensity.302-4 Reduction of energy consumption.302-5 Reductions in energy requirements of products and services.

Scope and coverage

BusinessesWater Sanitation Electrical energy Gas

TerritoryColombia- Antioquia ChileColombia - Caldas El SalvadorColombia - Quindío GuatemalaColombia - Santander PanamaColombia - Norte de SantanderColombia - Malambo, Atlántico

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CompaniesEmpresas Públicas de Medellín - EPM Centrales Eléctricas del Norte de Santander - CENSAguas Regionales EPM Distribuidora de Electricidad del Sur - DelsurEmpresa de Aguas del Oriente Antioqueño Empresa Eléctrica de Guatemala - EegsaEmpresas Públicas de Rionegro - EPRio EPM ChileAguas de Malambo Hidroecológica del Teribe - HETEmpresas Varias de Medellín - Emvarias Elektra Noreste - ENSACentral Hidroeléctrica de Caldas - CHEC Aguas de Antofagasta - AdasaElectrificadora de Santander - ESSAEmpresa de Energía del Quindío - EDEQ

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The operation of the dechlorination plant with metallic sodium allows the removal of 100% of the PCBs with a concentration over 50 ppm associated with the equipment. Washing the smooth metallic parts facilitates its decontamination and recovery. The materials delivered meet the limit required by the standard. If the average weight of a transformer is 200 kg, with this process, 196 kg are recovered and 4 kg are disposed corresponding to the porous material in the transformer core.

Waste managementIntegrated solid waste management includes preventive actions in the generation, minimization, valorization, reclamation, treatment, and disposal of waste. Grupo EPM classifies waste into recyclable, biodegradable, inert and ordinary, special, and hazardous.

Grupo EPM’s companies implement and update integrated waste management plans that comprise the application of strategies such as the reduction in generation, the increase in reclamation, and the programs of education and training, to contribute to the appropriate management of waste in their facilities. In turn, they participate in activities led by other institutions of each country or region to collect certain waste such as plastic lids, electrical and electronic devices, pesticides, batteries, among others, generated by Grupo EPM people, customers and users, and other stakeholders.

Management in 2018

In 2018, waste generation in Grupo EPM was 31.913 t (the 156 t that had been stored since 2017 is not included in this value). 12.91% of waste is hazardous.

The power distribution companies made progress in the sampling and inventory of transformers, the replacement of contaminated equipment, and the treatment of oils with PCB content of over 50 ppm.

The waste generated by the construction of infrastructure projects is excluded from the total, as in this stage of the projects waste is produced in an amount and type different from the daily production. Therefore, they would alter the trend in the generation of waste from activities associated with the provision of services, and it wouldn’t be possible to set realistic goals.

In addition to the waste generated by Grupo EPM, the organization decides to manage those that reach its reservoirs and the intake grids of the water purification and wastewater treatment plants, which amount to 23.50% of the waste managed.

EPM obtained recognition from Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (abbreviated MADS in Spanish) and UNDP for its effort, work, and contribution to the environmental management of PCBs in Colombia.

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The Ituango hydroelectric project started recording and managing waste not generated in 2018, from the structuring of the reservoir. Most of this waste includes pieces of wood that the Cauca River drags in its 850 km journey along 80 municipalities of Colombia to get to the dam. The river is used by some populations for discharging liquid effluents and disposing their solid waste, which means that the volume of the material to be extracted from the reservoir is considerable.

The waste generated and managed by the Ituango hydroelectric project is addressed separately.

For the first time, information from the new affiliate EPRio is included.

Waste managed in 2018 by Grupo EPM

Waste managed in2018 - Grupo EPM

41,918 t (100%)

Waste generated

31,913 t (76.13%)

Non-generated waste

9,849 t (23.50%)

Waste generatedby type

Biodegradable: 18,428 t (57.46%)Special: 5,634 t (17.57%)Hazardous: 4,141 t (12.91%)Recyclable: 3,088 t (9.63%)Ordinary and inert: 779 t (2.43%)

Non-generated wasteby type

Biodegradable: 8,481 t (86.11%)Ordinary and inert: 715 t (7.26%)Special: 640 t (6.50%)Recyclable: 7 t (0.07%)Hazardous: 6 t (0.06%)

Waste stored fromthe previous period

156 t (0.37%)

Waste disposed

17,398 t(41.51%)

Waste stored

249 t(0.59%)

Waste treated

3,326 t(7.93%)

Waste used

20,944 t(49.97%)


Waste not generated refers to waste that, although managed by the organization, was not directly generated by it. For example, the floating

solid waste that reaches the reservoirs, the invasive aquatic plants, or the waste that is collected in the intake grids in the wastewater treatment

plants.

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23Waste managed by EPM in 2018

Waste managed in2018 - EPM

22,741 t (100%)

Waste generated

13,068 t (57.46%)

Non-generated waste

9,606 t (42.24%)

Waste generatedby type

Biodegradable: 8,354 t (63.59%)Special: 3,040 t (23.14%)Recyclable: 1,198 t (9.12%)Ordinary and inert: 359 t (2.73%)Hazardous: 187 t (1.42%)

Non-generated wasteby type

Biodegradable: 8,481 t (88.29%)Ordinary and inert: 477 t (4.97%)Special: 639 t (6.65%)Recyclable: 7 t (0.07%)Hazardous: 2 t (0.02%)

Waste stored fromthe previous period

69 t (0.30%)

Waste reclaimed

10,449 t(45.95%)

Waste stored

63 t(0.28%)

Waste treated

64 t(0.28%)

Waste disposed

12,165 t(53.49%)


Waste not generated refers to waste that, although managed by the organization, was not directly generated by it. For example, the floating

solid waste that reaches the reservoirs, the invasive aquatic plants, or the waste that is collected in the intake grids in the wastewater treatment

plants.

Biodegradable waste represents 57.46% of the waste generated by Grupo EPM.

49.97% of the waste is reclaimed.

Grupo EPM managed 9,849 t of waste that reached its reservoirs and the intake grids of the water purification and wastewater treatment plants.

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24Waste not generated (which reached reservoirs or intake grids of water purification and wastewater treatment plants) accounts for 42.24% of the waste that EPM managed in 2018. Most of this waste should have been sent to final disposal as it is difficult to separate it and due to the considerable amounts collected.

Waste generated (t) - Grupo EPM

Type of waste 2016 2017 2018Biodegradable 17,313 19,569 18,428

Special 2,405 4,746 5,634

Hazardous 907 1,278 4,141

Recyclable 2,558 3,095 3,088

Ordinary and inert 620 675 779


Waste generation increased by 9.22%.

The 224.02% increase in hazardous waste is due, among other reasons, to the fact that Adasa generated 3,176.96 t (an amount that increased by 3,900% compared to what was reported by this affiliate in 2017) and that CHEC adapted a new warehouse for the management of this type waste, which allows that, in this premise, all the hazardous waste produced is received, weighed, and managed.

The 18.71% increase in special waste is explained by the operation of the new sludge treatment systems in three of EPM’s water purification plants, as well as by the execution of civil works and infrastructure remodeling activities in the affiliates.

The 2016 and 2017 figures are adjusted due to involuntary typing errors.

Biodegradable waste accounts for 63.59% of the waste generated by EPM, while hazardous waste accounts for 1.42%.

Waste not generated (which reached reservoirs or intake grids of water purification and wastewater treatment plants) accounts for 42.24% of the waste that EPM managed in 2018. Most of this waste should have been sent to final disposal, as it is difficult to separate it and due to the considerable amounts collected.

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25 Waste generated (t) - EPM

Type of waste 2016 2017 2018Biodegradable 9,474 11,641 8,354

Special 1,292 2,164 3,040

Recyclable non-hazardous 1,128 1,129 1,198

Ordinary and inert 298 321 359

Hazardous 196 194 187


EPM produced 13,138 t of waste, which is equivalent to 40.97% of the group’s waste generation.

The 40.48% increase in special waste, as well as the generation of sludge in the treatment systems of the water purification plants, is due to remodeling, adaptation of infrastructure, and sands resulting from the modernization of the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant.

The 28.24% decrease in biodegradable waste is explained by the reduction of debris from felling and pruning of trees, which arise from the maintenance of vegetation in the energy distribution networks.

Management of waste at Grupo EPM (t)

Management 2016 2017 2018Reclamation 21,902 25,040 20,944

Final disposal 6,522 9,218 17,398

Storage 972 286 249

Treatment 194 246 3,326


Reclamation includes reuse, recycling, and composting. Treatment involves incineration. Final disposal refers to landfill.

CENS implements management actions that allow reclamation and reincorporation, in the production cycle, of 100% of recyclable waste (metal waste, aluminum, PCB-free transformers, among others), with the articulation of the process at the warehouse and the generation of income thanks to the commercialization of this material.

ESSA treated 119,816 l of dielectric oil through the filter press system during 2018 and acquired 1,609 vegetable oil transformers.

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Grupo EPM managed 41.917 t of waste, including those generated by the activities of the company, the 156 t that was stored since the previous year, and the 9,849 t that it did not produce.

49.97% of waste was reclaimed, and 41.51% was sent to final disposal.

The waste sent to final disposal increased by 88.74%, among other reasons because Eegsa reported, for the first time, the debris from felling and pruning of trees associated with its electrical network, which today are not reclaimed. Waste treated increased by 1,252.03% and corresponds to 3,176.96 t of arsenic sludge from water pre-treatment and treatment reported by Adasa.

Management of waste generated by EPM (t)

Management 2016 2017 2018Final disposal 4,027 4,960 7,235

Reclamation 8,589 10,925 6,221

Storage 573 54 38

Treatment 81 92 38


Reclamation includes reuse, recycling, and composting. Treatment involves incineration. Final disposal refers to landfill.

Of the 22,741 t of waste managed by EPM, 13,532 t were generated directly by the company’s activities.

The waste that was reclaimed decreased by 43.06%, while the waste disposed increased by 45.85% and includes the sludge resulting from the new treatment systems of the water purification plants. 58.10% of waste disposed are biodegradable and 34.18% are special.

The ideal management for biodegradable waste is reclamation, while for special waste, it may be reclamation or treatment. In both cases, final disposal is not the optimal eco-friendly alternative and, therefore, it becomes an improvement action to be implemented.

EPM’s annual goal (2017-2019 period):Waste to be disposed ≤ 4,000 t.Waste to be disposed ≤ 35% of the waste generated.Waste reclaimed ≥ 60% of the waste generated.Waste to be disposed by EPM in 2018 = 7.235 t, equivalent to 53.46% of the waste generated.Waste to be reclaimed by EPM in 2018 = 6.221, equivalent to 45.98% of the waste generated.These targets were not met in 2018.

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Waste management in the Ituango hydroelectric project (t)

2016 2017 2018Waste stored from the previous period. 4 0 3

Waste generated by the project. 191 244 332

Waste not generated but managed by the project.

0 0 133,688

Total 195 244 134,023Source: Idsos application.

The Ituango hydroelectric project managed 134,023 t of waste in 2018, of which 99.75% was not generated from the project’s activities. 99.98% of waste not generated but managed corresponds to biodegradable material. 180 t of this waste was reclaimed, 15 t was treated, 138 t was sent to final disposal, and the rest was stored for its proper management in 2019.

Management of hazardous waste generated by Grupo EPM (t)

Type of Management 2016 2017 2018Treatment 177 167 3,296

Reclamation 498 797 643

Storage for later management 204 220 183

Final disposal 47 87 23

Total 926 1,271 4,145Source: Idsos application.

79.52% of hazardous waste generated was treated, and 15.51% was reclaimed. The main generating sources were EPM (41.32%), EDEQ (15.58%), Delsur (11.26%), Eegsa (10.90%), and Adasa (10.11%).

The generation of hazardous waste increased by 226.12%. In 2018, CENS and EPM’s transmission and distribution business transported across borders 3.77 t of hazardous waste containing mainly PCBs.

The activation of a transaction agreement between EPM and CHEC—which seeks to provide services for the treatment of equipment contaminated with PCB; the removal of related waste; and the sale, for reclamation, of dechlorinated oil and surplus iron, silicon, copper, aluminum, and bronze- demonstrates improvement in the management of hazardous waste at Grupo EPM.

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Management of hazardous waste generated by EPM (t)

Type of management 2016 2017 2018Reclamation 76 57 117

Treatment 109 117 61

Storage for later management 5 4 4

Final disposal 26 9 4

Total 216 187 186Source: Idsos application.

Of the 186 t of hazardous waste, 62.90% was treated and 32.80% was reclaimed. 4 t were sent to final disposal.

Management of waste not generated by Grupo EPM (t)

Type of management 2016 2017 2018Reclamation 571 469 88

Final disposal 4,647 5,700 9,799

Storage for later management 3,325 1,339 83

Treatment 6 1 4


EPM and CHEC have provided information on their management of waste not generated for the three previous periods. In 2016, Aguas del Oriente Antioqueño, CENS, and ENSA also provided information on this. In 2018, this information was also provided by Aguas Regionales.

99.83% of this waste is reported by EPM. The increase in waste not generated is due especially to macrophytes extracted from the Porce II, Riogrande II, and Peñol Guatapé reservoirs, which were disposed. In 2017, the Porce II reservoir had minimum levels of invasion with values that did not exceed 6 hectares, except for December 2017. In 2018, the invasion conditions were completely different, as about 92 hectares were invaded.

Reclamation decreased by 81.23% because, 366.70 t of wood extracted from the Porce II reservoir was reclaimed in 2017, while only 48.90 t was reclaimed in 2018.

EPM’s annual goal (2017-2019 period):Hazardous waste generated ≤ 190 t and ≤ 1.5% of the total waste generated. Hazardous waste generated by EPM in 2018 = 186 t, equivalent to 1.37% of the total.

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306-2 Waste by type and disposal method.306-4 Transport of hazardous waste.

Scope and coverage

BusinessesWaterSanitationElectrical energy Gas

TerritoryColombia - Antioquia ChileColombia - Caldas El SalvadorColombia - Quindío GuatemalaColombia - Santander PanamaColombia - Norte de SantanderColombia - Malambo, Atlántico

CompaniesEmpresas Públicas de Medellín - EPM Distribuidora de Electricidad del Sur - DelsurAguas Regionales EPM Empresa Eléctrica de Guatemala - EegsaEmpresa de Aguas del Oriente Antioqueño EPM ChileEmpresas Públicas de Rionegro - EPRio Hidroecológica del Teribe - HETAguas de Malambo Elektra Noreste - ENSACentral Hidroeléctrica de Caldas - CHEC Aguas de Antofagasta - AdasaElectrificadora de Santander - ESSAEmpresa de Energía del Quindío - EDEQCentrales Eléctricas del Norte de Santander - CENS

CHEC sent, to final disposal, 217 t of waste that was collected in grids of water intakes, water bodies of the reservoirs, and riverbeds of the streams that supply the reservoirs.

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At EPM, the energy transmission and distribution business regenerates 100% of the oil necessary for the operation of substations and lines, as well as the maintenance of network equipment.

The amount of dielectric oil reused varies depending on the batches of equipment serviced.

Other consumptions and efficient practicesIt includes actions focused on the optimization of consumption, the efficient use of materials and input materials, and the minimization of environmental effects caused by their use within Grupo EPM.

The most representative elements of consumption at Grupo EPM are the water purification input materials, the dielectric oil used in energy generation, and power transmission and distribution. The variation in the doses of chemical inputs that are required to purify water is usually associated with the quality of the resource captured.

These actions seek to raise Grupo EPM people’s awareness about reducing, reusing, and recycling different input materials, when feasible, as well as getting the optimal dosage of the chemicals used for water purification, without having an impact on the quality of the public utilities provided.

Management in 2018

2016 2017 2018

Water purification input materials (t/Mm³) - Grupo EPM

Chlorine Lime Aluminum polychloride - APCAluminum sulfate Activated carbon

0.443.22

32.79

5.343.05

0.89 4.26

47.69

8.60

7.67

0.903.42

7.47

36.39

4.15


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Input materials increased by 22.21%. Aluminum sulfate accounts for 69.50% of the total input materials used, followed by lime (14.27%). Aguas del Oriente Antioqueño uses sodium silicate that cannot be reflected in the graph.

The elements with the highest increases per unit of drinking water compared to 2017 were activated carbon (103.59%), which eliminates compounds providing smell, color, and taste; lime (39.89%); and aluminum polychloride (35.81%). This increase is an indication of the increasing deterioration in the water quality of the sources.

For the first time, EPRio and Adasa provide information on the input materials that they use for water purification.

2016 2017 2018

Water purification input materials (t/Mm3) - EPM

56.23

9.21

4.721.07

36.89

6.113.15

0.94 0.51

42.61

7.963.39

1.21 0.971.09

Chlorine Activated carbonAluminum polychloride - APCAluminum Sulfate Lime

The amount of input materials used per unit of drinking water at EPM increased by 17.98%. Activated carbon showed the highest increase (90.97%), although it is the input material that is used in a smaller proportion, followed by lime, which serves to stabilize water pH (30.28%), and chlorine (29.39%).

Aluminum sulfate (which increased by 15.53%) accounts for 75.89% of the consumption of different water purification input materials, followed by lime with 14.18%.

Dielectric oil consumption at Grupo EPM (t)

Concept 2016 2017 2018Fresh oilrequired in:

Existing infrastructure 52.73 165.99 140.98

New projects or equipment 0.00 188.31 399.00

Total 52.73 354.29 539.98

Filtered oil reused 51.86 224.71 133.66

Reuse 98.34% 63.43% 24.75%Source: Idsos application.

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The 399 t of dielectric oil required for new infrastructure or equipment (with a 111.89% increase) corresponds to the transformers and energy generating equipment that were installed in the mechanical room of the Ituango hydroelectric project before the contingency.

94.81% of the oil required in existing infrastructure is regenerated.

Filtered oil reused decreased by 40.52% in 2018, since in the previous year Delsur had oil that still had acceptable properties for its recovery.

Dielectric oil consumption at EPM (t)

Concept 2016 2017 2018Fresh oilrequired in:

Existing infrastructure 49.26 160.13 133.25

New projects or equipment 0.00 188.31 399.00

Total 49.26 348.44 532.25

Filtered oil reused 44.50 220.72 132.15

Percentage of reuse 90.33% 63.35% 24.83%Source: Idsos application.

EPM uses 98.57% of the dielectric oil required in the group.

EPM increased by 52.75% fresh dielectric oil consumption in 2016. 74.97% of the fresh oil corresponds to the installation of transformers required for power generation at the Ituango hydroelectric project.

The internal process of oil regeneration favored the recovery of 24.83% of the oil required for the operation. All the oil reused corresponds to the energy transmission and distribution business.


301-1 Materials used by weight or volume.301-2 Recycled input materials used.

Scope and coverage

BusinessesWaterElectrical energy

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TerritoryColombia – AntioquiaColombia – CaldasColombia - Malambo, AtlánticoChileEl SalvadorGuatemala

CompaniesEmpresas Públicas de Medellín - EPMAguas Regionales EPMEmpresa de Aguas del Oriente AntioqueñoEmpresas Públicas de Rionegro - EPRioAguas de MalamboCentral Hidroeléctrica de Caldas - CHECDistribuidora de Electricidad del Sur - DelsurEmpresa Eléctrica de Guatemala - EegsaAguas de Antofagasta - Adasa

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SustainabilityReport2018

sustainable production and · grupo epm consumed 78,226 mwh (21.29% of internal demand) for water...

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