Cementos Molins and Damm join CUADLL’s project to recharge the Vall Baixa del Llobregat aquifer
Cementos Molins and Damm join CUADLL's project to recharge the Vall Baixa del Llobregat aquifer World Cement
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Cementos Molins and Damm Join CUADLL’s Project to Recharge the Vall Baixa del Llobregat Aquifer
Introduction
Cementos Molins and Damm have announced their participation in an innovative project led by the Community of Water Users of the Vall Baixa and Llobregat Delta (CUADLL).
Expanding Ponds for Sustainable Use of Groundwater
This initiative aims to expand the ponds in the vicinity of the Llobregat River to improve the sustainable use of groundwater in Catalonia. Through the construction of elements to capture and channel water from the river, it is expected to allow the recharge of the aquifer, improving both its quantitative and qualitative state.
Importance of the Aquifer
The aquifer of Vall Baixa and Delta del Llobregat is vital for the region, as it allows an optimal use of groundwater, equivalent to an annual production of approximately 60 hm3, comparable to the capacity of the desalination and treatment plant of El Prat, the largest in Europe for urban supply. To guarantee its sustainable use, a set of recharge infrastructures has been designed, including the Molins de Rei reservoirs.
Phases of the Project
The Molins de Rei recharge ponds consist of a catchment in the river, a small settling pond, and four infiltration ponds, covering a total of 14,000 m2. Its construction has been carried out in two phases:
- The first phase was carried out between 2021 and 2022 and was financed by CUADLL and the Interreg Sudoe Programme through the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF).
- The second phase of the project began in 2024 and is co-financed by Cementos Molins and Damm, whose headquarters are located in Baix Llobregat. Both companies also own wells in the Vall Baixa and delta aquifer.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
According to Carlos Martínez, director of business strategy and sustainability at Cementos Molins: “We are committed to sustainable development and we are proud to collaborate in this project that seeks to preserve water resources in Catalonia. This initiative is a perfect example of Cementos Molins’ commitment to the environment, to local communities, and to companies and entities that share our same purpose. We can only achieve our goals through our joint work and effort.”
According to Enric Queralt, technical director of CUADLL, “The recharge ponds are a good measure for a natural infrastructure such as the aquifer to have a greater and better storage capacity. We must achieve a sustainable aquifer, so that in drought situations such as the one we are experiencing, it will allow us to supply more water to the metropolitan area of Barcelona.”
Connecting Ponds to Reclaimed Water
In view of the current drought, the project proposes to connect the new ponds to the reclaimed water from the water reclamation station of El Prat, thus closing the water cycle. This solution allows for the re-infiltration of the reclaimed water into the aquifer, which contributes to its natural self-purification and improves its quality. The project is aligned with the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NBS), recognizing the fundamental role of ecosystems in human well-being. In addition to improving the groundwater resource in a sustainable manner, the project has a positive impact on the water footprint, allowing participating companies to reduce their environmental impact.
Location Selection and Other Initiatives
The selection of the location of the ponds has been made following hydrogeological criteria, being one of the most efficient infiltration areas of the river in the Vall Baixa, and due to its proximity to the wetlands of Molins de Rei, which allows an ecological complementarity between both infrastructures.
Other initiatives implemented:
- Damm has reduced water consumption by 34% for each liter of beer bottled, saving 1 hm3 of water annually, despite a 60% increase in production. 80% of the water used in the factory is returned to the system for reuse.
- Cementos Molins has reduced water consumption at its facilities by 21% compared to previous years. The company uses artificial intelligence and closed water circuits to save water in its industrial processes.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/25032024/cementos-molins-and-damm-join-cuadlls-project-to-recharge-the-vall-baixa-del-llobregat-aquifer/
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the project led by the Community of Water Users of the Vall Baixa and Llobregat Delta (CUADLL) to improve the sustainable use of groundwater in Catalonia. This initiative aligns with SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It also connects to SDG 9, as it involves infrastructure development to capture and channel water from the river. Additionally, the project contributes to SDG 11 by promoting sustainable cities and communities through the improvement of water resources. SDG 12 is relevant as it emphasizes responsible consumption and production, which includes the sustainable use of water resources. Finally, SDG 13 is connected to the project as it addresses climate action, and sustainable water management plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
The targets identified are based on the goals mentioned in the previous answer. Target 6.4 focuses on improving water-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater. Target 9.4 emphasizes the need to upgrade infrastructure and industries to enhance resource-use efficiency and adopt clean technologies. Target 11.5 aims to reduce the impacts of water-related disasters, including droughts, on human lives and economic losses. Target 12.2 highlights the importance of sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, including water. Finally, Target 13.1 addresses the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, which includes managing water resources effectively.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added
- Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
- Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP
- Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
The indicators mentioned in the article are aligned with the identified targets. Indicator 6.4.1 measures the change in water-use efficiency over time, which is relevant to Target 6.4. Indicator 9.4.1 focuses on CO2 emissions per unit of value added, which relates to Target 9.4. Indicator 11.5.1 measures the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population, addressing Target 11.5. Indicator 12.2.1 assesses the material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP, which is connected to Target 12.2. Finally, Indicator 13.1.1 measures the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population, aligning with Target 13.1.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | Indicator 6.4.1: Change in water-use efficiency over time |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. | Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. |
