FCA wins the most important water management award in Brazil

According to Cristiano Felix, FCA´s Manager of Environment, Health and Safety for Latin America, the achievement of the award is the result of the combination of actions for the efficient use of water resources in the manufacturing units of vehicles and engines located in Betim (Minas Gerais), Goiana (Pernambuco) and Campo Largo (Paraná). Investments in state-of-the-art technologies to increase treatment efficiency of effluents and reuse are part of rainwater collection and environmental education projects, having the employees’ engagement for conscious consumption. The preservation of biodiversity is also a different feature, notably the recovery of a green area of 105 hectares in the engine factory of Campo Largo, which houses five springs and two streams.

"Recognition makes us seek new challenges and improve ourselves more and more", says Cristiano Felix. At FCA units in Brazil, the water reuse index is over 99%, that is, the effluent is treated and returns to the production process, virtually eliminating the consumption of potable water in the manufacturing process. Campaigns that mobilize employees to identify opportunities to fight waste also bring results. In 2016, more than 220 ideas suggested by employees provided a reduction of 255 sq. mts. of water, equivalent to 102 Olympic pools.

Overall, 637 projects were registered in nine categories, including Micro and Small Businesses, Education, Government, Press, Civil Organizations and Research and Technological Innovation. The criteria evaluated were effectiveness, social and environmental impacts, diffusion potential, social adherence, originality and financial sustainability. All semifinalist projects underwent inspections made by ANA specialists.

In addition to taking part in ANA Award Trophy, FCA will attend the 8th World Water Forum to be held in Brasilia in March 2018. It will be the first edition of the world's largest water event in the Southern Hemisphere, with an expected audience of 30,000 representatives from more than 100 countries.