The need to move towards the decarbonization of the planet has become a global priority. At the national level, Colombia faces major challenges in meeting its environmental goals. According to the Regional Center for Energy Studies (CREE), the country must multiply its annual emissions reduction rate by eight in order to reach the targets set for 2030.
In this context, Veolia Santander has focused its efforts on promoting concrete actions to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Through its strategic plan GreenUp 2027—which seeks to accelerate ecological transformation—the company is evolving waste management in the region through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Among the initiatives, for example, is the use of compactor vehicles with Euro 6 technology for waste collection, which minimize pollutant emissions and improve operational efficiency.
Additionally, with the transition of its final disposal sites to Intelligent Ecological Management Centers (CIGE), Veolia incorporates differentiating elements with technological processes that guarantee maximum protection of natural resources and the utilization of municipal solid waste through technology and digitalization.
A concrete example is the CIGE San Silvestre in Barrancabermeja, a site that has evolved into an ecological center that prioritizes the recovery of waste over simple disposal.
Regarding this evolution, Ismaris Ortiz, general manager of Veolia Santander, emphasizes that “when we go to our CIGEs, we no longer think about the final disposal cell; we are always looking for alternatives to recover waste. Digitalization and technology in this management play a very important role.”
Circular economy and waste utilization
Veolia is also committed to the circular economy by manufacturing sweeping bags from recycled materials, reducing the consumption of virgin resources. In addition, it has implemented the Green Route, which encourages source separation and the utilization of organic waste.
Thanks to this initiative, Barrancabermeja transforms 4% of the waste it manages, while Bucaramanga and municipalities such as Floridablanca and Girón reach 5%. The goal is to increase these percentages by 2025, especially in Barrancabermeja, through citizen education and logistical improvements.
Similarly, initiatives such as Artellantas and Sustainable Communities reflect Veolia’s social and environmental commitment, promoting employment and sustainable practices in the community. Since 2020, more than 14 tree planting and beautification interventions have been carried out, benefiting more than 11,500 users in Barrancabermeja.
Positive regional impact
Veolia manages an average of 13,300 tons of waste per month in Santander. In Bucaramanga and its metropolitan area, the annual volume exceeds 100,000 tons, while in Barrancabermeja it reaches 60,000 tons. These figures demonstrate the company’s commitment to efficient and innovative waste management, promoting practices that reduce environmental impact and contribute to the quality of life in the region.
Through these actions, Veolia contributes to the decarbonization and decontamination of the areas where it operates in Santander, demonstrating that the private sector can be a key ally in the fight against climate change, aligning itself with global and national objectives towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.