Naturally ESG-oriented
We understand that our business is inseparable from the externalities we produce in society and the environment. Water and waste water utilities directly impact the life of millions of people in our region.
That’s the reason why Corsan’s actions matter so much to society.
Basic sanitation means health and dignity for people
According to the World Health Organization, every dollar invested in sanitation spares USD 4 in health expenses. Positive externalities go far beyond the local context – they include increased school attendance, lower flood risk, more jobs and faster economic growth.
Basic sanitation means protecting the planet
Water basins are as fundamental to those living around them as they are to the natural equilibrium on a global scale. In addition to providing shelter and food for countless species, water bodies can act as carbon sinks (or, if polluted, as carbon emitters).
Basic sanitation means water security
As water basins deteriorate due to pollution, populations are forced to seek clean water farther away, often competing with other water uses, such as electricity generation and irrigation. Improving water use efficiency has direct and indirect impacts on the entire economy.
Would you like to know more about Corsan’s sustainability practices?
Click here to access our 2021 Management and Sustainability Report (Portuguese only)
Click here to access our 2021 SASB Disclosure (Portuguese only)
Sustainability in planning and acting
State Sanitation Plan (Planesan): as the concessionaire of water and sewage services in most of Rio Grande do Sul’s municipalities, with presence in the state’s 25 water basins and responsible for implementing the state’s sanitation policies for over 50 years, Corsan has been specially active in the preparation of the new Rio Grande do Sul sanitation policy, embodied in Planesan.
The instrument, which will contain the basic sanitation guidelines, strategies and actions for the next few years, aims at promoting public health, qualify of life and sustainability in handling natural resources.
Basin Committees: Corsan has direct representation in the 25 River Basin Committees of the state, forums where water management issues are discussed, such as conflicts over the use, classification of water resources, water monitoring, charging for the use of the resource, management of extreme events (droughts), issues of recognized importance not only to the Company but to society in general.
Environmental Licensing: Corsan ended 2020 with 116 installation licenses and 206 operation licenses in effect under its management. Over the year, 74 licenses were obtained regarding both the operation of systems and their expansion and implementation. The Company also supervises the environmental regularity of 112 construction works in progress.
Payment for Environmental Services: in 2020, Corsan started the Payment for Environmental Services (PPSA) project, whose objective is to benefit strategic locations in the Rio Grande do Sul water basins, upstream of the capture points, in order to obtain quality water and greater water availability. These actions are important given the drought that the state has been facing and, as a starting point, the sub-basin of Arroio Castelhano, in Venâncio Aires, in the Taquari-Antas Basin was chosen for the implementation of the pilot project.
The PPSA uses the payer-payee principle, according to which stakeholders pay owners for environmental recovery and preservation in strategic locations, through monetary and/or non-monetary benefits. In addition to environmental recovery focused on riparian forests and springs, the project aims to implement sustainable management actions, as well as rural sanitation in the areas.
Saint’Hilaire Park: in partnership with the Viamão Municipal Government and the Unisinos University, Corsan participated in the project Elaboration of the Management Plan for the Saint’Hilaire Municipal Natural Park. The project consisted in the diagnosis and general analysis of the park, showing its current situation, shortcomings and needs, allowing the definition of strategies to minimize existing or potential risks and conflicts.
Solid waste management: on the legal side, the Solid Waste Management Plans (PGRS) aim to comply with Corsan’s Social and Environmental Sustainability Policy, the National Policy on Solid Waste, and the State Policy on Solid Waste. However, the purpose of the programs is much broader in the Company, considering that the culture of sustainability must be based on instruments that materialize intentions into effective actions. In this sense, 2020 was a fruitful year, with the preparation of 72 Water Supply Systems and Sewage Systems PGRS, covering municipalities in all regions. Corsan made the correct destination of 40% of sludge residue generated.