Caring for the Planet Integrated Annual Report 2024 SECTION 5 • DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE VALUE FOR OUR STAKEHOLDERS 165 Our water management efforts had been executed through several strategic initiatives aimed at conservation, optimisation, and wastewater treatment improvements. Implementing Water Conservation Practices Reducing reliance on municipal water sources is a priority and several water conservation measures had been implemented to achieve this. Rainwater harvesting systems were in place for irrigation and cleaning across our operations, which help to minimise freshwater consumption. Flowmeters had been installed at strategic points, which enabled real-time tracking of daily water usage and the immediate detection of abnormalities for prompt corrective action. Proactive monitoring is central to managing water efficiency. Any variances detected between the main and individual flowmeter readings trigger a thorough investigation to identify the root cause. This system allowed departments to track potential leakages, ensuring timely intervention. Periodic site assessments further reinforced this monitoring approach, allowing us to sustain water conservation efforts. Routine maintenance also played a role in maximising efficiency. Regular maintenance of cooling towers helped to maintain optimal performance, while ageing flow meters and piping systems were repaired or replaced as needed. In addition, upgraded wastewater treatment facilities supported higher levels of recycling and enhanced overall water efficiency. Optimising Water Consumption The Water Balance Project has provided a structured approach to tracking water usage and identifying potential risks, including leakages. High-priority areas prone to significant water loss had been identified and to address these risks, primary water conduits had been reconfigured into exposed pipelines, to facilitate quicker detection and response times. Additionally, a surveillance programme had been implemented at PMI and PMIT, to optimise water allocation for production and firefighting requirements. Within aluminium treatment processes, water used in anodising tanks was channelled to wastewater treatment facilities before discharge, to meet environmental standards. To further enhance efficiency, water used for plate cooling in the anodising stage was reused, while overflow from anodising tanks was redirected to rinsing tanks. Greywater was repurposed for polymer dilution, filter maintenance and floor cleaning in our effort to water conservation. Improving Our Wastewater Treatment Plant Managing industrial effluents effectively is essential, particularly in extrusion plants where anodising and powder coating processes generate wastewater. Our wastewater treatment facilities are designed to meet the specific needs of these processes, ensuring full compliance with discharge quality standards. To sustain efficient operations and uphold discharge quality, regular maintenance and timely upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are essential. Ongoing system assessments, routine servicing, and process improvements help maintain reliability and compliance with environmental regulations. By continuously optimising treatment performance, we can enhance wastewater management, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term sustainability. Research and development efforts are also ongoing to enhance the effectiveness of wastewater treatment. Continuous improvements aim to optimise processes, reduce discharge, and improve overall system performance. These efforts support better wastewater management and reinforce our commitment to sustainability. OUR VALUE CREATION
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDgzMzc=