A good use of water and energy to contribute to the care of our Common Home

Efficient water and energy management is key to taking care of our common home. For this reason, at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, projects focused on the conservation and sustainable use of these resources have been developed as part of the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Campus Management. 

An Artificial Wetland to Protect the Cauca River 

To reduce the impact of sewage water from Villa Javier, the Nutrition Laboratory in Casa Ceibas benefits from an artificial wetland with native plants. This wetland, proposed by Civil Engineering students, aims to reduce the pollutant load and improve the self-purification of the Cauca River. This initiative also helps protect the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates, which are vulnerable to low oxygen levels. Furthermore, the project suggests that the reclaimed water could be used to irrigate campus plants or clean restrooms. 

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems  

There are two sustainable urban drainage systems—one under the Cedro Rosado building and another beneath the soccer field—that store rainwater in tanks to mitigate flooding and potential damage. To achieve this, permeable surfaces, green channels, dry watersheds, rainwater storage tanks, and landscape designs have been implemented. Beyond flood prevention, the project aims to use the stored water for irrigation and sanitation. 

A Desander for the Waters of the Pance River  

The third project involves a desander, which would be built on the Pance River stream to filter sediments before the water reaches the campus’s lakes and irrigation systems. This prevents sand from reaching the university's treatment plant, where the water consumed on campus is purified. This initiative is currently in the validation process with environmental authorities before proceeding with installation. 

A Multipurpose Photovoltaic Module  

Photovoltaic panels at Javeriana University Cali already provide part of the campus’s energy, and LED lights have been installed to reduce energy consumption. In this context, students from Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Electronic Engineering have designed modules that not only generate solar energy but also create shaded areas for campus activities. This project, which aims to both increase solar energy generation and offer comfortable spaces for the community, is currently under evaluation to determine the best installation site. 

"The university’s strategic sustainability plan includes various projects in five key programs, including efficient water and energy management. These initiatives are carried out in collaboration with both the administrative and academic sectors. They are crucial for building a more sustainable campus, as they not only address the need for resource management but also aim to engage the community in caring for shared spaces,” says Isabella Tello, Environmental Management Professional at Javeriana Cali. 

Learn more about this project in the 'Javeriana Biodiversa' route. Check out the full agenda here.  

Translated by the Centro de Idiomas, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali.  

Lea aquí la versión de esta noticia en español.