Water Efficiency and Sustainability | Infra Blues and Greens for Sustainable Drainage

Water Efficiency and Sustainability

INFRA BLUE AND GREEN FOR SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE

More resilient and spongy solutions through the adoption of green and blue infrastructures for the management of urban rainwater, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact on the surrounding area and the sustainability of the project.

  • Use of water from lowering the table;

  • Green infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as rain gardens;

  • Sanitation Infrastructure Projects;

  • Blue and Gray infrastructure solutions for rainwater management;

  • Flood control in retention and infiltration devices;

  • GADU (Advanced Urban Drainage Management).

Our Projects

Arysta LifeScience

Arysta LifeScience Industrial Plant - Salto de Pirapora/SP
details

JHSF

Shopping Catarina Fashion Outlet Expansion
details

Piracanjuba

Sustainable Drainage Project with zero impact on the basin
details

VILA CARNAÚBA

Sizing nature-based systems with the adoption of rain gardens for urban water management.
details
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  • Av. Dr. Alberto de Oliveira Lima, 144 – Morumbi 05690-020 - São Paulo – SP – Brazil
  • contato@ifth.com.br
  • +55 (11) 3755-9033
  • +55 (11) 9 9999-1165

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Arysta LifeScience - Salto de Pirapora/SP

Challenge

Prepare a plan and project for a Stormwater Detention Basin in the Arysta Industrial complex in the municipality of Salto de Pirapora – SP.

IFTH Performance

The project consisted of evaluating the existing drainage infrastructure and characterizing the quality of the water that reaches the detention basin in order to guarantee the sanitary safety of the plant in terms of the quality of the effluent released into the receiving body. Characterization of the quality of rainwater runoff from multiple areas of the plant (fertilizer production) to assess the adequacy of the volume of the containment basin.

Results

Presentation of an assessment report on the detention basin to CETESB with the characterization of water quality, sampling plan, preparation of a hydrograph and pollutogram. Minimizing the impact of first flush in the drainage receiving body.

JHSF - Shopping Catarina Fashion Outlet Expansion

Challenge

Preparation of a micro and macro drainage project for zero impact on the basin considering a rainfall return period of 100 years to return the amount of water relative to the pre-development condition to the source.

IFTH Performance

Preparation of the executive micro and macro drainage project considering zero impact on the basin for a return period of 100 years. A blue infrastructure and a 3,000m³ volume detention reservoir were adopted. The scaled reservoir was built in concrete staves and a hydraulic ladder was designed, made of gabion blanket with an energy dissipation box to bring zero impact to the Putribu de Cima river.

It is worth noting that some engineering solutions were simulated, including the adoption of green infrastructure to evaluate the CAPEX and OPEX of the solutions to be adopted for macro and micro drainage and support for environmental licensing.

Results

More resilient drainage infrastructure project that will bring zero impact to the basin.

Piracanjuba - Sustainable Drainage Project with zero impact on the basin

Challenge

Develop a sustainable Drainage Project for zero impact on the basin, with the aim of reducing environmental impacts and meeting the maximum LEED NC score.

IFTH Performance

Preparation of integrated water management projects, including drainage projects with zero impact on the basin. Some technical solutions were simulated, based on technical and economic feasibility studies.

Results

Project development zero water, with zero disposal in the basin, prioritizing infiltration as a solution for recharging aquifers and maintaining the hydrological cycle, obtaining LEED Platinum certification, being the building with the highest score in Latin America.

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Vila Carnaúba - Design of nature-based systems with the adoption of rain gardens for urban water management.

Challenge

Develop nature-based solutions with sustainable management of rainwater in residential condominiums through the sizing and executive design of rain gardens.

IFTH Performance

Development of green infrastructure solutions based on rain garden projects based on technical and economic feasibility studies, with CAPEX and OPEX of the solutions.

Results

Construction methods and solutions for rain gardens were evaluated: integration into the landscape for sustainable management of rainwater, promoting infiltration into the soil, infiltration of rainwater into the enterprise, bringing more sustainability to the project and reducing the impact of the surrounding area .

Bradesco

Preparation of a Master Plan for Water Efficiency and health security for the Bradesco group, covering 4689 branches located in Brazil and 164 administrative buildings.

Camargo Corrêa

First strategic water plan for a developer in Brazil covering risk analysis, actions to reduce water consumption, methodology for calculating the water footprint and identifying opportunities for Camargo Corrêa Desenvolvimento Imobiliário's business.

Copel

Challenge 

Study of Alternative Sources and Water Conservation at Copel's forest hub, in Curitiba – PR, to meet the indicators required for AQUA (High Environmental Quality) certification.

IFTH’s activities

Optimization of the project's water management, also aiming to obtain ENCE and meeting the concerns of RT AQUA. Carrying out a technical and economic feasibility study for alternative non-potable water source systems.

Results

Technical and economic viability in terms of reducing the project's water demand with the use of efficient hydro-sanitary metals and the use of an alternative source of rainwater to meet non-potable demands.

Avenues – the world school

Challenge 

Prepare the water balance for demand management, water supply network projects and sewage collection for the enterprise, well water treatment project and preparation of a BOT notice for a well water treater.

IFTH’s activities

Development of water and sewage network projects, preparation of an approval and monitoring process with the sanitation concessionaire, definition of the premises for the use of an alternative source of drinking water from a well, preparation of the well water treatment project and the notice of BOT for well water treatment company contract.

Results

Monitoring the execution of BOTista's well water installations in order to avoid non-conformities, approval of projects with the sanitation concessionaire for large water consumers, guarantee of compliance environmental and technical.

Locate

Challenge 

Prepare a study of alternative water sources for the construction of Localiza's headquarters in Belo Horizonte – MG, to define the management of potable and non-potable supplies, an effluent reuse project and the use of rainwater. Assessment of water conservation solutions, simulation of alternative sources (gray and black reused water), use of rainwater and well water for non-potable purposes.

IFTH’s activities

Executive project of alternative sources of non-potable water for reuse of effluents and use of rainwater, technical and economic feasibility study with CAPEX and OPEX.

Results

Reduction of consumption of potable sources for non-potable demands, minimization of the impact of rainwater discharge into the receiving body.

Itaú

Challenge 

Water Audit and proposal of Solutions and Improvement Points for seven Itaú centers (CAT, CAB, CEIC, FL3500, etc.) in the city of São Paulo/SP; study of alternative sources for the Faria Lima headquarters in accordance with the new ABNT standards, NBR 16.782 – Water Conservation in Buildings, NBR 15.527 – Rainwater – Use of roofs in urban areas for non-potable purposes – Requirements and NBR 16.783 – Use of Alternative Non-Drinking Water Sources; support in the preparation and monitoring of grants with DAEE and water table lowering water treatment project. 

IFTH’s activities

Diagnosis of building infrastructure, preparation of water balance and evaluation of operational KPIs and consumption indicators, study of alternative sources of reuse and use of rainwater, with adaptation of existing infrastructure, executive project of water treatment facilities for water table lowering with support for granting the use of alternative non-potable sources.

Results

Integrated water management and water conservation at Itaú centers, with projects focused on the use of alternative non-potable sources, with technical and economic feasibility, implemented in buildings.

Bradesco

Challenge 

Carrying out a study of alternative sources of non-potable water in accordance with the new ABNT standards, NBR 16.782 Water Conservation in Buildings, NBR 15.527 – Rainwater – Use of roofs in urban areas for non-potable purposes – Requirements and NBR 16.783 Use of Alternative Non-Potable Water Sources for Banco Bradesco branches in Lapa, Osasco and Panamericana and administrative buildings at Núcleo Alphaville, Itapeva and Avenida Paulista in the city of São Paulo/SP.

IFTH’s activities

Preparation of studies regarding the use of alternative non-potable sources in Banco Bradesco branches, managing water supply and demand, calculating consumption indicators, estimating CAPEX and OPEX for rainwater harvesting systems.

Results

The study of alternative sources was viable and payback for the implementation of a water utilization system in agencies and administrative buildings and, with demand management and the use of water-saving devices, there was the possibility of reducing water time. payback for this solution.

AG – Andrade Gutierrez

Challenge 

Prepare a project for treating water, effluents and mining waste from the Jannah Dam dams, for works in Brazil, Mozambique and Lebanon.

IFTH’s activities

Preparation of Effluent Treatment Station projects in Maputo in Mozambique, Thickening Tests for Dam projects at Jannah Dam in Lebanon, Hydraulic Energy Dissipation Structures for water treatment stations and Lagoon Waterproofing Specifications in the municipality of Vargem Grande in Sao Paulo.

Results

Development of integrated and high-performance projects taking into account the design thinking of AG. Prevention of risks of environmental impacts in areas where engineering solutions are being implemented. IFTH’s activities at an international level.

Sabesp

Development of a methodology for estimating economic potential through the use of geographic information (GIS), crossing external databases, using statistics to define the economic potential of – Sabesp – MN (Metropolitana Norte)

Consultancy for statistical treatment of Sabesp/SAEE databases, spatialization of connections, quantification of the economic potential (EP) of large consumers. Correlation of links with records of abstraction and/or release grants to detect opportunities to offer treated water supply services and/or collection and treatment of effluents and spatial analysis and aggregation by territorial unit (census sector, neighborhoods, sub- basins, etc.) to generate auxiliary cartographic products.

Cagece

Challenge 

Consultancy to provide technical assistance to CAGECE in the study of long-term solutions in sewage treatment in the city of Fortaleza/CE. Due to the situation of stress water supply in the region of the Miriu and Siqueira basins and the growth of the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, it was necessary to search for technical and economic solutions to enhance the municipality's water supply in order to support the region's economic growth. 

IFTH’s activities

Study of solutions in effluent treatment and assessment of the feasibility of distributing reused water to large consumers with a view to reducing stress of the Miriu and Siqueira basins.

Results

Minimization of stress water supply and the impact on basins in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, enhancing water supplies to support the area's economic growth. The project foresees the treatment of 4.3m3/s to meet a non-potable demand of approximately 1.8m3/s.

Nestlé

Challenge 

Diagnose points and solutions for improving the drinking water system and the HVAC system, reducing the cost of water management and opportunities for improving it.

IFTH’s activities

Carrying out a water audit at the industrial plant, data and documentation analysis, field survey to identify the drinking water supply system and the HVAC system. Assessment of the drinking water treatment system and the HVAC management and treatment system. Prognosis with the identification of opportunities associated with improving the efficiency of managing these systems in the industrial plant.

Results

Through water diagnosis, systematization of information collected, solutions and points of improvement associated with the existing infrastructure, we proposed solutions to improve continuous management and reduce spending on drinking water in the industrial plant. A high, medium and low investment action plan was proposed, bringing significant improvements to more efficient and sustainable water management at the industrial plant, with a consequent reduction in operating costs and qualitative water security at the plant.

Froneri

Challenge 

Help the client understand the use and paths of water in the plant, including its use in the production process, and diagnose Improvement Points and Solutions, opportunities to improve water management in the plant. Carry out water diagnosis and propose improvement solutions for water management in the industrial plant with a view to reducing water costs, reducing waste and improving water efficiency in the industrial plant.

IFTH’s activities

Carrying out a water audit at the industrial plant, data and documentation analysis, field survey to identify water consumption points, diagnosis of water use and water consumption and the current management system implemented. Prognosis with the identification of opportunities associated with reducing water consumption and improving the efficiency of managing this resource in the industrial plant.

Results

Through the water diagnosis and systematization of the information collected, solutions and points of improvement associated with the existing infrastructure, solutions for water conservation and solutions for water management were identified. The solutions were implemented based on a high, medium and low investment action plan, bringing significant improvements to more efficient and sustainable water management at the industrial plant, with a consequent reduction in operating costs.

Gerdau

Challenge 

Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of implementing rainwater harvesting and reuse, increasing the availability of water through alternative sources to meet non-potable uses as a way of developing water sustainability and the rational use of water resources in the industrial plant.

IFTH’s activities

Survey of the water characterization of the project, assessment of water consumption at Gerdau Aços Longos in Cotia/SP, preparation of a water balance and assessment of water supply from alternative sources. Simulation of scenarios for implementing alternative source projects, financial analysis with CAPEX, OPEX and simulations of drinking water savings potential. Feasibility study of reusing industrial effluents (152 m³/day) and using rainwater (200 m³/day) to supply non-potable demands. Quali-quantitative characterization of raw effluents; determination of final quality; sizing of treatment units; deployment layouts; CAPEX and OPEX estimation; economic study.

Results

A report was prepared focused on integrated water management, characterization of water sources, assessment of financial viability with CAPEX and OPEX, simulations of the potential for water savings and reduction of the cost of this input in the industrial plant. Water efficiency was guaranteed through the implementation of rainwater harvesting and reuse in the unit.

Brmals

Challenge

Bring procedures to mitigate fines and environmental liabilities, by defining procedures for operational management and licensing of brMalls group projects.

IFTH’s activities

Preparation of an Environmental Management and Efficiency Manual within the bRMalls group, defining instructions for identifying irregularities and anticipating risks.

Results

Preparation of the environmental management and efficiency manual, contributing to safer, more sustainable and efficient operational management, with the consequent reduction of operational costs and minimization of liabilities for the group's shopping malls.

Piracanjuba

Challenge 

Drainage network design with zero impact on the receiving basin and flood dampening capacity with a return period of 100 years, as required for LEED Platinum certification, use of rainwater, development of a gray water reuse project and solutions nature-based solutions for sustainable drainage.

IFTH’s activities

Preparation of integrated water management projects, including building hydraulics, rainwater use, sustainable drainage and gray water reuse. Green infrastructure solutions were simulated, in order to reduce the impact on the basin and bring environmental benefits to the project, with assessment of CAPEX and OPEX.

Results

Project development with integration into landscaping, zero water, with zero disposal in the basin, prioritizing infiltration as a solution for recharging aquifers and maintaining the hydrological cycle, obtaining LEED Platinum certification, being the building with the highest score in Latin America.

Br Malls – Shopping Estação Cuiabá

Challenge

Prepare a project for the treatment and reuse of sewage generated in the project, bring water efficiency and sustainability with the use of alternative sources of non-potable water, reduce the cost of drinking water and advise on the BOT contracting of the treatment system to be implemented.

IFTH’s activities

Preparation of basic project, self-purification study, support for environmental licensing and assistance for contracting a Reuse Water Production Station (EPAR), Rainwater Treatment Station (ETAC) and Well Water Treatment Station (ETAP ) under a BOT regime, technical-commercial equalization of the proposals received and assistance in drafting the contract with the chosen company.

Results

Solution to comply with the water company's DPE (Declaration of Possibility of Depletion), based on the project for disposal in the rainwater network, since there was no sewage collector. Monitoring and technical assistance to the client in the preparation of the contract and in the management of the contractor throughout the contract period.

Top Shopping – Rio de Janeiro

Challenge 

Bring efficiency in the use of the artesian well, analyze the treatment system implemented in the enterprise, analyze the contract for the well water treatment service provider under a BOT regime.

IFTH’s activities

Well analysis and solutions for improving infrastructure with the preparation of the project to adapt the well and comply with Ordinance 888, accounting standard.

Results

Implementation of a water treatment system project and well systematized maintenance and operation program to improve operational management, thus ensuring the adequate supply of drinking water in compliance with the legal requirements of Ordinance 888.

Shopping Salvador (Lumine)

Challenge 

Bring efficiency in the use of the artesian well, analyze the treatment system implemented in the enterprise, analyze the contract for the well water treatment service provider under a BOT regime.

IFTH’s activities

Well analysis and solutions for improving infrastructure with the preparation of the project to adapt the well and comply with Ordinance 888, accounting standard.

Results

Implementation of a water treatment system project and well systematized maintenance and operation program to improve operational management, thus ensuring the adequate supply of drinking water in compliance with the legal requirements of Ordinance 888.

Internacional shopping guarulhos and top shopping (gazit)

Challenge 

Bring sustainability, water efficiency, reducing drinking water costs to the enterprise. 

IFTH’s activities

Water audit with a focus on meeting technical standards NBR 16,782 Water Conservation in Buildings and NBR 16,783 Use of alternative sources of non-potable water. Analysis of reducing drinking water consumption through simulation and use of alternative sources, with a view to implementing an integrated water management system.

Results

Solutions and Improvement Points (SPM) for water infrastructure, with increased efficiency in water management, proposing solutions for water conservation and the use of alternative sources of non-potable water for the existing building and for expansion.

Catarina Fashion Outlet

Challenge

Prepare a project for the treatment and reuse of sewage generated in the enterprise, bring water efficiency through the use of alternative sources of non-potable water, reduce the cost of drinking water, contract the implementation of the treatment system under a BOT regime, to meet discharge standards in the water body and reuse (according to NBR 16,783:2019).

 

IFTH’s activities

Preparation of basic project, self-purification study, support for environmental licensing and assistance for contracting a Reuse Water Production Station (EPAR), Rainwater Treatment Station (ETAC) and Well Water Treatment Station (ETAP ) under a BOT regime, technical-commercial equalization of the proposals received and assistance in drafting the contract with the chosen company.

Results

Solution for internal reuse and meeting environmental licensing requirements, for release into bodies of water.

Catarina Fashion Outlet

Challenge 

Bring sustainability, water efficiency, reducing drinking water costs to the enterprise. 

IFTH’s activities

Water audit with a focus on meeting technical standards NBR 16,782 Water Conservation in Buildings and NBR 16,783 Use of alternative sources of non-potable water. Analysis of reducing drinking water consumption through simulation and use of alternative sources, with a view to implementing an integrated water management system.

Results

Solutions and Improvement Points (SPM) for water infrastructure, with increased efficiency in water management, proposing solutions for water conservation and the use of alternative sources of non-potable water for the existing building and for expansion.

Barra Shopping and New York City Center

Challenge 

Bring sustainability, water efficiency and reduced drinking water costs to the enterprise. 

IFTH’s activities

Water audit with a focus on meeting technical standards NBR 16,782 Water Conservation in Buildings and NBR 16,783 Use of alternative sources of non-potable water. Analysis of reducing drinking water consumption through simulation and use of alternative sources, with a view to implementing an integrated water management system.

Results

Solutions and Improvement Points (SPM) for water infrastructure, with increased efficiency in water management, proposing solutions for water conservation and the use of alternative sources of non-potable water for the existing building and for expansion.

Vila Carnauba

Challenge 

Develop nature-based solutions with sustainable management of rainwater in residential condominiums, through the dimensioning and executive design of rain gardens.

IFTH’s activities

Development of green infrastructure solutions, through rain garden projects, based on technical and economic feasibility studies, with CAPEX and OPEX of the solutions.

Results

Construction methods and solutions for rain gardens were evaluated: integration into the landscape for sustainable management of rainwater, promoting infiltration into the soil, promoting infiltration of rainwater in the enterprise, bringing more sustainability to the project and reducing the impact of surroundings.

Vila Carnauba

Challenge 

Develop solutions for the 8 lakes, with nature-based solutions with sustainable management of rainwater from residential condominiums, avoiding the contribution of rainwater to the lakes.

IFTH’s activities

Economic feasibility simulation, with CAPEX and OPEX studies, development of green infrastructure solutions on the edge of the lakes. With the developed solution, the lakes were designed in geocells filled with concrete, bidim and grass on the edges on gentle slopes.

Results

Construction methods and solutions in lakes were evaluated: integration into the landscape, quantification of the water balance of reservoirs according to local climatic and environmental conditions, use of well water and lowering of water table through drains with water treatment to direct to lakes, drainage side of lakes in rain gardens, wetlands and triangular ditches.

Cury

Challenge 

Develop technological solutions for sewage treatment, preserving the quality of the receiving body in buildings for residential and educational use.

IFTH’s activities

Water consultancy and integrated water management, with assessment of sewage production, preparation of more than 8 executive projects for sewage treatment systems, designed for flows from 500 m3/day to 1000 m3/day, including more than 8 pumping stations. Preparation of self-purification studies of the receiving body, as well as granting launch and supporting environmental licensing.

Results

There are already more than 8 executive projects for treating sewage generated in residential condominiums. All projects were prepared based on self-purification studies, granted for release, to neutralize the impact of these treated effluents on the receiving bodies.

Gamaro

Challenge 

Bring water efficiency to the enterprise, analyze the use of non-potable sources, reduce operational costs and reduce environmental risks related to water management.

IFTH’s activities

Preparation of consultancy evaluating water conservation and the potential for using non-potable sources in an integrated manner, carrying out a simulation of alternative water sources, with an estimate of CAPEX and OPEX for each scenario. Based on the study, the best solutions with greater technical and economic viability to be adopted for the project were indicated.

Results

Maximizing the use of alternative sources of non-potable water to supply the project's non-potable demands, generating financial returns for the building. Implementation of water-saving devices, ensuring the building's water efficiency and reducing the generation of effluents.

More information

  • We provide Consultancy and Assistance for the preparation of a Planning
    Strategic and Operational intelligent use of water, considering efficient environmental management and water management at the macro, meso and micro levels;
  • We carry out infrastructure diagnosis through water audits, water balance and engineering solutions;
  • We map the financial, operational and image risks arising from inappropriate water use;
  • Through our solutions we mitigate risks, ensuring efficiency of use and increasing the resilience of companies;
  • We offer innovative solutions based on technical and economic feasibility, helping to reduce operational costs, environmental impacts, health risks and also to promote the sustainability of operations.

Trisul

Challenge

Bring water efficiency, water sustainability, reduce operational costs and reduce environmental risks. 

IFTH’s activities

Water consultancy focused on residential developments. Integrated assessment of water conservation and simulations of the potential for using alternative sources of non-potable water, based on financial feasibility studies on CAPEX (investment) and OPEX (operation cost) of possible solution arrangements to be studied.

Including water characterization of new buildings, preparation of basic and executive projects for greywater treatment and reuse systems and rainwater use. In compliance with NBR 16,782 Water Conservation in Buildings and NBR 16,783 Use of Alternative Non-Potable Water Sources.

Results

There are already more than 38 consultancy projects on water conservation and reuse of gray water and use of rainwater prepared, including completed, ongoing and already implemented, resulting in water savings, water resilience and compliance with LEED and AQUA certifications, increasing sustainability in these with a vision of integrated water management.