Publications
Prepare a broad study covering the general panorama of water reuse in Brazil, encourage the practice of reuse as a way of making water management more efficient and reducing the risks associated with water in the industrial sector.
Detailed studies carried out in 7 states were used as a basis: Ceará, São Paulo, Espírito Santo, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco.
A guide was prepared by CNI entitled “Effluent reuse: methodology for analyzing the potential use of treated effluents for industrial supply”, which presents the aforementioned methodology developed by Infinitytech Engenharia e Meio Ambiente.
Preparation of water modeling to evaluate the potential for urban reuse for industrial purposes of sewage generated in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, with development of a research methodology, to bring more water security to the region, project with USTDA and AECOM USA.
Providing technical assistance to CAGECE, AECOM, USTDA in the study of technological solutions for the treatment and reuse of sewage generated in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, evaluating the technical, economic and social aspects. Contributing to the reduction of stress water supply in the region of the Miriu and Siqueira basins.
The study showed that water reuse is a viable solution and can contribute to minimizing waste. stress water supply and impacts on the RMF basins, enhancing water supplies to support the region's economic growth. The project foresees the treatment and reuse of 4.3m³/s to meet a non-potable demand of approximately 1.8m³/s.
In partnership with the UNDP/UN, Caixa Econômica Federal and SindusConSP, the methodology was used WaterFootPrint network in the Preparation of the Methodological Guide for Calculating Water Footprints for the Building Sector, with the necessary tools to guide and standardize the preparation of Water Footprint Inventories.
This work had 6 stages totaling 11 products including technical reports, reviews, 8 workshops and presentations. The work stages essentially addressed the following activities: definition of standards, methodologies to be used and sampling; structuring the methodology; definition of approach points; application of the methodology; validation of the methodology and consolidation of the guide. Based on the methodology of WaterFootPrint network, the development of the methodological guide was aimed at investors, designers of new buildings and renovation processes/retrofit of building. In order to quantify the water footprint of buildings, how much is the appropriate m³ of water per m² of built area.
To prepare the guide entitled “Methodological Guide for Calculating the Water Footprint in Buildings”, which presents in an innovative way this methodology for quantifying the impact of appropriating the water resource in buildings. Thus bringing an important benchmark to the sector. This is available to download for free download here.
Preparation of the Water Efficiency and Health Security Master Plan for the Bradesco group, covering 4689 branches located in Brazil and 164 administrative buildings JAN/2018 – NOV/2018 – Brazil.
The strategic water plan aimed to bring a systemic and integrated view of water to the business, contributing to an assessment of risks and opportunities, as well as reducing impacts and conflicts related to water management in the region where the Bradesco group operates. The Strategic Water Plan outlined expectations regarding the scarcity scenario, in order to guarantee prevention and/or reaction to potential crises resulting from availability, quality or supply of water (minimization of risks and identification of opportunities).
The Plan aimed to bring competitive advantages so that the company uses its natural resources responsibly, reducing the environmental impact related to its operations, this being the first strategic water plan of one of the largest financial institutions in Brazil.
The plan covers the creation of guidelines and actions to reduce water waste and actions to guide the Bradesco group's operations in Brazil, containing: analysis of water matrix data; management actions at macro, meso and micro levels; main standards, legislation and guidelines related to water; and contribution to the definition of goals, policies and guidelines, with one of the main objectives and goals being to reduce water consumption by 10% over the next 5 years (from 2018 to 2023).
Preparation of a strategic water plan, in order to assess risks and opportunities, where the water footprint inventory methodology was used to assess the impact related to water on CCDI operations.
The Strategic Water Plan was called Programa Água de Valor, and brought a perception of the appropriation of water in CCDI operations (water footprint). Strategic water planning was also carried out, bringing a short, medium and long term vision, in relation to actions that can be implemented to act in increasingly extreme scenarios related to water, scarcity scenarios and intense rains (floods) , to ensure:
The Água de Valor Program was implemented, covering everything from budgeting and planning of the work, contemplating a more efficient project. Other actions were also developed, such as sustainable construction sites, where we brought solutions to improve water management, including water measurement and association of construction phases and the adoption of a rainwater harvesting system for better water management.
Bring a legal framework to the operation of the GAZIT group, related to water management, bringing standard operational guidelines for water management in the company's operations, reducing environmental and institutional liabilities.
Based on its expertise in water management, IFTH brought the Water of Value Program to the GAZIT group, the beginning of the Process of Excellence in Sustainable Water Management in its operations. The Work was based on current standards and legislation and on Infinitytech's experience in management and operational supervision of similar projects. In addition to the creation of the Água de Valor Program, specific training was carried out for Operational Managers who work in the GAZIT group's shopping mall network.
It brought important operational guidelines for the operation and maintenance of the project, aiming to increase the company's resilience in relation to water management, minimizing risks and liabilities, promoting planning, efficient and safe use of this resource in its shopping centers.
This Água de Valor Program marks the beginning of the Gazit group's Process of Excellence in Sustainable Water Management.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.