CHAPTER 3 We advance in sustainable performance

82

DISCHARGE MANAGEMENT

REDUCTION IN WATER WITHDRAWAL

Discharges are controlled based on the environmental authorisations for each facility, applicable legislation, Best Available Tech- niques (BAT) and the company's guidelines. The quantity of discharges is monitored by direct metering, while quality is controlled through periodic sampling and parameter analysis, as defined for each facility.

We implement the best techniques to integrate water saving, reuse and recycling initiatives into our production processes. Before designing a new project or extending our facilities, we consider the responsible use of water and implement the following measures, among others:

· Water use efficiency. · Maximising process water reuse. · Purifying water for recycling. · Treating water that cannot be reused or recycled to suit the receiving environment.

The basic engineering for water reuse, improved segregation and rainwater management at the Gibraltar-San Roque Refinery (Spain) was among the most notable measures taken to reduce water withdrawal in 2021.

WATER DISCHARGES BY DESTINATION

ANEXO 4.6.3. Water

management

63%

3%

34%

Third-party water

Surface water

Groundwater

Seawater