Capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and infusing it into water
In a significant stride towards combating climate change, companies and municipalities in Europe and Latin America are transforming the way water is produced, treated, bottled, and distributed. This silent revolution is making carbon-neutral water a reality, offering a tangible and everyday solution to the global crisis.
The path to carbon neutrality doesn't depend on a single technological innovation but on a systemic vision that encompasses everything from the energy that powers the plants to the type of bottle, the transport provider, the materials, and the waste. Galician company Cabreiroá has set an example by achieving climate neutrality of its facilities, operating with 100% renewable energies since 2021 and compensating its residual impact with reforestation projects in Brazil.
Similarly, Severn Trent's plant in the UK expects to capture 34,000 tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to 34,500 transatlantic flights. This is achieved through a process that produces biogas and biomethane, allowing installations to cover their energy needs and even feed excess energy back into the grid.
In the realm of technological innovation, the Swiss company Climeworks uses direct air capture technology to collect CO2 molecules from the atmosphere, which is used to carbonate the bottles of Valser water from Coca-Cola Hellenic. This approach, while still in its infancy, holds immense potential for the future of carbon-neutral water.
Companies, municipalities, and technological firms are also exploring new energy models, becoming net generators. For instance, many plants are adopting anaerobic sludge digestion, a process that generates energy while treating wastewater. Self-sufficient treatment plants, like those run by Aquaservice, generate their own energy, further reducing carbon emissions.
In Europe, efforts to decarbonize urban infrastructure are aligned with broader climate policies such as the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and national commitments to reduce emissions by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. Sustainable concrete technologies that enhance durability and use CO₂ biomineralization can extend infrastructure life and reduce emissions associated with concrete production in water systems.
Latin American actions focus strongly on protecting water ecosystems from high-impact extractive industries, such as lithium mining, which threaten local water cycles. Legal and regulatory frameworks, strengthening environmental justice for Indigenous and local communities, and managing water as a strategic resource are central to decarbonizing efforts.
Water can be a gateway for millions of consumers to understand how climate neutrality can be integrated into their daily lives without complications or sacrifices. Making water carbon neutral sends a clear message that if the most essential can be decarbonized, so can the rest. As more companies and municipalities adopt these practices, carbon-neutral water may become the norm, offering a promising future for a more sustainable planet.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle, choosing carbon-neutral water is one tangible solution to contribute towards fighting climate change.
- The transformation in the water production and distribution sector also influences the food-and-drink industry, as companies strive for carbon neutrality.
- Environments that promote fitness-and-exercise often encourage the use of reusable water bottles, reducing carbon emissions from plastic waste.
- In environmental-science and technology, innovative methods like direct air capture technology can neutralize CO2 emissions from the atmosphere, benefiting both the environment and the food-and-drink sector.
- During shopping, consumers can make empowered choices by supporting companies and municipalities that prioritize sustainability and carbon-neutral practices in their water production and distribution.
