West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is converting biosolids, which are by-products of the septage treatment process, into lightweight, cement-like materials called bio-bricks as substitute for ordinary hollow blocks.
Maynilad said it plans the production of an initial 372,000 bio-bricks from an ECO hub at the company’s CAMANA Water Reclamation Facility in Caloocan.
The first batch of bio-bricks will be used to build perimeter fences for its water and wastewater treatment plants and on so-called non-load bearing structures for various offices and facilities.
Maynilad has partnered with GA Nexuz Inc., a forerunner in sustainable and green technologies in its products and services, to manufacture bio-bricks.
Maynilad produces around 23,000 cubic meters of biosolids each year.
Prior to the decision to manufacture biosolids as construction materials from its waste by product, Maynilad used the material to produce either fertilizer or soil conditioner.
“Besides contributing to the reduction of our carbon footprint, this project also improves operational efficiency, as it will help manage costs for the hauling and disposal of biosolids. Ultimately, this proves that the sustainability measures we apply to our operations can translate to actual business gains,” said Roel Espiritu, Maynilad head of quality, sustainability and resiliency division.
Maynilad has actively implemented environmental and sustainability initiatives in line with its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2037. Among these are the construction of solar farms to run facilities at its La Mesa Compound, the gradual shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, the construction of New Water facilities converting wastewater to potable water and regular reforestation activities in vital watersheds, among others.
Maynilad is the country’s largest private water concessionaire in terms of customer base serving the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon as well as the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite Province.
