• The certification delivered by Icontec recognizes the commitment of the Concession and the definition of a strategy that includes the development of a program for the management of GHG emissions and the compensation of residual emissions.

• The achievement of this certification is framed in the sustainability strategy of Odinsa Vías, majority shareholder of the project, which seeks to contribute to a healthy planet with actions for the mitigation, compensation and adaptation to climate change.

• In 2023 the Concession achieved the management of 100% of its emissions, corresponding to 1,619 tons of CO2e, with the reduction of 85% and the compensation of 15% of the residual emissions.

Medellín, May 22, 2024. The Concession Túnel Aburrá Oriente obtained the CN-CER-2024-75860 certification from Icontec, which accredits it as a Carbon Neutral organization for its commitment and the definition of a comprehensive climate policy that includes neutrality and the development of a program for the management of GHG emissions.

Four years ago, the Concession began the inventory of GHG emissions from the operation of the Oriente Tunnel and the Palmas, Santa Elena and Las Palmas dual carriageways, which led to the implementation of a strict emissions management plan for reduction and compensation; this was part of the first process audited by Icontec, which granted the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Verification Statement for 2023, the first step to obtain the certification. Subsequently, once the inventory was verified, a second audit was carried out which approved the emissions management plan, the climate policy and the declaration of neutrality, complying with the principles of transparency, relevance, reliability and accuracy required by Icontec. 

“This certification ratifies our commitment to climate action. In accordance with our higher purpose, our corporate objectives, guidelines and goals within the framework of the sustainability strategy, we will continue to focus our efforts on energy efficiency, sustainable practices, use of clean technologies, consumption of renewable energies, innovation and joint work with our stakeholders,” said Carlos Andrés Preciado, manager of Concesión Túnel Aburrá Oriente.

This certification is framed in the sustainability strategy of Odinsa Vías, majority partner of the project, called Our Common Journey; which highlights goals to contribute to the mitigation, compensation and adaptation to climate change such as: to reach the carbon neutrality of all its concessions by 2025 and to achieve the reduction of 68% of the scope 1 and 2 emissions (associated to the fuel and electric energy consumption) and 15% of scope 3 (generated by its value chain) by 2030. The latter is endorsed as a science-based target by the Science Best Targets Initiative.

Along these lines, the Concession has been working on its emissions management plan, which includes reduction strategies focused on mobility with lower emissions intensity, efficient driving, consumption of energy from renewable sources such as solar panels, energy efficiency in road lighting, and good practices in the management of refrigerant gases. The results also include: the REC energy consumption certificate to offset emissions generated by electricity consumption; the efficient operation of air conditioners to avoid emissions associated with refrigerant gas leaks; the modernization of street lighting on the roads with the replacement of 1,391 luminaires with LEDs, representing a 56% reduction in electricity consumption and the emission of 5 tons of CO2 per month; and the implementation of courses on climate change and adaptation to strengthen the capacities of the communities near the project.

In addition, the management plan includes strategies to offset 100% of the residual emissions through the selection and purchase of carbon credits in validated, verified and duly registered projects in accordance with the requirements of the standards, regulatory frameworks and their respective principles, with the following characteristics: projects to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and reforestation and afforestation.

Finally, it should be noted that the actions of the Aburrá Oriente Tunnel Concession are aligned with the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the global goal of avoiding a global temperature increase greater than 1.5°C by 2030 of the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) approved by the countries where it operates and the strategy of the Colombian Ministry of Environment “Colombia Carbon Neutral 2050”.

Concession Túnel Aburrá Oriente will remain committed, in this Common Journey, to promoting sustainable strategies for climate action, working continuously to achieve a low-carbon operation and contribute to a sustainable future for all.

For additional information contact:

Viviana Arroyave, Communications Director of Odinsa /varroyave@odinsa.com / 317 6469218

Eliana Villada, Communications Coordinator / evillada@odinsa.com / 3012505559