The Elecnor Foundation is awarded the most prestigious CSR prize for its H2OME module

At the 6th Co-Responsibility Awards for the most innovative and sustainable CSR initiatives in Spain and Latin America, the Elecnor Foundation won the absolute price in the Large Companies category for H2OME, the sustainable multifunctional module created by Elecnor Group as a versatile efficient supply of drinking water in developing countries.

Prizes were awarded at a ceremony attended by over 270 people at the CaixaForum Centre in Madrid on 22 September, hosted by journalist and TV presenter Mara Torres. There were almost 300 candidates, and finalists included Agbar, Bankinter, Bayer Hispania, Fundación Atresmedia, Fundación Eroski, Fundación Gas Natural Fenosa, Fundación Mapfre, Grupo Iberostar, La Caixa, L'Oréal España, Orange, Sanitas and Telefónica. 

The Co-Responsibility Awards are held to be Spain's most prestigious CSR prizes, and this year the scope was in fact extended to Latin America. Also among the finalists were Banco Guayaquil (Ecuador), Banco Itaú (Chile) and Banesco Banco Universal (Venezuela). 

Expressing his gratitude for the award, the Elecnor Foundation's Head of Projects Jorge Ballester singled out Elecnor's wish to help improve living conditions in the communities in which we operate, and announced new projects in Angola with H2OME. A video was also shown, to loud applause by those in attendance, demonstrating the spirit behind this initiative which brings drinking water to remote locations where access is difficult, or provides it in situations of crisis or health emergencies. 

What is H2OME?

H2OME is built using former shipping containers, which are recycled and used to build a mobile structure that can be transported and installed with ease at any location.

The system consists of a variable number of containers on 3 levels: a lower level containing a water purification unit which can produce 4,000 litres/hour of drinking water; an intermediate level, with an area for energy storage, control and automation of the system; and an upper level with a large multifunctional, open space for activities of benefit to the community. H2OME uses photovoltaic power to cover the project's energy requirements.