Riyadh: The National Water Company (NWC) is making strides in environmental sustainability and resource protection, showcasing its dedication to conserving water resources for the future of Saudi Arabia. Through various environmental initiatives, NWC is enhancing water use efficiency, promoting the circular economy, and restoring vegetation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
According to Saudi Press Agency, NWC has planted over 6.7 million native trees and treated more than 966.95 million cubic meters of wastewater, boosting water use efficiency and aiding vegetation restoration. The company's commitment extends beyond afforestation, as it aligns operations with national laws and regulations. Thirty operational sites, including 29 sewage treatment plants, have achieved certification under the International Environmental Management System standard ISO 14001.
NWC has also improved its environmental monitoring by training 60 internal auditors and 12 lead auditors, conducting specialized workshops, and issuing 137 environmental permits for its projects. In the circular economy domain, NWC recorded an 8% increase in treated wastewater volume, with a reuse rate of 21.8% across sectors like irrigation and industry. To ensure water quality, 237,151 microbiological and chemical tests were conducted by the company's laboratories.
In waste management and recycling, NWC handled 34,000 tons of nonhazardous waste and 29,000 tons of hazardous solid waste. Initiatives included licensing the first integrated engineered landfill in Jeddah and launching bioenergy projects from sludge at the Ajial and Heet plants, reducing carbon emissions and optimizing operational waste use.
NWC's afforestation efforts involve planting over 6.7 million native trees toward a 10 million target by 2030, across 150 sites in the Kingdom. The company plans to plant 15 million mangrove trees by 2030 along the coasts and implement programs to measure carbon sequestration rates using advanced technologies.
Buraidah Environmental Oasis has achieved international recognition by entering the Guinness World Records as the largest man-made oasis and attaining the first globally certified water and carbon footprints in the Middle East and Europe. It also supports biodiversity through wildlife reintroduction programs, such as releasing 15 addax antelopes.
These accomplishments highlight NWC's role in balancing operational growth with environmental conservation, adopting sustainable solutions to protect natural resources, enhance life quality, and support economic development.
