G.L Ingenieros receives global award for sustainable leadership
A plant that turns peels into energy and cuts harmful gas emissions by 27%?
This is how a Colombian company is redefining industrial sustainability.
A facility in Colombia that feeds 70,000 people annually and produces zero solid waste is now a global model of sustainability, thanks to the innovation of G.L Ingenieros S.A.
The company was named one of seven global winners of the 2025 Sustainability Impact Awards, granted by Schneider Electric.
Global Recognition for Outstanding Impact
The award was presented to organizations from India, Japan, Egypt, Germany, the United States, and Colombia, in recognition of their leadership in sustainability, digitalization, and decarbonization.
In Colombia’s case, the recipient was G.L Ingenieros S.A., honored for a project that has revolutionized the energy and environmental performance of an industrial food processing plant.
Emission Reductions and Clean Energy
This initiative, which currently supports the production of over 13,000 tons of food per year, enabled up to a 27% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and transport operations, driven by smart energy management and the use of clean energy sources.
One of the key innovations was the implementation of a centralized energy management system capable of real-time monitoring and analysis of major resource consumption—such as water, gas, compressed air, steam, and electricity—along with combustion gas quality parameters.
These data points are integrated and managed via the Intely system, which generates key performance indicators (KPIs) and supports timely, data-driven decisions to reduce consumption and optimize production.
In terms of renewable energy use, the plant operates on 100% renewable electricity at the regional level.
This results in a savings of over 18,000 tons of CO₂—the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of approximately 3,000 households. Additionally, photovoltaic solar panels have been installed across 14 regional facilities, including the one in Colombia.
Together, these generate more than 9 GWh annually—enough to power roughly 4,500 homes.
Circular Economy and Biogas
The plant has also become a model of circular economy practices. It features advanced water treatment systems that allow for resource recirculation and support the goal of zero solid waste.
Moreover, biogas generation systems have been implemented using organic waste, such as potato and plantain peels, further reinforcing the company’s environmental commitment.
Javier Ortiz, CEO of Schneider Electric for the Andean Cluster, highlighted:
“Sustainability is a shared cause that demands collaborative action. Recognizing Grupo Lopera, alongside companies from India, Japan, Egypt, Germany, and the United States, underscores the power of collective action and local innovation. We are proud to support this long-standing company in its journey toward a cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready production model.”
With over three decades of experience, G.L Ingenieros S.A. has focused its work on industrial and energy solutions for sectors such as hydrocarbons, agribusiness, food and beverage, water, and port infrastructure.
The company helps its clients integrate efficiency with a long-term sustainable vision.
This international award also comes in a landmark year for Schneider Electric.
The company was named the world’s most sustainable company for the second consecutive year, according to the TIME and Statista ranking.
Through this recognition, Schneider Electric seeks to elevate and support those driving real change across industries and regions.
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