International Day of Clean Air: The importance of energy improvement to overcome air pollution

Under the motto “Together for Clean Air” and promoted by the UN, the International Day of Clean Air was celebrated on September 7 with the aim of overcoming the damage caused by air pollution. In this way, the institution aims to emphasize the need to strengthen alliances, multiply investments, and share responsibility across all levels—public, private, and sectoral. In this regard, at Edison Next, we wanted to commemorate this significant day for society in general and for our industry in particular, as a strategic lever to lead change. According to the WHO, air pollution causes 7 million deaths per year. These figures indicate that poor air quality poses a challenge to our health, as harmful particles from pollution penetrate our lungs, causing a multitude of chronic respiratory diseases. In addition to being a challenge for our climate, since pollutants from poor air quality are responsible for global warming. Therefore, reducing it would bring immediate benefits for both health and the environment. In this context of climate emergency, at Edison Next we work to achieve the planned neutrality goals. Thus, to undertake this transformation and make the most of all opportunities, we lead solutions and promote initiatives ranging from the implementation of air purification technologies to the promotion of sustainable mobility. Among them, the following stand out:

• • Air purification technologies: These technologies, including those we implement at Edison Next, such as particle filtration systems, pollutant removal devices, and quality monitoring and control solutions, help eliminate pollutants and harmful particles from the air. By reducing the presence of both, the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems in people also decreases.

• • Renewable energies: As protagonists of the energy transition throughout the entire value chain, promoting renewable energies is part of our strategy to achieve an improvement in air quality. At the same time, we also promote the adoption of clean energy sources, such as solar, due to their ability to generate electricity sustainably and respectfully with the environment, without compromising the quality of life for future generations.

• • Sustainable mobility: Promoting sustainable means of transport such as bicycles, efficient public transport, and electric vehicles reduces the emission of polluting gases and particles into the atmosphere. As a result, this improves air quality in urban areas.

• • Technological innovation: Boosting technological innovation in the field of air quality is key. Technology contributes to the development of efficient and clean solutions in various industries. This includes the development of advanced sensors and monitoring systems to measure air quality in real time. Another of our objectives in this area is to promote the use of tools that incorporate artificial intelligence, data analysis, and solutions based on (IoT). All of these are essential for identifying improvement patterns and trends in air pollution.

• • Circular economy: Thanks to the circular economy, we promote the reuse and recycling of materials from waste. This reduces waste generation as well as the environmental pollution associated with improper disposal.

• • Energy efficiency: As with the promotion of renewable energies, energy efficiency is one of our fundamental pillars. That is why the company has worked on important photovoltaic projects such as those of Pascual, ABN Pipe Systems, the University of Córdoba, Iveco, Plastipack, and ICF, among others. Likewise, we work on the development and implementation of efficient lighting systems, as well as intelligent energy management solutions to optimize energy use in buildings and industrial processes.

Together, these measures are necessary to address such an important challenge as air quality. Therefore, visibility of this issue is essential, as well as a clear and stable regulatory framework that includes, among other things, awareness. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves all relevant actors. With all this, at Edison Next we design and offer solutions to our clients that contribute, among other things, to achieving the planned decarbonization goals, establishing a plan of tangible measures that adapt to their needs and with the most advanced technology.