Ecopetrol and Neture Impact have developed EcoBlocks, an innovative solution that turns the waste from the Barrancabermeja refinery into bricks initially intended for internal construction projects, with the possibility of using them later for infrastructure in social initiatives.
The initiative provides a circular outlet for the solid material produced by the refinery’s water filtration process. These residues are processed to manufacture bricks without firing, eliminating the need for traditional kilns. This approach avoids carbon emissions and reduces the consumption of fossil resources compared to conventional building methods.
Separately, according to Neture Impact’s studies, the project represents a significant opportunity to dedicate EcoBlocks to the development of social projects.
According to Gladys Monsalve, head of the Integrated Management Department of Operational Risk at the Barrancabermeja refinery, “Our objective is to technically improve the EcoBlocks manufacturing process to take it to other industries across the country, in order to make use of construction waste and sludge, and thus confirm our commitment to sustainability.”
Xavier Vallés, Neture Impact’s chief executive, notes, “EcoBlocks show how creativity and innovation can drive real solutions to the major environmental challenges of this century. This project turns waste management into a strategic lever for moving toward more circular production models, contributing to the achievement of decarbonization goals and placing people and the land at the center of the business.”
Finally, Leonardo Rincón, group creative director and head of art at VML Health, comments on the project’s creativity: “The bricks have been designed with three motifs inspired by Colombian pre-Hispanic art that symbolize our responsibility to the ecosystem: the spiral as a representation of nature; the frog as a symbol of renewal; and the hands, which represent people. Although this is a project that goes beyond aesthetics, we have attended to every detail of production to convey a message to future generations.”
