Introduction to Expo Guadalajara and its Sustainability Efforts
Guadalajara, Jalisco. Expo Guadalajara, a prominent trade fair venue in Mexico, has recently unveiled an innovative rainwater harvesting system as part of its sustainability strategy. According to José Andrés Orendáin De Obeso, the president of Expo Guadalajara, this initiative positions the venue as the first in the country to adopt a sustainable approach.
The Rainwater Harvesting System
This groundbreaking project, which required an investment of three million pesos, comprises four cisterns capable of storing 100,000 liters of rainwater. This volume corresponds to the average daily water consumption for operations at the trade fair venue, primarily used for irrigation, sanitary facilities, and services.
Orendáin De Obeso explained that the system collects, stores, treats, and distributes rainwater for use in their facilities. The collected water is filtered and potabilized to ensure its quality for general purposes, with a pumping system leading the water to the main cistern.
The entire process is managed through a technological platform that enables monitoring and control of water distribution.
Complementary Sustainability Initiatives
Beyond the water efficiency aspect, Expo Guadalajara’s sustainability strategy also encompasses an energy efficiency system, set to be announced in August. Moreover, a sustainability program targeting the entire value chain—organizing committees, stand erectors, and other suppliers—is under development.
“This is a step towards a more responsible meetings industry while simultaneously addressing the pressing challenges of today,” Orendáin De Obeso stated.
International Recognition
Mario Silva, Head of the Tapatio Municipal Presidency’s Executive Office, highlighted that Expo Guadalajara is becoming an “international reference” for climate crisis adaptation practices and a model of hydrological resilience.
Silva pointed out that the metropolitan area generates approximately 16 million tons of CO2 annually, with Guadalajara municipality contributing 4.1 million tons—two million of which are related to energy consumption.
“Expo setting an example within the conventions and business tourism industry by implementing such measures is highly relevant, as it demonstrates to other economic activities in the city that economic activity and environmental protection can coexist,” Silva added.
Flood-Prone Area
Patricia Martínez Barba, Director of the Area Metropolitan Planning and Development Institute (Imeplan), mentioned that two flood-prone areas near the trade fair venue have been identified in the Unique Flood Map created by Imeplan.
“Nonetheless, this project is part of our adaptation to the challenges we face in the city; every drop of rainwater captured is water that can be utilized…We cannot fight against climate change; we need to adapt,” Barba emphasized.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Expo Guadalajara’s rainwater harvesting system? This pioneering initiative positions Expo Guadalajara as the first trade fair venue in Mexico to adopt a sustainable approach, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility.
- How does the system work? The rainwater harvesting system collects, stores, treats, and distributes rainwater for use in the trade fair venue’s facilities. The collected water is filtered and potabilized, ensuring its quality for general purposes, with a pumping system leading the water to the main cistern.
- What other sustainability initiatives does Expo Guadalajara have? Alongside the rainwater harvesting system, Expo Guadalajara is developing an energy efficiency system and a sustainability program targeting the entire value chain, including organizing committees, stand erectors, and other suppliers.
- Why is Expo Guadalajara’s sustainability effort important? By implementing these measures, Expo Guadalajara sets an example for other economic activities in the city, proving that economic activity and environmental protection can coexist.
- What are the flood risks in the area surrounding Expo Guadalajara? According to Imeplan’s Unique Flood Map, there are two flood-prone areas near the trade fair venue. However, the rainwater harvesting system is part of the city’s adaptation to these challenges.
