The work of the general interceptor collector of the Asón river, between the towns of Ampuero and Colindres (Cantabria), runs close to the riverbed and crosses areas where vegetation grows in abundance. In order to carry out construction work, the work area needs to be cleared, generating a large volume of plant waste that is not usually used.

Instead of managing the plant remains as waste, the aim of the work was to prevent their eventual disposal to landfill, reusing the plant remains as fuel, substrate or ornamental elements.

For this purpose, the logs with the largest diameter were distributed among the local population so that they could be used as fuel in kitchens and fireplaces. Furthermore, to manage the branches and shrub vegetation, firewood crushing equipment was used; the material resulting from the process was added to the biomass stockpiles that are used as substrate on the ground.

With the recycling of plant material, a triple objective was achieved: social, environmental and financial.

• From a social point of view, the reuse of the remains of trees, shrubs and herbs helped to strengthen ties with nearby communities and reduce the consumption of other types of fuel in the homes of neighbouring residents.
• From an environmental point of view, the organic substrate used as fertiliser improved the properties of the soil, both from a physical point of view, an increase in soil moisture, and from a biological point of view, contributing to diversification of the soil fauna that participates in the carbon cycle.
• In addition, reusing the plant remains prevented them being sent to landfill, with the consequent financial savings.

This case study shows that respect for the environment also contributes to strengthening social cohesion with people and communities in the areas in which FCC Construcción operates.