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InnovationYear 2 Number 15 | July 2, 2007A way of lifeBy Antonio Zárate
There are still 11 million people in Mexico who do not have access to potable water and sanitation services. There are those who think that ensuring a water supply for 100 percent of the population is a never-ending race because of the country's demographic growth. In fact, supplying potable water to a community is a real challenge, but it is not an impossible mission. The important factor is to work based on sustainability criteria and take advantage of the contributions from the governments, the private sector, and the universities, in order to produce long-term solutions. This is precisely what the Water Institute of Nuevo Leon (IANL) does. It is an organism that has been operating since 2004 with the purpose of integrating and promoting research, technological development, and training activities among the various players related to water issues. Nuevo Leon is on the leading-edge concerning the use and management of this resource. In fact, the potable water supply coverage is 100 percent in urban zones. However, the index is around 70 percent for rural communities, which means there is an area of opportunity that needs to be addressed. The situation is similar regarding water treatment. In the metropolitan area, 100 percent of waste water is treated through four plants with joint capacity of 8,950 liters per second, but the index goes down to 85 percent if we consider Nuevo Leon's 51 municipalities. Using traditional water supply and sanitation systems in small, isolated communities is not cost-effective. Therefore, it is important to continue developing innovative technological solutions based on the needs and life conditions in rural populations. The IANL works together with universities and companies to develop alternate, low-cost, and easy-to-operate systems to improve the water quality of a given population, which will result in a better quality of life.
WATER INSTITUTE OF NUEVO LEON (IANL)It Makes the Triple Helix Concept Its OwnTogether with the universities and private companies, the IANL develops projects to improve and expand the potable water and sanitation services in Nuevo Leon.The Water Institute of Nuevo Leon (IANL) is constantly participating in the development of innovative technological solutions to ensure the supply of potable water to all of the State's communities. "Ever since the creation of the Institute, we made the triple helix concept ours, because we work together with universities and the private sector to carry out research projects on water supply and sanitation," explained Belzahet Treviño-Arjona, General Director of this organism. The coverage of the potable water network in Nuevo Leon's urban zones is 100 percent, but in rural communities it is only 70 percent. "We are working on the innovative solutions required to serve the remaining 30 percent," said the executive.
He clarified that the Institute's role is not to duplicate what academic institutions and companies are doing. "We are not interested in competing, but in complementing. This is why we have coordinators in the areas of research, technological development, and links. They interact with researchers from the universities and companies to carry out the projects that the IANL has classified as a priority for the State," he expressed. The IANL, which was created in 2004 to operate independently from the Water and Drainage Services of Monterrey, will begin its operations at the Research and Technological Innovation Park (PIIT) by the end of this year. "The building itself should be finished by August, but the five laboratories will not be fully equipped until December," indicated Treviño-Arjona. The laboratories will be linked to the UANL, Monterrey Tech, and UDEM, without ruling out the coparticipation of other interested institutions. "All decisions related to equipping will be made together, since the resources will be provided by the State Government and the participating universities," explained the executive. The IANL is a very small organism, operating with a total of 12 people. Nevertheless, it will have a 3-story building to house researchers along with undergraduate and graduate students who will participate in the projects. In addition, the Institute will have a training area for 90 people, tripling the capacity of its current building.
Belzahet Treviño Arjona "This will allow us to expand the training service we offer to the whole country, since employees from operating organisms in other states come to us," stated Treviño-Arjona. The IANL's new facilities represent an investment of 80 million pesos, including equipping. These resources will be provided by the Nuevo Leon State Government, Water and Drainage Services of Monterrey, the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt), universities, and private companies. The executive pointed out that Water and Drainage Services of Monterrey has played a prominent leadership role in Mexico and Latin America throughout the last decade. In fact, the Services are ranked as one of the two most efficient operators in the continent. In order to maintain our vanguard position, we need to invest in research and development. The priority is to identify and create systems that will supply potable water and sanitation services to rural populations," he explained. He added that using traditional water supply systems in very small communities is not cost efficient. Alternative, easy-to-operate, and low-cost systems are required, regarding both investment and maintenance. "The IANL identifies these needs in Nuevo Leon, and works in coordination with universities and companies to carry out projects that will solve this lack," stated Treviño-Arjona. The PIIT has a Self-sustaining Water SystemThe Water Institute of Nuevo Leon (IANL) is responsible for managing the PIIT's water network. "The hydraulic design consists of rainwater collection and recycling systems for the park to be self-sustaining regarding water supply," stated Belzahet Treviño-Arjona, the Institute's General Director. This implied the installation of six hydraulic networks. Three are for rainwater, grey water and waste water; the other three correspond to potable water, treated grey water, and treated waste water. The treatment capacity, currently one liter per second, will gradually increase, as a function of the park's population, until it reaches three or five liters per second. Treviño-Arjona explained that rainwater is collected from all the roofs and then channeled through pipes. In contrast, rainwater from the streets will be directed to a lake located inside the PIIT. The water stored in this reservoir will be combined with treated grey and waste water.
NEURONS IN ACTIONThree expert visions for a unique projectThe Research and Technology Innovation Park (PIIT) is an architectural complex that enriches the urban fabric and reflects Monterrey's transition to mindfacturing. In a building such as this, attention must be paid to the smallest detail. This is why we have the support of Bernardo Lira-Gomez, Juan Carlos Perez-Gonzalez, and Fernando Lopez-Martinez, three architects with ample experience who are responsible for the approval of the projects for all the facilities that will be built in the park. These city-planning experts form the Architectural Technical Committee, an honorary organism formed in 2006 to provide consultancy services to the PIIT. Besides offering recommendations to improve the projects' functionality and aesthetics, the committee verifies that the "Design and Construction Guidelines" are complied with at a level of excellence. It is a pleasure for us to be part of this project because of its strategic role in Nuevo Leon's development. Additionally, we have the opportunity to learn since we are in contact with top-of-the-line researchers," expressed Perez-Gonzalez. He added that the committee's first recommendation was to develop a project of landscaping the area following the profile of the infrastructure and creating a pleasant and harmonious ambience, fostering interaction and fellowship. Lopez-Martinez pointed out that an urban understanding must be offered at the PIIT. An integrated architectural language must be perceived, without losing the individuality of each project.
"The park must function as a campus, where knowledge is the key factor. It must reflect Monterrey's new vision. It is a promise," he commented. "There are aspects that can only be seen in world-class projects such as this one," stated Lira-Gomez. Regarding style, contemporary designs must be used in all constructions. Ordinary or colonial designs are not acceptable. "Other examples are the parking lots, which must be located at the back of the buildings. And the fifth façade, which is the roof, cannot have any visible equipment. All this is for the purpose of protecting the complex's aesthetics, especially because of its proximity to the airport," explained Lira-Gomez. All of the PIIT's tenants have made the commitment to present projects that include at least one tree for every four parking spaces. The committee meets every time a project is submitted for review. Some projects require several sessions to verify the modifications proposed by the consultant architects. "The best part of all," said Perez-Gonzalez, "is that results will be seen in the near future."
FUTURE EVENTS JULY 2-4 JULY 2-6 JULY 2-SEPT. 7 JULY 23 July 26-27
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© Copyright Nuevo Leon State Government. The logo and the name “Monterrey, International City of Knowledge” are registered trademarks with the Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property. | ||||||||
Fernando López Martínez, Bernardo Lira Gómez and Juan Carlos Pérez González.
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