Innovation

ECAPRO specializes in public lighting networks, low-voltage and medium-voltage networks, solar photovoltaic installations, renewable energy integration, and energy efficiency consulting. Rather than positioning itself only as a technical service provider, ECAPRO aims to contribute to long-term community development by delivering infrastructure that is both efficient and environmentally responsible.

ECAPRO was founded with the goal of creating infrastructure that not only works efficiently but also supports people’s well-being and protects the environment. Unlike traditional engineering companies that mainly focus on construction outcomes, ECAPRO integrates sustainability principles into every stage of its projects. This includes the design phase to implementation and long-term maintenance. The company also involves local workers and communities, showing that infrastructure is not only about building physical systems but also about generating social impact and technical quality.

In 2019, ECAPRO officially began to integrate sustainability principles into its overall operational strategy. This included the introduction of energy efficiency standards, the adoption of eco-efficient materials, and the integration of renewable technologies into its projects. Several practical initiatives were implemented, including the replacement of traditional lighting fixtures with LED and intelligent lighting systems, using energy-efficient construction methods, conducting energy studies in public buildings, and supplying solar power to remote areas. These initiatives showed a shift where sustainability was no longer just an add-on, but became a key innovation strategy that truly shapes who the company is.

Inspiration

ECAPRO were inspired by environmental responsibility, encouraging ECAPRO to develop methods that enhance material application, reduce product waste and extend the service life of electrical and civil systems across their business. ECAPRO aim for every project to represent a balance between technology, efficiency and environmental care.

ECAPRO adopt sustainable initiatives to inspire expansions of their solar generation system across Ecuador, and expand solar powered lighting system nationwide. ECAPRO want to actively participate in geothermal energy development programs for clean power generation, reiterating their goal to contribute to clean energy consumption. 

Innovation was inspired collectively as a company, to drive change in the way ECAPRO provides its services to local communities, and the wider region. Promoting environmental responsibility for those around them, and demonstrating to other companies why action is required to tackle climate change. 

Overall impact

ECAPRO’s projects have generated measurable results that demonstrate their positive impact on both the environment and society. Energy-efficient systems such as smart LED systems have delivered energy savings of up to 45%, while initiatives in public buildings have resulted in an additional 15% reduction in energy consumption. Additionally, the use of durable, low-loss components has reduced maintenance expenses by as much as 30%, enhancing infrastructure more reliable in the long term. Clients also reported enhancements in public safety, better lighting quality, and greater satisfaction within the community. These outcomes highlight how ECAPRO’s projects effectively combine economic efficiency, environmental responsibility, and social value.

ECAPRO also highlighted that introducing sustainability initiatives to their production increased project costs by 8-10%, as a result of applying specialized materials and adjusting their technical systems. This provides an insight into the challenges businesses can encounter when improving their sustainability impact. Despite the increase in project costs, ECAPRO stated that in the medium term implementing sustainable initiatives has been financially and operationally beneficial for the business. Strengthening their competitiveness in the market and maintaining the company value long-term.

Business benefit

ECAPRO recognizes that engineering excellence must go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability. The benefits of implementing sustainable practices in their company, ECAPRO have identified methods to balance their profits and environmental responsibility.

ECAPRO states that they apply a three-pillar strategy to manage profitability and sustainability. One strategy is implementing lifecycle cost optimization in all designs, this ensures that ECAPRO remains efficient in the economy. Another effective strategy ECAPRO applies is environmental responsibility, ensuring that all materials are sourced from recycled properties, and promoting energy efficient equipment across their production line. The third strategy ECAPRO incorporates into the business is social inclusion, prioritizing local employment opportunities and developing local workers' skills. A prime example of this is ECAPRO employs and trains residents in basic electrical assembly and maintenance, ensuring residents can manage and sustain their own systems.

The strategies ECAPRO apply is beneficial for the business in terms of earning respect from local communities and demonstrating the benefits of introducing sustainable practices into company operations. How ECAPRO manages the company is inspiring, and it was pleasing to learn of the benefits the company has accomplished since introducing sustainable practices back in 2019. This demonstrates good leadership skills and the confidence to update company operations to limit the negative impact on the planet, while still being successfully operational.

Social and environmental benefit

ECAPRO promotes social inclusion by employing local workforce, prioritizing community wellbeing, and ensuring their operations benefit both people and the planet. This reflects ECAPRO’s commitment to social wellbeing and its role in fostering community innovation. As previously mentioned, ECAPRO hires and trains local workforce, providing opportunities to join the business and ensure that local communities are engaged with ECAPRO’s success in becoming environmentally responsible.

Interview

Marcelo Cuenca, Business Development Manager

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