The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a pioneer in implementing the Zero Waste Management System in Spain

CÓRDOBA, SPAIN – [6 June 2025]

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, declared a WORLD HERITAGE SITE by UNESCO in 1984 and drawing more than 2.2 million visitors a year, has announced the start of the implementation of the Zero Waste Management System. This initiative positions the historic site — a melting pot of cultures over centuries, with its striking juxtaposition of architectural styles — as a benchmark in sustainable waste management and circular economy.

The Zero Waste Management System is a rigorous international framework, developed by Global Zero Waste, designed to optimise solid waste management by minimising generation and increasing recycling rates. This integral approach seeks to reduce the environmental impact of tourism operations, promoting circularity and resource efficiency. OCA Global, a renowned certification body, is responsible for auditing and validating compliance with the requirements set out in the International Standard for Zero Waste Management Systems.

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba's adoption of the Zero Waste Management System underlines its commitment to preserving not only its historic heritage but also the environment. For a monument receiving a flow of some 6,000 people a day, waste management is a significant challenge. This model offers a structured solution that will make it possible to:

• Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill: Through separation at source, composting and advanced recycling.
• Optimise the use of resources: Encouraging reuse and the purchase of more sustainable products.
• Improve image and reputation: Positioning the Mosque-Cathedral as a monument leading in sustainability, a commitment taken on by the Cathedral Chapter in its mission and values.
• Raise awareness among visitors and staff: Promoting a culture of responsible consumption and environmental respect.
• Generate operational efficiencies: Reducing the costs linked to waste management and disposal.

In the tourism sector, implementing a Zero Waste system has a particularly positive impact. It helps preserve the natural and cultural beauty of destinations, improves the visitor experience by guaranteeing healthier and cleaner surroundings, and strengthens the sector's resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, by taking this step, becomes a model for other historic sites and tourist attractions worldwide.

Sandra Pinzón, Founder and CEO of Global Zero Waste, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: "It is an honour to work with the Cathedral Chapter, responsible for the conservation and operation of a monument of global significance such as the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Its decision to adopt the Zero Waste Management System is not only a bold step towards sustainability, but a powerful message to the world about the importance of protecting our planet, even in the most emblematic settings of our history and culture. This commitment shows that sustainability and heritage preservation can go hand in hand, creating a more responsible future for everyone."

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba invites the community, its visitors and the media to follow the progress of this far-reaching initiative closely, reaffirming its role as custodian of heritage and pioneer in sustainability.

About the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba: The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is one of the most emblematic monuments in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With centuries of history, it is a symbol and melting pot of cultures, and of a unique juxtaposition of architectural styles, covering an area of 23,400 square metres and drawing more than 2.2 million visitors a year.

About Global Zero Waste: Global Zero Waste is a leading organisation in the development and implementation of standards and management systems for waste minimisation, promoting a circular economy worldwide.

About OCA Global: OCA Global is an international group specialising in inspection, certification, testing and consultancy, with a solid track record in auditing quality and sustainability management systems, Accredited Auditor of the Zero Waste Management System.

About INNOUNE GROUP SL: An accredited consultancy as implementer of the Zero Waste Management System and an expert in implementing quality management systems and in sustainability and circular economy.