Etanol Mais Verde Protocol

Intention Protocol that grants continuity to the Etanol Verde Protocol (2007-2017) with the objective of consolidating sustainable development initiatives of Sugar and Ethanol Industry and directing actions to overcome challenges brought about by the mechanization of sugarcane harvest. Celebrated in 2017, the protocol is effective for 60 months, extendable for an equal period. Based on the establishment of a dialog channel with the Sugar and Ethanol Industry, the Etanol Mais Verde Protocol was a historic landmark as a partnership initiative for sustainability with a productive sector based on ecological-economic zoning (ZEE/SP).

Results of the Etanol Mais Verde Protocol Commitment to sustainability:

2.4 - By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. Biological control widely used by signatories for controlling sugarcane pests and improving good practices in the use of pesticides; Social actions: over 500,000 people benefited by social and environmental actions of the signatories in their surrounding community;

6.4 - By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity. Water economy: 46% reduction in water consumption, reaching an average level of 0.82 m3/ton of crushed cane.

7.B - By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services. Power cogeneration: 1,743,000 GWh produced and 997,000 HWh exported to the electrical distribution network in the 20/21 Harvest.

8.4 - Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead. Signatories: 117 Plants (84% of the units operating in the State) and 13 Associations of sugarcane suppliers, which represents more than 5,120 suppliers (50% of São Paulo’s sugarcane suppliers). Production participation: 91% of the sugarcane processed in the State of São Paulo and 43% of the national ethanol production.

4.4 million hectares committed to good agri-environmental practices. 13.2 - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. Reduction of greenhouse gases emissions: the elimination of sugarcane burning has prevented the emission of over 11.8 million tons of CO2 and 71 million tons of air pollutants (carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons) since the beginning of the Protocol.

Preventing and fighting forest fires: 90% of signatories participate in regional structures to prevent and fight forest fires, such as the PAM/RINEM. Over 1,860 water trucks and 11,700 firefighters make up the force for preventing and fighting forest fires.

Restoration of native vegetation: 132,285 ha of riparian areas, 7,315 declared springs; over 46.7 million native saplings planted since the beginning of the Protocol. 15.2 - Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.