SulGesso, which produces mineral fertilizers, has implemented a 75 kW solar photovoltaic (USF) plant, with an initial installed capacity of 119.78 kW at its plant located in Imbituba, on the Santa Catarina coast. In the first three weeks after its opening, on November 14, the system – consisting of 212 panels – produced clean, renewable energy, contributing to the reduction of 8.27 tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the equivalent of planting 453 trees.
The SulGesso initiative follows a global trend. According to recent data from the Brazilian Solar Photovoltaic Association (Absolar), Brazil will become the eighth largest generator of solar energy on the planet, in 2023, representing 14% of the national electrical matrix. There are about two million photovoltaic systems installed. One of the foundations of the national economy, agribusiness has followed this position.
The use of solar PV represents progress in the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, which are environmental, social and corporate governance sustainability standards. As Roger Russo, Director of ESG at SulGesso, explains, the new plant is an example of how the ESG concept can deliver benefits for businesses and society.
“Aligning economic interests with ethical and environmental values is an increasingly powerful trend in the current business scenario, which requires organizations to take a more responsible and transparent stance regarding their impact on the world,” he says. Initially the energy produced will be used to service the administrative building, and later the factory will also be included.
In addition to reducing dependence on the traditional electric grid and reducing the company’s electricity costs, the implementation of the photovoltaic power plant also has the effect of increasing the brand’s competitiveness and reputation, demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility, and attracts customers. Who value conscious consumption and conservation of natural resources. There is also an improvement in risk management, as it reduces the company’s exposure to potential changes in tariffs, power outages or environmental fines, ensuring greater operational safety and stability.
The ESG Director highlights that the benefits of the solar power plant are equally important to the environment and sustainability. “There is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming and climate change, as the system does not use fossil fuels or generate pollutants in its operation,” he explains. The director points out that the factory, since it does not require large areas for installation and does not consume water in the process of generating energy, contributes to preserving natural resources, such as water and soil, which are necessary for agricultural production. “What is happening is promoting sustainable development, which seeks to reconcile economic growth, environmental protection and social justice, as the photovoltaic power plant generates local employment opportunities, values regional culture and contributes to improving the quality of life of communities,” Rousseau adds. .
Company
With 45 years of experience on the market – of which 23 years in agribusiness – SulGesso is a successful case of a circular economy, and one of the production models proposed by the ESG model. Its product line, such as granulated calcium sulphate or iron ore, exists as a result of industrial co-products produced by Indústria Carboquímica Catarinense (ICC), a carbochemical company that was closed in the 1990s. Through a technological process that requires many years of research, it is converted into a mineral fertilizer that is used to improve soil quality and expand agricultural production throughout the country.
“In addition to processing the materials and returning them to the market in a useful way, these co-products are extracted from the urban landscape of the municipality, in a real cleaning process. “We generate jobs, wealth and income and we also increase rural productivity,” highlights the company’s CEO, Isabella Ferreira. Rousseau.
Currently, SulGesso is a holding company with business units in the agricultural division (MaxiSolo), commodity division (SulGesso Agro), real estate sector (Park Lage) and is starting its operations in a new field of activity, in the port operations sector (BLP – Brazilian Port Logistics). It has a team of 140 employees and was recently awarded the Innovation Award in Social and Environmental Impact from the Foundation for the Support of Research and Innovation of the State of Santa Catarina (FAPESC).
Another important honor is the ESG Award from the Association of Sales and Marketing Directors of Santa Catarina (ADVB/SC) in the Environment category, for two consecutive years (2021/22), with the status of “Butea catarinensis – care and germination of this plant”. Beautiful heritage.”
