Carbon Credit
Usina São Luiz S.A. invests in process improvements and technology to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. We have been Renovabio certified (National Biofuels Policy) since 2018, and through this, we generate carbon credits.
Wildlife Monitoring
Fauna can be defined as the set of animal species that inhabit a specific region. It is one of the biotic components of the ecosystem that best reflects environmental integrity, acting as a "thermometer" of environmental conditions.
The faunistic study of the São Luiz S.A. plant began in 2002 by professionals from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Prof. Dr. Wesley Rodrigues Silva and biologists Paulo Roberto Manzani and Dr. Cristiane Patrícia Zaniratto. In the latest monitoring, 187 different species were mapped, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
These results reaffirm the importance of restoring ecological corridors - vegetation belts that connect fragmented forest areas or separated conservation units. The primary goal of these corridors is to enable wildlife movement between isolated areas, ensuring genetic exchange among species.
Wildfires
Usina São Luiz S.A. harvests green (unburned) cane across approximately 100% of its area. Since 2010, the practice of burning sugarcane straw prior to harvest has been discontinued, emphasizing that the deadline for phasing out the use of fire in sugarcane fields sets the year 2021 for non-mechanized areas. With the signing of the protocol, the signatories committed to advancing this commitment, opting to eliminate controlled fires by 2014 at the latest.
Biological Control
Several insect species cause economic damage to rural producers and, for this reason, are considered pests. To reduce these damages in a technically correct, economically viable, and environmentally safe manner, the implementation of an integrated pest management program was necessary.
The São Luiz S.A. plant has had an entomological laboratory since 1981 for the production of Cotesia flavipes, and a biofactory since 2006 for the production of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana.
Biological control is considered by USL to be an important alternative for pest management in sustainable agricultural systems, as it constitutes a natural process of regulating the number of individuals in the pest population through the action of biotic mortality agents. The main advantages of biological control include the protection of biodiversity, lower risk of affecting non-target organisms, and leaving no toxic residues in food, water, and soil.
Water Use
We operate a closed-loop water system, optimizing water use and minimizing consumption throughout our production processes - including sugar and ethanol manufacturing and power generation. In addition, we develop awareness campaigns for the rational use of water, involving all company employees.
Waste Management – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
The 3R Program started in 2009 with the objective of developing a solid waste management plan. Several actions have been implemented and continue to take place to minimize the impact generated by these wastes:
- Christmas crafts with recyclable materials;
- Return of used light bulbs for recycling;
- Collection of batteries for proper disposal;
- Removal of bags from dry waste bins in the offices;
- Intensification of awareness through the “Trash in the trash” program.
Click here to access our Management and Sustainability Policy