IGS Brazil has shared the progress it made last year in its efforts to nurture and inspire greater sustainability practices in the industry.

Its Sustainability Committee, led by environmental engineer Emília M. Andrade, has played a key role in implementing practices that reinforce the Chapter’s commitment to environmental preservation, social inclusion, and climate responsibility.

During its events over 2024, including at IGS Brazil’s annual meeting ‘Geossintéticos em Pauta’, several initiatives were shared:

• Guidelines for promoting sustainability in events – specific recommendations developed to minimize environmental impacts and maximize the social benefits of events organized by IGS Brazil.
• Carbon footprint quantification and compensation – carbon emissions resulting from travel, energy consumption, and waste generation quantified and compensated through tree planting in agroforestry areas. These were traceable on event materials via a QR code showing the carbon offset initiatives supporting certification as a carbon neutral event.
• Sustainability Case Study competition – contest launched to showcase projects that use geosynthetics in sustainable solutions. Evaluation criteria included positive environmental and social impacts, as well as technical and economic efficiency. Entries are open until April, this year.
• Use of sustainable materials and female participation – during ‘Geossintéticos em Pauta‘, preference was given to biodegradable materials such as bamboo fiber cups and plates. Greater participation from women was also promoted, reinforcing the commitment to inclusion.
• Adaptation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) guidelines – in collaboration with the IGS, the Committee adapted the global guidelines to the Brazilian context, fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach in its activities.

Ms Andrade, who is also secretary general of IGS Brazil, said: “Our Sustainability Committee is committed to driving positive environmental and social impacts in our region as well as the industry as a whole. I hope our initiatives will stimulate discussion among our members and inspire fellow Chapters in their own sustainability and inclusion journeys.”

She added: “The Committee’s next steps are to finalize and share our sustainability guidelines, expand carbon offsetting practices, and monitor the results of our actions. I’d like to thank IGS Brazil, all members of the IGS Brazil Sustainability Committee, and our sponsors, for their dedication and commitment to advancing sustainable practices in our industry.”

Read more about IGS Brazil initiatives here.

Find more sustainability resources, including access to the IGS Sustainability Benefits Calculator, here.