The 7th National Workshop on GreenMetric in Brazil was held on June 8 and 9, 2024, hosted by the prestigious University of São Paulo (USP). This significant event brought together a diverse group of academics, researchers, and professionals dedicated to advancing sustainability within higher education institutions. The primary focus was on Brazil's participation in the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, with an emphasis on environmental management, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
The workshop began with technical visits at the University of São Paulo. The first visit, guided by Prof. Ildo Sauer, focused on the biogas digester and included an informative lecture on solid waste management. This session highlighted innovative approaches to converting waste into renewable energy, offering practical insights into sustainable waste management practices.
The official workshop opening featured a warm welcome from Prof. Patrícia Iglesias, who emphasized the workshop's significance in promoting sustainability. She provided an overview of the University of São Paulo's best practices in achieving sustainability, setting an inspiring tone for the event. The first lecture of the evening, delivered by Roberto Zilles, focused on photovoltaic systems in the USP. This session offered a comprehensive overview of solar energy technologies and their applications in creating sustainable energy solutions. Following this, Prof. Suani Coelho explored the production of hydrogen from ethanol. Her lecture delved into hydrogen's potential as a clean energy source of the USP and its implications for the future of sustainable energy. The evening concluded with a lecture on carbon inventory by Prof. Sérgio Pacca. He emphasized the critical role of carbon accounting in mitigating climate change and highlighted methods for accurately tracking and reducing carbon emissions in USP, he explained that the USP's objectives are to establish a viable, comprehensive GHG inventory system for USP, assess challenges, promote solutions for annual reporting, and experiment with different methods to ensure effectiveness.
The final lecture of the day was given by Prof. Riri Fitri Sari, who provided an in-depth analysis of the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking. She discussed the criteria used in the ranking, its global impact, and the pivotal role of universities in driving sustainability initiatives. The day’s sessions concluded with an event closure led by Prof. Patrícia Iglesias, who summarized the key points discussed throughout the day and outlined the agenda for the following day. The evening ended with a closing dinner, providing an additional opportunity for participants to network and exchange ideas in a more informal setting.
On June 9, the workshop featured a visit to the Ipiranga Museum. This visit aimed to provide attendees with a rich cultural experience, highlighting Brazil's illustrious history and heritage. The museum visit served as a reminder of the importance of cultural context in understanding and addressing sustainability challenges.
The 7th National Workshop on GreenMetric in Brazil was a resounding success, bringing together experts and enthusiasts in the field of sustainability. Through a well-curated combination of lectures, technical visits, and cultural experiences, the event underscored the crucial role of universities in promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The insights and knowledge shared during the workshop are expected to inspire further advancements in sustainability practices within Brazilian higher education institutions. This workshop not only highlighted current achievements but also set a forward-looking agenda for continued progress in sustainability.
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