Serragem Project

Project Summary.

In Brazil, making bricks requires 45,000 tons of wood per year, and this exploitation of wood is a major contributor to the deforestation of the Amazonian forest.

The Serragem project has developed a new biomass brick design with two factories located in the municipality of São Miguel do Guamá in Brazil.

Willing to reduce their impact on the environment, these companies have chosen to use biomass residues based on Açai seeds and sawdust, thus reducing pressure on the native forest and protecting biodiversity.

In addition, the project focuses on the social impact of these plants and the benefits they can provide to local communities.

Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7: Ensure access for all to reliable, sustainable & modern energy

The project uses approximately 2,166 tons of biomass residues per month to produce this energy which is a free and accessible resource without deforesting the Amazonian rainforest.

SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth

This project has a positive economic impact as jobs are created through the development of the ceramic factories. In addition, access to training and health care is improved within the companies.

SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

The project contributes to the fight against deforestation and to the protection of the Amazonian rainforest. Around 896,070 tCO2e are reduced thanks to this project.

The result

• Launched in 2007, the project has already reduced 577,290 tCO2 over its first 10 years of operation, and is expected to avoid an additional 318,780 tCO2 by 2027;
• 1,773 hectares forests are protected through the replacement of wood with renewable biomass;
• Waste is recycled in the production process and surplus donated to local entities;
• 220 employees working at the ceramic factories, 10% from excluded social groups;
• Specific rooms for employee training have been set up in the companies;
• Clay extraction areas are converted to fish tanks to grow and sell fish sustainably;
• Supports a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre;
• Donations to cover medical expenses of locals with severe illnesses;
• Supports a capoeira group with the aim of integrating children from vulnerable neighbourhoods with good grades.