Material topic Climate change

Browse through indicators

GRI 3-3 Management of material topic – climate change

Climate change is a material topic for Bracell’s sustainability management, encompassing planning, policies and actions for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, operating in a low-carbon economy and adapting to a world with higher average global temperatures (see GRI 201-2 for related risks and opportunities).

Bracell’s Sustainability Steering Committee is responsible for making decisions regarding climate business and initiatives and presenting the company’s overall strategic planning for the short, medium, and long term in this area. Bracell is advancing its climate journey by creating a corporate GHG inventory and environmental targets and planning actions for its operations, all integral to the Bracell 2030 commitment and goals.

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Climate Action targets:

75% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of product

25 MtCO2e removed from the atmosphere between 2020 and 2030

Our 2030 climate goals were developed based on an analysis of the risks and impacts – both positive and negative – that Bracell’s operations have on climate change. Our operations emit scope 1, 2, and 3 GHGs, but also capture CO2 from the atmosphere by growing and preserving forest areas managed by Bracell, including planted eucalyptus forests and native forests set aside for conservation.

We will begin monitoring the progress of our 2030 climate goals in 2024 and report the progress in our Sustainability Report.  Bracell also carries out operational practices that positively impact the climate agenda.  The key initiatives include:

Climate action

Self-sufficient generation capacity – we have on-site generation capacity for the full electricity requirement of our two flexible lines in Lençóis Paulista, São Paulo. We also produce a surplus of 150-180 MW which we feed back into the grid, enough to supply power to a city of 3 million people or 750,000 homes.
Transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels – At our Lençóis Paulista site, we use biomass from sustainably managed forests to produce syngas in biomass gasifiers. This renewable energy source is fed to our lime kilns as replacement of traditional fossil fuels.
Oil-to-natural gas retrofit – using advanced engineering and technology, we have initiated a project to replace oil with natural gas in the oldest production line at our Lençóis Paulista site.
Electric forklifts and trucks – our operations are deploying electric forklifts running on renewable electricity produced on-site in Lençóis Paulista. In addition, we are expanding our fleet of electric trucks—the first electric heavy-haul vehicles (40+ tons) to be deployed in this type of operation—to further reduce GHG emissions.
Ongoing climate-focused improvements – our dedicated continuous improvement team employs agile methodologies (Kaizen) to drive climate-related projects. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a key focus of our current Kaizen initiatives. We also participate in decarbonization forums to explore and deploy new technologies and best practices across the company.
Research on carbon and water flux in eucalyptus plantations – as part of the Eucflux-IPEF Cooperative Program, we conduct research on carbon and water flux in eucalyptus plantations in Brazil.  This research is enhancing our understanding of these processes in a Bracell-managed eucalyptus plantation in Itatinga, São Paulo, where we have set up a flux tower equipped with advanced monitoring technology.
Investment in carbon and water flux towers – in line with our Bracell 2030 commitments, we are installing five additional monitoring towers in both eucalyptus plantations and native forests across São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Bahia.
Participation in the CEBDS Net Zero Platform– we are actively involved in the CEBDS program to accelerate climate action within the corporate sector.
GHG Protocol – our greenhouse gas emissions inventories are published on the Brazilian GHG Protocol Public Emissions Registry platform.
External verification of GHG Inventories – our greenhouse gas emissions inventories, covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3, undergo external audits and verification.

GHG Inventory reporting

In 2023, Bracell garnered important accolades for its sustainability performance:

GHG Protocol Gold reporting status: this distinction is awarded to organizations that demonstrate high levels of accuracy and transparency in their greenhouse gas inventory submissions to the Brazilian GHG Protocol. Program’s Public Emissions Register (RPE). Bracell is a member of the PBGHG (Brazilian GHG Protocol Program) and discloses the company GHG Inventory data in the Public Emissions Registry. The PBGHG aims to promote the recognition of participating organizations for the voluntary transparency initiative, among stakeholders who are increasingly attentive to corporate socio-environmental responsibility.

Learn more at About Bracell.

 

Forestry R&D, risk management and climate change impacts

Our forest research and development department operates in two strategic areas that strengthen the management of climate change risks and impacts, which could jeopardize business and operational continuity.

Classical genetic improvement

Through classical genetic improvement, we develop non-genetically modified clones, aiming to sustain and expand the productivity of our planted eucalyptus forests and make our nurseries more efficient in seedling production.

Clones are developed to improve the IMA (average annual increment), which are measured in cubic meters of wood per hectare per year.

Forestry research

This entails the studying of soil, nutrition and protection of forests. The production of natural enemies to combat plant pests and diseases is an example of our work here.

Forest R&D initiatives focused on mitigating climate change risks and impacts

Biological control using natural enemies We employ biological control as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, significantly reducing N2O emissions. In 2023, we produced 65 million natural enemies.
Climate zoning studies We continuously conduct climate zoning studies using historical climate data such as precipitation, temperature, and latitude. This analysis helps us identify optimal areas for eucalyptus planting and make climate region-specific technical recommendations, including clone allocation and fertilization strategies.
Carbon balance We updated our carbon balance estimation database.  This information was used to develop our 2030 carbon removal goal.  The carbon removal estimation study was conducted by the Forestry R&D department in conjunction with Forest Planning and Sustainability (see about our carbon balance in GRI disclosure 305).

Carbon and water flux monitoring

As part of our Bracell 2030 goals, we are installing five flux monitoring towers in eucalyptus plantations and native forests. Three towers will be installed in the short term—one in São Paulo and two in Bahia.

Through our Forestry R&D department, we are actively participating in the Eucflux-IPEF Cooperative Program, which monitors these environmental phenomena. One of these flux towers is located in a Bracell eucalyptus plantation in Itatinga, São Paulo. The program, led by the Brazilian Institute for Forest Research and Studies (IPEF) and Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), was launched in 2007. It includes various affiliated companies in the pulp sector, including Bracell, and academic institutions such as the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), and the University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP).

Clean-energy logistics

In 2023, we conducted tests with electric trucks to transport pulp from our mill in Lençóis Paulista (SP) to the Intermodal Terminal in Pederneiras (SP). This initiative is unprecedented in Brazil for heavy vehicles weighing over 40 tons and will ease GHG emissions from this operation.

At the Port of Santos in São Paulo, we also made investments to intensify the use of renewable energy in our energy matrix.  The new Bracell terminal features electric gantry cranes – used for moving large loads. They are not powered by fossil fuels and have a static capacity of 126,000 tons, representing about half of the volume produced in São Paulo state in a month.

GRI 201-2 Financial implications and other risks and opportunities due to climate change

Bracell climate-change risks include those directly linked to our activities, such as those associated with climate patterns – physical risks like rising temperatures, lower water availability due to lower rainfall levels and extreme weather events that impact Bracell’s operations.  Regulatory risks, such as the enactment of legislation, technical standards and other regulatory norms that may affect the business, are also considered.

Due to confidentiality reasons, Bracell does not disclose financial information regarding the calculation of financial costs involved or projections of revenue for mitigating these risks.

GRI 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

Bracell’s Greenhouse Gas Inventories follow guidance provided in the latest edition of ISO 14.064, the GHG Protocol, and the quantification methodologies published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Inventories are conducted at the corporate level, covering our production sites in São Paulo and Bahia and forestry operations in São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bahia, and Sergipe.

Emissions (tCO2e)

2021

2022

2023

Scope 1 365,172.00 614,673.00 597,454.00

Carbon Balance

Bracell’s carbon balance totaled 4,355,619 tCO2e in 2023. Of this total, 3,940,391 tCO2e were biogenic emissions related to Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), and specifically eucalyptus harvesting.

Despite a reduction in Stationary Combustion and Waste emissions, Scope 1 emissions increased by 3% due to expanded use of fertilizers and mobile combustion linked to forestry expansion.

Scope 1 emissions from land-use changes amounted to 4,432 tCO2e due to fires. Read more about our fire prevention and response practices under GRI 304-3.

In terms of Scope 2 emissions, our reported emissions from purchased electricity increased in the year due to the inclusion of water intake pumps at our São Paulo pulp mill in the inventory. In addition, in Bahia, Scope 2 emissions rose due to a strategy to purchase electricity at lower prices, reducing natural gas consumption in the power boiler.

With regard to Scope 3 data, the 17% increase in these emissions is mainly related to the Downstream category, due to the increase in the transportation of pulp for export and a revision in the scope of waste. As a result, part of the emissions previously classified in Scope 1 were transferred to Scope 3.

In 2023, Bracell removed -1,286,441 tCO2e from the atmosphere through protected areas hosting native forests.

CARBON BALANCE (tCO2e)

Emissions 2021 2022 2023
Total (S1 + S2 + S3) 636,549 1,555,114 1,701,669
Scope 1 365,172 614,673 597,454
Scope 2 35,283 5,258 9,611
Scope 3 236,094 935,183 1,094,603
Biogenic LULUCF emissions 0 3,793,831 3,940,391
Removals (tCO2e) -5,970,852 -1,309,842 -1,286,441
Balance -5,334,303 4,039,103 4,355,619

 

GRI 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

Bracell’s Greenhouse Gas Inventories follow guidance provided in the latest edition of ISO 14.064, the GHG Protocol, and the quantification methodologies published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Inventories are conducted at the corporate level, covering our production sites in São Paulo and Bahia and forestry operations in São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bahia, and Sergipe.

Emissions 

2021

2022

2023

Scope 2 35,283.00 5,258.00 9,611.00

Carbon Balance

Bracell’s carbon balance totaled 4,355,619 tCO2e in 2023. Of this total, 3,940,391 tCO2e were biogenic emissions related to Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), and specifically eucalyptus harvesting.

Regarding our Scope 1 emissions, we reduced total emissions by 3%, due to the reduction in stationary combustion and revision in the waste category. We had an increase in the fertilizer and mobile combustion categories, explained by forestry expansion.

Scope 1 emissions from land-use changes amounted to 4,432 tCO2e due to fires. Read more about our fire prevention and response practices under GRI 304-3.

In terms of Scope 2 emissions, our reported emissions from purchased electricity increased in the year due to the inclusion of water intake pumps at our São Paulo pulp mill in the inventory. In addition, in Bahia, Scope 2 emissions rose due to a strategy to purchase electricity at lower prices, reducing natural gas consumption in the power boiler.

With regard to Scope 3 data, the 17% increase in these emissions is mainly related to the Downstream category, due to the increase in the transportation of pulp for export and a revision in the scope of waste. As a result, part of the emissions previously classified in Scope 1 were transferred to Scope 3.

In 2023, Bracell removed -1,286,441 tCO2e from the atmosphere through protected areas hosting native forests.

CARBON BALANCE (tCO2e)

Emissions 2021 2022 2023
Total (S1 + S2 + S3) 636,549 1,555,114 1,701,669
Scope 1 365,172 614,673 597,454
Scope 2 35,283 5,258 9,611
Scope 3 236,094 935,183 1,094,603
Biogenic LULUCF emissions 0 3,793,831 3,940,391
Removals (tCO2e) -5,970,852 -1,309,842 -1,286,441
Balance -5,334,303 4,039,103 4,355,619

 

GRI 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

Bracell’s Greenhouse Gas Inventories follow guidance provided in the latest edition of ISO 14.064, the GHG Protocol, and the quantification methodologies published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Inventories are conducted at the corporate level, covering our production sites in São Paulo and Bahia and forestry operations in São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bahia, and Sergipe.

Emissions (tCO2e)

2021

2022

2023

Scope 3 236,094.00 935,183.00 1,094,603

Carbon Balance

Bracell’s carbon balance totaled 4,355,619 tCO2e in 2023. Of this total, 3,940,391 tCO2e were biogenic emissions related to Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF), and specifically eucalyptus harvesting.

Regarding our Scope 1 emissions, we reduced total emissions by 3%, due to the reduction in stationary combustion and revision in the waste category. We had an increase in the fertilizer and mobile combustion categories, explained by forestry expansion.

Scope 1 emissions from land-use changes amounted to 4,432 tCO2e due to fires. Read more about our fire prevention and response practices under GRI 304-3.

In terms of Scope 2 emissions, our reported emissions from purchased electricity increased in the year due to the inclusion of water intake pumps at our São Paulo pulp mill in the inventory. In addition, in Bahia, Scope 2 emissions rose due to a strategy to purchase electricity at lower prices, reducing natural gas consumption in the power boiler.

With regard to Scope 3 data, the 17% increase in these emissions is mainly related to the Downstream category, due to the increase in the transportation of pulp for export and a revision in the scope of waste. As a result, part of the emissions previously classified in Scope 1 were transferred to Scope 3.

In 2023, Bracell removed -1,286,441 tCO2e from the atmosphere through protected areas hosting native forests.

CARBON BALANCE (tCO2e)

Emissions 2021 2022 2023
Total (S1 + S2 + S3) 636,549 1,555,114 1,701,669
Scope 1 365,172 614,673 597,454
Scope 2 35,283 5,258 9,611
Scope 3 236,094 935,183 1,094,603
Biogenic LULUCF emissions 0 3,793,831 3,940,391
Removals (tCO2e) -5,970,852 -1,309,842 -1,286,441
Balance -5,334,303 4,039,103 4,355,619

 

305-4 GHG emissions intensity

In 2023, Bracell increased its scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions intensity by 6.0% compared to 2022 due to the expansion of our operations, especially increased pulp transportation for export (Downstream) as well as intensified agricultural activities and fertilizer use in our forest operations.

Emissions (tCO2e/t)

2021

2022

2023

Scope 1, 2 and 3 0.4932 0.4551 0.4822

Note: Bracell’s Greenhouse Gas Inventories follow guidance provided in the latest edition of ISO 14.064, the GHG Protocol, and the quantification methodologies published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Inventories are conducted at the corporate level, covering our production sites in São Paulo and Bahia and forestry operations in São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bahia, and Sergipe.

 

GRI 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

Bracell registered a 3% reduction in Scope 1 emissions which, in 2023, totaled 597,454 ton CO2e, explained by the reduction in stationary combustion and a revision in the waste category. In Scope 1, although our Stationary Combustion and Waste emissions decreased, we had an increase in the Fertilizer and Mobile Combustion categories due to forestry expansion.

RR-PP-110a.1: Gross global Scope 1 emissions

Bracell registered a 3% reduction in Scope 1 emissions which, in 2023, totaled 597,454 ton CO2e, explained by the reduction in stationary combustion and a revision in the waste category. In Scope 1, although our Stationary Combustion and Waste emissions decreased, we had an increase in the Fertilizer and Mobile Combustion categories due to forestry expansion.

RR-PP-110a.2: Discussion of long-term and short-term strategy or plan to manage Scope 1 emissions, emissions reduction targets, and an analysis of performance against those targets.

In 2023, we announced a set of long-term targets as part of our Bracell 2030 roadmap, including:

  • 75% reduction in carbon emissions per metric ton of product; and
  • 25 MtCO2e removed from the atmosphere between 2020 and 2030.

Read more in GRI 3-3 Management of the material topic Climate change.

RR-PP-120a.1: Air emissions for the following pollutants: (1) NOx (excluding N2O), (2) SO2, (3) volatile organic compounds (VOCs), (4) particulate matter (PM), and (5) hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)

Bracell began tracking its NOx, SO2, and particulate matter emissions in 2023, now reported due to their materiality.

SASB RR-PP-120a.1: Air emissions for the following pollutants

Material Site São Paulo Bahia Bracell
2021 2022 2023 2021 2022 2023 2021 2022 2023
NOx t NAv NAv 2847.74 NAv NAv 528.12 NAv NAv 528.12
SO2 t NAv NAv 139.89 NAv NAv 30.47 NAv NAv 30.47
VOCs t NA NA  NA NA NA  NA NA NA  NA
PM t NAv NAv 643.26 NAv NAv 197.3 NAv NAv 197.3
HAPs t NA NA  NA NA NA  NA NA NA NA

Note: The reduction in air emissions in Bahia in 2023 is due to various planned and emergency shutdowns as well as lower production levels compared to 2022.

Total emissions across the organization – Operational control approach

GHG emissions in metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) in 2023
GHG Scope 1 Scope 2
Location-based approach
Scope 2
Market-based approach
Scope 3
(where applicable)
CO2 491,323

 

9,484

 

0 1,033,889

 

CH4 50,660

 

0

 

0 1,561

 

N2O 88,604

 

0 0 16,988

 

HFCs 5,199

 

0 0 0
PFCs 0 0 0 0
SF6 0 0 0 0
NF3 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 635,787

 

0 9,484 1,052,438
Biogenic CO2 10,825,950

 

0 0 22,830