The State University of Maringá (UEM) in Brazil held a special event on May 8 to celebrate and expand efforts toward low-carbon solutions within universities. Organized by the Planning and Institutional Development Office (PLD), the event included a piano performance, speeches from institutional leaders, and tributes to projects and individuals contributing to sustainable development. A total of 69 initiatives were recognized in the 2024 certification cycle, including 16 multidisciplinary projects from the University Hospital. The evening also acknowledged members of the Environmental Management Committee and the 2024 Certification Programs Commission. According to PLD Pro-Rector Maurício Reinert do Nascimento, these projects act as “triggers for new ideas” and reinforce the university’s commitment to sustainability.

Vice-Rector Gisele Mendes highlighted that sustainability is a collective duty, with the university serving as a catalyst for broader societal transformation. One of the evening’s highlights was the roundtable titled “The Commitment of Universities to Low-Carbon Solutions,” where specialists discussed strategies to embed sustainability into higher education. The discussion included representatives from the Paraná State Secretariat for Sustainable Development (SEDEST), the ODS Certification Program, and local research groups. Speakers emphasized the university’s role in advancing the 2030 Agenda through real-world applications such as renewable energy use, emissions monitoring, and community outreach.

Among the panelists, Priscila Brustin, Director at Biolist Soluções Sustentáveis, highlighted UEM’s pioneering role in the SDG Certification process. Since 2022, the university has mapped over 2,000 projects with potential alignment to the 2030 Agenda. Renan Gonçalves, representing ImpactAcim, called for greater inclusivity in sustainability certifications, highlighting the environmental and social challenges faced by marginalized communities. He emphasized the need for universities to engage in governance, social equity, and environmental accountability. Professor Maria Auxiliadora Gutierre shared research on carbon storage in a forested area preserved for over 50 years on UEM’s main campus, while Professor Ivair dos Santos positioned the university as a “living lab” for sustainable innovation, citing the use of solar power, energy efficiency programs, and emissions tracking systems already in place. 

The Paraná Climate Seal (Selo Clima Paraná)—a certification awarded by SEDEST in recognition of institutions meeting strict criteria for greenhouse gas emissions and climate action—was mentioned by Vanessa Gomes as an example of UEM’s continued commitment to sustainability. In 2024, UEM was the only university in the state to receive this recognition. In his closing remarks, Professor Rodrigo Camilo emphasized that the ceremony aimed to recognize the coordinators engaged in the certification initiatives, aligning the university’s low-carbon strategies with broader regional, national, and global frameworks, particularly in the context of COP 30. “The university is, by definition, a space for constructing alternatives and fostering critical reflection. Addressing the climate crisis demands more than innovative ideas—it requires institutional and collective commitment,” he concluded.

The Environmental Management Committee expressed its gratitude to the UEM Rectorate, the Office of Planning and Institutional Development (PLD), the Project and Process Office (EPP), the Office of Undergraduate Studies (PEN), as well as to external partners including Social Seal, SDG Certification, ImpactACIM, the Paraná Climate Seal, and the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) for their continued collaboration and support in sustainable development initiatives at the university.

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