We’re incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Ecologi, a collaboration that allows us to actively contribute to meaningful climate solutions around the globe. This February, we helped to fund two vital projects: Avoiding methane emissions from landfill in Brazil and protection of the Matavén forest in eastern Colombia. These initiatives represent our dedication to not just offsetting our impact, but to fostering positive environmental change and supporting communities worldwide.
Avoiding methane emissions from landfill in Brazil
As the world’s fifth-largest waste producer, Brazil generated approximately 79.9 million tonnes of municipal solid waste in 2015, with a significant proportion ending in landfills. The resultant decomposition process releases methane, a greenhouse gas 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
The Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project, located at the Central de Tratamento de Resíduos Macaúbas in Sabará, Minas Gerais, addresses this issue through the implementation of advanced landfill gas collection, flaring, and electricity generation systems. Replacing a less efficient passive collection system, the project introduces active extraction and monitored flaring, alongside electricity generation, thereby significantly reducing methane emissions.
This initiative has achieved a total emission reduction of 102,580 tCO₂e in the current monitoring phase. Beyond its environmental impact, the project contributes to the national energy grid by exporting electricity and generates local employment through the need for qualified operators to maintain and operate the installed machinery. This project exemplifies a dual approach to environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, effectively mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while fostering local economic opportunities.
Protection of the Matavén forest in eastern Colombia
The Matavén REDD+ project is situated within the Indigenous Reservation of the Matavén Forest, Colombia. This project safeguards 1,150,212 hectares of vital tropical forest within a nation recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, accounting for an estimated 10% of global flora and fauna species. The Vichada department, location of the project, has historically experienced substantial deforestation, with a documented 3.2% regional forest cover loss between 1990 and 2005.
The Matavén REDD+ project addresses this challenge by mitigating deforestation pressures and providing sustainable alternatives for the nearly 16,000 Indigenous inhabitants. This is achieved through the employment of local populations as rangers and the facilitation of sustainable livelihood development, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship with the forest ecosystem. Furthermore, the project funds essential co-projects, including educational programmes, healthcare facilities, and food security initiatives, enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the community.
The project’s adherence to Verra’s Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Standard (CCBS) certification underscores its commitment to delivering significant co-benefits for both local populations and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainable development.
To learn more about how Enbecom is making a difference, please visit our profile here. If you’re interested in supporting these projects in 2025, you can join us by signing your business up with Ecologi or by choosing one of our hosting plans.