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Be8 joins the ONU Global Compact

This is the world's largest initiative to engage companies in sustainable development processes, with more than 16,000 participants, distributed in 70 local networks, covering 160 countries

 

Be8 has just joined the Global Compact, a United Nations (UN) initiative to engage companies to achieve the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is the world's largest initiative to engage companies in sustainable development processes, with more than 16,000 participants from 160 countries. In practice, by adhering to the Pact, Be8 undertakes to comply with the 10 Universal Principles in the areas of Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption in its day-to-day operations.

"Sustainability is more than the company's DNA, as it guides our business model and permeates all our relationships, in all company interactions. We seek sustainable development, economic, social and environmental progress in the communities in which we operate. We want a more sustainable planet for future generations," says Erasmo Carlos Battistella, president of Be8.

According to Ana Cristina Curia, Sustainability Manager, "by formalizing its participation, the company connects to the best practices that are global references in ESG (environmental, social and governance) topics associated with the SDGs, while sharing its own agenda and experiences in discussion forums promoted by the Pact".

Currently, around 40 initiatives are underway, with the involvement of hundreds of companies, as well as ONU agencies and government agencies.

Among the commitments made with the Global Compact, the company must present an annual report recording the progress made in relation to the chosen SDGs. "Sharing these improvements in a structured way allows us to establish criteria for comparing performance by sector in Brazil and worldwide. Making this commitment public contributes to the community and to the business," said Ana Cristina.

For Battistella, with the support and guidance of the Global Compact, Be8 will be able to advance in the fight for the Sustainable Development of the planet, based on the universal references and principles established by the UN.

10 Universal Principles

Launched in 2000 by the then Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, the Global Compact is a call for companies to align their strategies and operations with the Ten Universal Principles in the areas of Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption and to develop actions that contribute to addressing society's challenges.

The 10 Universal Principles are derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. Organizations that become part of the Global Compact commit to following these principles:

HUMAN RIGHTS

1. Business must support and respect the protection of internationally recognized human rights.

2. Ensure that you do not participate in violations of these rights.

WORK

3. Undertakings shall support freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.

4. The elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour.

5. The effective abolition of child labour.

6. Eliminate discrimination in employment.

ENVIRONMENT

7. Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.

8. Develop initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.

9. Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

ANTICORRUPTION

10. Businesses must combat corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Sustainable Development Goals

Those who are part of the Global Compact also assume the responsibility of contributing to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is an action plan to achieve a fairer and more sustainable world by 2030. Companies are partners in achieving these goals and, by integrating them into their business strategy, they become more competitive and prepared for the future.

The Global Compact is not a regulatory instrument, a mandatory code of conduct, or a forum for policing management policies and practices. It is a voluntary initiative that provides guidelines for the promotion of sustainable growth and citizenship through committed and innovative corporate leadership. The Global Compact is headquartered in New York (www.unglobalcompact.org).

In Brazil

The UN Global Compact arrived in Brazil in 2003 and today is the third largest local network in the world, with more than 1,500 members. The more than 40 projects conducted in the country mainly cover the following topics: Water and Sanitation, Food and Agriculture, Energy and Climate, Human Rights and Labor, Anti-Corruption, Engagement and Communication.

The projects conducted in the country are developed through the Platforms for Action and International Programs.

Be8 Sustainability Report

Released every year, the 2023 edition of Be8's Sustainability Report (https://www.be8energy.com/pt/agenda-esg/transparencia/relatorio-de-sustentabilidade) presents the issues and indicators considering its ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) positioning, while highlighting the connection of actions with the ONU SDGs.

Sustainability Manifest

In 2022, Be8 launched the Sustainability Manifest. The document establishes the company's ESG Strategy, called '10 Cs', which defines the commitment to create and share value for the sake of sustainability. The creation of the Manifest is in line with the company's strategic planning, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. The document was prepared with the participation of the company's stakeholders and advice from Sustainable Idea, an ESG and Corporate Sustainability consulting company, formed by some of the best experts in the country.

Profile

Be8 is the leading national company in biodiesel production with investments in Brazil, Switzerland and Paraguay, a pioneer in exports of this biofuel to the European Union and the United States. In 2022, it recorded consolidated revenues of BRL 9.6 billion, an increase of  9% compared to the previous year, and EBITDA totaled BRL 354 million, an increase of 12% over 2021. With the production of 889,114 m³ of biodiesel, the company maintained its leadership in volume produced in the country, with 14.24% of the sector's market share.  In Brazil, Be8 has an office in São Paulo and production units located in Passo Fundo (RS) – where its headquarters are also located – and in Marialva (PR).