Environmental
Shaping the Future of Brazilian Logistics with Positive Environmental Impact
We integrate our operations with efficient environmental management, implementing preventive measures to safeguard natural resources and mitigate the impacts associated with our activities. Our goal is to create a lasting legacy for future generations by aligning socioeconomic development with environmental preservation.
With this in mind, our teams are dedicated to risk mitigation and the continuous adoption of new technologies and environmentally sustainable solutions.
Our Environmental & Sustainability Governance Plan includes structured actions and key performance indicators designed to maintain environmental controls, ensure compliance with regulations, and reduce impacts. We closely monitor factors like water usage, waste generation, and adherence to legal requirements across our operations.
Strategic environmental topics, such as fresh water consumption, waste generation, and climate change, were selected to enhance the company’s environmental culture. These topics are now part of our ESG targets for the entire organization in 2022.
LabCerrado
The LabCerrado program will promote sustainable territorial development in the regions of Porto Nacional and Araguaína (TO), eastern Goiás, Triângulo Mineiro, Alto Paranaíba, and Northwest Minas Gerais. Its goal is to accelerate agricultural technology adoption and stimulate new entrepreneurial and agribusiness opportunities.
Environmental Commitments & Initiatives
Committed to sustainability, VLI ensures the responsible use and preservation of water quality in areas within its operational reach. All operational units that generate wastewater are equipped with treatment systems designed to ensure water quality.
Aware of the challenges posed by climate change, the company has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions per ton transported by 15% by 2030. To achieve this goal, we are developing innovative initiatives such as Fuelytics, a solution that analyzes operational variables and identifies opportunities to enhance energy efficiency. Over the course of 2020, the project successfully reduced diesel usage by about 940,000 liters, avoiding an estimated 2,800 tons of CO2 emissions.
*You can access VLI’s maps and spatial information on our public website: https://vli.ge21gt.com.br/geoinfo
The implementation of the Social Communication Program is a mitigation measure in compliance with federal environmental licensing, coordinated by IBAMA.
IBAMA’s communication channel is the website: www.gov.br/ibama and the phone number: (0800) 061-8080.
Below, we present the detailed performance indicators for the Environmental Programs of the FCA railroad’s operating licenses as issued by IBAMA, in accordance with the GRI Standards methodology featured in VLI’s Sustainability Report.
1
Hydric Resources and Wastewater Monitoring Program
This program monitors water resources through designated points covering groundwater, surface water, and wastewater. Its objective is to maintain the quality of the water used, managed, and discharged effluents.
A specialized team evaluates the results to the efficiency of controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.
2
Environmental Noise Monitoring Program
To maintain environmental quality and community well-being, we monitor noise levels generated by our activities. We map areas most affected near operational units and sections with the highest railway activity.
3
Air Emissions Monitoring Program
At VLI, air emissions are primarily associated with transportation and cargo handling activities. Therefore, to mitigate this, we have implemented dust control systems, including bag filters, dust removal units with exhausters and cyclones, water spraying in yards, and cartridge filters integrated into ship loading and unloading equipment. Additionally, periodic monitoring is conducted to track particulate matter levels in our activities.
4
Waste Management Program
Waste from operational and istrative activities is properly managed to sustainable development, reduce health and environmental risks, and enhance the well-being of employees, service providers, and nearby communities.
5
Wildlife Protection Program
We carry out programs focused on wildlife rescue, deterrence, rehabilitation, and relocation, ensuring the protection of animal life in the regions where we operate. Our new projects include wildlife crossings to biodiversity conservation in compliance with legal requirements.
6
Reforestation
VLI’s reforestation efforts come from compensatory planting, always respecting the original features and geographical context of the area’s biome. The company is currently working on restoration projects in Permanent Preservation Areas, ensuring the protection of specific biomes across approximately 80 hectares of reforestation land.
7
Atitude Ambiental Program
Since 2012, the Atitude Ambiental Program has been promoting continuous learning for employees and nearby communities in VLI’s operational areas. The initiatives within the program cover topics such as waste sorting, climate change, and the responsible use of water and energy. They are carried out in partnership with schools, recycling cooperatives, local governments, municipal departments, community leaders, associations, NGOs, families, and the local communities. It operates in over 30 municipalities across 9 states. In 2019, Attitude Ambiental Program won the Eco Award, offered by Amcham (American Chamber of Commerce) – Brazil.