The Adventist Education Network in the southern region of Brazil was recognized at the G20 (Group of 20—a forum that brings together the world's largest economies) for its sustainability project aimed at installing photovoltaic panels to use solar energy in its schools. The event took place in New Delhi, the capital of India, on September 9–10, 2023, and was attended by leaders from 19 countries, as well as the European Union.
The certification was awarded by the Indian Ministry of Energy, which recognized the South Brazilian Education Institution as one of the 100 most outstanding sustainable buildings in the world.
The project to install solar panels in Adventist schools began in Paraná, in partnership with Copel, the state's main electricity distributor, and Petinelli, a company specializing in renewable energy management projects. The project later expanded to the network's educational institutions in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
Currently, more than 60 schools already have this sustainable technology, which corresponds to around 44,000 square meters (almost 11 acres) of photovoltaic panels. The goal is that by 2025, all the schools in the southern region of Brazil will be self-sufficient—i.e., able to generate enough electricity to meet their consumption needs.
Paraná Adventist College (FAP) is an example of an educational institution that has benefited from this project, with a photovoltaic plant made up of 2,224 solar panels.
Saving Initiatives
According to Cirineo Viera da Rosa, financial director for Adventist Education in the southern region of Brazil, it is not enough just to install solar panels in order to receive G20 certification. Several other sustainable initiatives have been implemented, including replacing light bulbs, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances with more energy-efficient models.
Shaping the Values of New Generations
Pastor Rubens Silva, director of Adventist Education for the southern region of Brazil, points out that, in addition to the economic benefits and the contribution to environmental preservation, the project also has an important pedagogical purpose. "This project reinforces our essence as Adventist Education and also sends a powerful message to the community, because as a school, we are shaping the values of the new generations and demonstrating that caring for life is the most precious asset for all of us," he says.
Previous Recognitions
In addition to the recognition at the G20, throughout the implementation of the photovoltaic solar panel project, Adventist Education has won other awards, such as Zero Energy Certification, widely recognized by the Green Building Council (GBC).
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.