Project aligns with goals of Don Bosco Green Alliance

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Network Office in Brasília, Brazil, installed solar panels to contribute to the reduction of deforestation and CO2 emissions. The idea originated from a sustainability campaign promoted by the office in 2019, which led to internal actions to reduce energy consumption, eliminate the use of plastic cups and improve waste disposal, as well as other sustainable practices with the work teams. The project is also aligned with the goals of the Don Bosco Green Alliance.

Sister Silvia Aparecida da Silva, executive director of the Salesian Network Office, said, “By adopting clean energy, with the use of photovoltaic panels, we are reaffirming our commitment to do our part in caring for the common home.”

While the project was initially suggested prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, work was delayed given challenges related to the import of products and the internal capacity to carry out the project. With the return to normal procedures, the proposal to install the solar panels was strengthened and approved. The necessary resources were secured and the whole process went ahead.

“The solar panels produce enough energy each month to subsidize about 80% of our consumption. In just two and a half years, we will see a return on the investment made in the panels,” said Maria Dantas, executive coordinator for the Salesian Network Office.

The project also supports the focus of the Day of Giving 2023. This year, the Salesian Network Office has scheduled the day for Nov. 28 and will emphasize the importance of responsibility toward the environment in daily actions.

Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty, and lead productive lives.

According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Brazil with poverty tripling in 2021. Nearly 17 million people fell into poverty in the first quarter of the year and the poverty rate now is higher than it was a decade ago. Researchers estimate that 12.8% of Brazil’s population, some 27 million people, are now living below the poverty line.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Brazil – Sustainable energy: RSB Office equips itself with Solar Panels

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil