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Environmental Certification CeCicle: Generating Environmental Assets
This presentation details the environmental certification of UNICACOOP, a waste pickers cooperative in Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil. The certification, conducted by CeCicle, evaluates the environmental and social impacts generated through recycling solid waste including paper, plastic, and glass.
UNICACOOP demonstrates strong commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and social inclusion. Their work directly contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions, saving energy, preserving natural resources, creating jobs, and providing continuous training for people in vulnerable situations.
Project Background and Regional Context
Project History
UNICACOOP stands as a model of excellence in social, environmental, and governance practices. Its differentiator is strong community engagement, promoting social and economic inclusion through a circular economy model that generates income for families dependent on recycling.
The project specifically serves vulnerable populations, including workers facing illiteracy, offering dignified work opportunities and continuous training.
Regional Context
Operating in Cascavel, Paraná, UNICACOOP conducts selective collection of solid waste across residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. Their headquarters at Rua Noel Rosa, 52, Bairro Brasília provides a strategic location that facilitates collection and transportation logistics.
Compliance and Operational Process
Eligibility & Selection
UNICACOOP underwent rigorous compliance analysis to ensure adherence to environmental, sanitary, and safety standards, with full alignment to local regulations and staff training to optimize processes.
Compliance Analysis
Technical analysis included updating environmental licenses, implementing control protocols for proper disposal, and consolidating administrative practices to ensure sustainability and legal compliance.
Operational Process
Waste is collected from residences and establishments, carefully sorted using manual and technological processes, then sent to partner companies for recycling, with continuous training ensuring precision.
Sustainable Development Goals Alignment

No Poverty
(SDG 1)
Provides income-generating opportunities for families dependent on recycling, reducing economic inequalities and promoting dignity.

Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Promotes gender equality through participation of women among employees and leaders, strengthening economic independence.

Decent Work (SDG 8)
Promotes dignified working conditions, providing training, appropriate equipment, and growth opportunities.

Sustainable Cities (SDG 11)
Contributes to efficient solid waste management, reducing environmental impact on landfills.

Climate Action (SDG 13)
Prevents greenhouse gas emissions by reducing need for primary production and waste accumulation.
Calculation Methodology and Environmental Assets
Methodology Framework
The project uses internationally recognized methodologies including GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), GHG Protocol, and standards from CNI, Embrapa, Inmetro, Sabesp, EPA, and Abividro. These frameworks ensure transparent and auditable calculations of environmental benefits.
Materials Processed
UNICACOOP has processed significant quantities of recyclable materials: 35.63 tons of paper/cardboard, 30.37 tons of plastic, and 2.6 tons of glass, creating measurable environmental assets.
Emission Factors
Specific emission factors are applied for each material type, measuring energy savings (kWh/ton), water conservation (L/ton), CO₂ reduction (t/ton), landfill space saved (m³/ton), oil savings (L/ton), and trees preserved.
Environmental Assets Generated
CO₂e Emissions Reduction
176,65 short tons de CO₂e
Electricity Savings
251.688,62 kWh
Water Savings
455.596,27 gal
Landfill Space Saved
209,97 yd³
Oil Savings
11.786,95 gal
Tree Preservation
712 trees
Environmental Benefits Generated
These environmental assets represent UNICACOOP's significant contribution to sustainability. The cooperative's recycling efforts have prevented 160.44 tons of CO₂ emissions, saved over 251,000 kWh of electricity, and preserved 1.7 million liters of water. Additionally, their work has saved 160.47 cubic meters of landfill space, conserved 44,619 liters of oil, and preserved 712 trees.
Logistics and Environmental Compliance
Collection Process
Waste is collected directly from households, businesses, and public agencies through an organized logistics system that ensures comprehensive coverage of Cascavel.
Sorting and Processing
Materials are carefully sorted using both manual techniques and specialized equipment like presses and scales, preparing them for the next stage in the recycling process.
Documentation and Traceability
All transportation is formalized through traceable documents including Waste Transport Manifestos (MTR) and Final Destination Certificates (CDF), ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Environmental Licensing
UNICACOOP maintains strict compliance with Brazilian environmental legislation, including all necessary licensing and documentation required by the National System of Information on Solid Waste Management (SINIR).
Impact Validation and Future Plans

Environmental Certification
CeCicle certifies UNICACOOP's environmental assets, validating their commitment to sustainability, social inclusion, and environmental preservation.
Blockchain Validation
The partnership utilizes blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability, enhancing credibility and enabling application in green marketing strategies.
Future Expansion
UNICACOOP plans to expand operations, increase recycled materials, and develop more partnerships with companies and public agencies to strengthen their sustainability impact.
The certification not only validates UNICACOOP's current efforts but provides tools for continuing and expanding their sustainable practices. By focusing on environmental assets generation, they create measurable benefits for both the environment and the local community while building a model for other cooperatives to follow.