At Supergasbras, we are therefore intent on providing opportunities to the communities in which we operate, as we implement initiatives that consistently contribute to society by improving education, safety and the environment. The innovative solutions that we bring to address these aspects will help contribute to a higher quality of life for all. Although our main focus is education, we also support programs that include simple and creative activities intended to encourage the next generation to develop reflective and critical thinking.
Mais Energia – focusing on sustainable nutrition, hygiene and food safety
In Brazil, LPG is commonly used to provide energy to families in disadvantaged communities that often don’t even have basic access to safe water or sanitation. Supergasbras is present in millions of homes in Brazil, and because our LPG is mainly used to cook, it is popularly called ‘kitchen gas’. The relationship between LPG gas and our end-users –especially those cooking at home – inspired us to create the Mais Energia project.
The project has been in place since 2004, and it brings educational kitchen trailers into communities and institutions. We use these trailers to hold workshops that address issues such as the use and benefits of LPG, safety, conscious consumption, food, energy and water waste, as well as sustainable gastronomy, using whole foods. We encourage a more conscious use of nutrients, taking advantage of seeds, barks, stems and leaves. We have therefore moved beyond simply providing energy for cooking. Now, we also provide knowledge, teaching people how to use nutritional recipes to create delicious meals that minimise waste.
The Mais Energia project goes beyond simply providing energy. It helps to show our clients how safe LPG is, as well as the advantages it brings for the environment. It is a nontoxic product. It is cheaper than electricity. And doesn’t involve the clear-cutting of billions of trees for firewood that can cause respiratory disorders. It helps these people use energy in a beneficial way, contributing to a more a sustainable quality of life.
Since its start, the project has served approximately 260,000 people and now is administering a course to certify participants. Aside from the content of the workshops, attendees also learn about human rights, community gardens, and creative recipes that use sustainable and nutritional food for a better quality of life. In 2017, 38 people were trained and certified by the project, with concrete results: participants decreased their use of salt, sugar and fast food consumption, replacing ultra-processed food with natural food consumption and even starting up small gardens at home. Most of the participants lost weight and began to exercise. As of June, 2018, 154 classmates have been certified.
Viva Vôlei – helping children and teenagers stay on track
It is obviously important to any society that children between 6 and 17 years of age should stay in school and get good grades. Supergasbras is therefore partnering with the Brazilian Confederation of Volleyball (CBV) in the Viva Vôlei project for children and teenagers from poor communities. The project’s activities are held in volleyball centres, and focus on sports, school and the strengthening of values. Volleyball classes are complemented by extra sport and cultural activities. The project’s educators also take some time during classes to discuss issues such as citizenship, illness prevention, education and socialization. In 2017, the project served 333 classmates in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where Supergasbras schools are held. The results achieved in both centres were clearly demonstrated by improved attitudes both in and out of class, especially related to ethical principles and citizenship. The young participants showed better motivation, discipline and team work, and became calmer over the course of the project.
Here are just a few of their comments: