Environmental
It is our understanding that it is only possible to generate value for Cogna, for our stakeholders, for society and for the planet if we are proactive in preserving the environment and combating climate change, assuming our responsibilities and engaging the public to act jointly in this field, always seeking eco-efficiency.
Energy
- 88% of the energy consumed by Cogna is acquired from the free energy market, which represents clean energy and low carbon emissions.
- 100% of the energy acquired by our main source of consumption, the distribution center in São José dos Campos (SP), comes from renewable sources;
- We maintain photovoltaic energy pilot projects in higher education institutions, such as Jaú (SP), Eunápolis (BA) and Ponta Porã (MS). In 2024, these projects will generate 695.04 GJ of energy.
Water
- In 2024, we implemented a Water Efficiency project in the Company’s 22 HEIs with the highest water consumption. The project aims to promote 23% water savings in these units;
- We report water withdrawal indicators on automatic dashboards, that provide alerts on deviations in consumption and help mitigate any type of wastage.
Hazardous Waste
At our higher education facilities offering Health and Engineering programs, practical classes and supervised internships in laboratories and clinics result in the generation of hazardous waste—classified as Type A (infectious), Type B (chemicals and medications), and Type E (sharps). This waste originates from the use of reagents, microorganism cultures, sharps, and biological samples. Management failures can generate health risks, reputational impacts, increase health and safety costs by up to 5%, and reduce productivity by up to 8%. Therefore, we maintain standardized procedures for segregation, packaging, and storage, with final disposal performed by 18 approved companies monitored by an environmental consultancy. Management is monitored through Waste Transportation Manifests (MTRs) and Final Destination Certificates (CDFs), allowing us to identify deviations, compare units, and promote improvements. The units receive periodic guidance and technical training, focusing on proper segregation and rational use of inputs, reducing generation at source. All generating units are included in the Cogna Hazardous Waste Management Program, which requires an active PGRS, a contract with a specialized company, proper waste management, and traceability from the MTR to the CDF.