As Brazil’s cement and construction sectors face mounting pressure to hit Net Zero targets, the strategy for energy transition is shifting from “one-size-fits-all” to a sophisticated, regionalized approach.
At the upcoming Sustainability and ESG International Summit, hosted at the World Trade Center (WTC) São Paulo on June 10-11, Rejane Afonso, CEO of Monitore Engenharia, will deliver a critical presentation titled “The role of each Brazilian region in energy substitution in the cement industry – Regional scenarios for the South/Southeast, Central-West, North, and Northeast.”
Aimed squarely at sustainability managers and decarbonization leads, Afonso’s session promises to provide the technical and strategic roadmap required to navigate Brazil’s complex energy landscape.
A Critical Analysis of the Brazilian Matrix
While alternative fuels are widely recognized as the most scalable solution for reducing carbon footprints in carbon-intensive sectors, the path to implementation is often hindered by technical hurdles and regulatory nuances. Afonso will move beyond theory to provide a critical analysis of how regional diversity—spanning the South, Southeast, Central-West, North, and Northeast—impacts the feasibility of energy substitution.
“The energy transition is not just a change in the energy matrix; it is a fundamental shift in business models,” notes the session summary. The presentation will compare regional scenarios against international benchmarking, highlighting why the Southeast might face different operational limitations than the North, and how the Central-West can leverage its unique waste streams.
Beyond Carbon: Circular Economy and Competitiveness
For sustainability managers, the session offers deep dives into:
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Operational Impacts: Real-world experiences in managing fuel substitution without compromising clinker quality.
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Feasibility & Limits: A frank look at what is possible today versus what requires regulatory evolution.
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The Strategic Shift: How waste management and the circular economy are becoming the primary drivers of industrial competitiveness.
Connecting “Green” with “Regional”
By analyzing the specific challenges and strengths of each Brazilian territory, Afonso will demonstrate how regional diversity can be transformed from a logistical hurdle into a competitive advantage. The presentation will emphasize that decarbonization is an urgent requirement that demands a new mindset—one where energy recovery and industrial strategy are inseparable.
As a centerpiece of the Sustainability and ESG International Summit, this session is expected to be a high-value dialogue for executives looking to integrate sustainable finance with boots-on-the-ground operational reality.
About the Speaker
Rejane Afonso is a Chemical Engineer graduated from UFPR and holds a Master’s degree from the Universität Stuttgart (Germany), with specialization in environmental management and occupational safety. She has over 20 years of experience in multinational companies, working in co-processing, energy recovery, decarbonization, and environmental management.
She was the first woman to manage a cement plant in Brazil, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She has also contributed to the development of important environmental regulations, such as CEMA 76/09 and ABNT NBR 10.004:2024, playing a key role in advancing regulatory frameworks in Brazil.
Her work was instrumental in obtaining the first authorization for sewage sludge co-processing in the state of Paraná, as well as in expanding the substitution of fossil fuels with waste in several countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, and Austria.
As CEO of Monitore Engenharia, she was recognized in 2025 with the Enedina Marques Award as Outstanding Engineer in the state of Paraná. She is also a speaker and mentor for women in engineering, promoting inclusion, science, and transformation. A Christian, mother, and wife, she believes that technical knowledge and human values go hand in hand in building a more just and sustainable future.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
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What: Sustainability and ESG International Summit (Co-located with Industry 5.0)
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Who: Rejane Afonso, CEO, Monitore Engenharia
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Topic: The role of each Brazilian region in energy substitution in the cement industry – Regional scenarios for the South/Southeast, Central-West, North, and Northeast.
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When: June 10-11, 2026
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Where: World Trade Center, São Paulo, Brazil
Join the leaders of the transition. Secure your spot at the WTC São Paulo this June. Email us at Mariana.gheorghe@industrylink.eu to get your seat !
Other speakers include:
Other events in 2026:
Industry 5.0 Conference and Exhibition June 10-11, 2026; Location: World Trade Center Sao Paulo, Brazil to discuss how AI and Automation and other smart solutions are contributing to the decarbonization of the cement & construction industry.
The event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower corporate attendees to drive sustainable progress and create a positive impact on our planet and society, previous editions were held in Madeira, Portugal and Cairo, Egypt in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
CarbonZero – Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition, taking place 27–29 October 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. A primary highlight of this year’s program is an exclusive technical visit to the Holcim Go4ZERO plant on October 27th, offering a rare, first-hand look at one of the industry’s most ambitious decarbonization projects.
Cementitious Materials International Congress Europe 2026 – October 28-29, at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels, Belgium
The Cementitious Materials International Technical and Trade Congress Europe is the finest industry event for SCMs, the premier gathering of cement traders, industry experts, and professionals passionate about the latest advancements and limitless opportunities in the field of cementitious materials including ashes, slags, artificial and natural pozzolana, fumes, clays and construction and demolition waste used as alternative raw materials.
Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 will take place on 30 October 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, continuing its mission to drive meaningful change across the global cement and construction sectors. Building on the momentum of previous editions, this gathering will once again unite professionals, leaders, and advocates committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through inspiring testimonies, high‑impact discussions, and collaborative exchanges, the 2026 edition will further strengthen the movement to empower women, accelerate leadership pathways, and shape a more inclusive future for the industry.
The Cementitious Materials International Technical and Trade Congress MEA edition will take place in Morocco on 8–9 December 2026, bringing together cement producers, construction companies, ready‑mix specialists, consultants, associations, authorities, standards bodies, and traders from across the Middle East and Africa. i
