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, 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:
-
Operational Impacts: Real-world experiences in managing fuel substitution without compromising clinker quality.
-
Feasibility & Limits: A frank look at what is possible today versus what requires regulatory evolution.
-
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
-
What: Sustainability and ESG International Summit (Co-located with Industry 5.0)
-
Who: Rejane Afonso, CEO, Monitore Engenharia
-
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.
-
When: June 10-11, 2026
-
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 !
Want to know more about decarbonization, sustainable industry trends, and the breakthroughs driving real change? Explore the complete lineup of Industry Link’s 2026 events below:
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – Europe
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
A leading EMEA gathering on cementitious materials, market trends, regulatory updates, and regional opportunities.
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
Including Cementitious Europe – Congress
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
Global platform for Net Zero strategies, alternative fuels, raw materials, carbon capture, and emerging technologies.
Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 – EMEA
30 October, Brussels, Belgium
A dedicated forum advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the cement and construction sectors.
Sustainability & ESG International Summit 2026
24 – 25 November, São Paulo, Brazil
Premier regional platform for Net Zero construction, circular economy, climate resilience, and ESG leadership.
Industry 5.0 Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
24 – 25 November, São Paulo, Brazil
Hosted at the same venue and dates as the Sustainability Summit — two events for one price, one ticket, full access.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – MEA
8–9 December, Morocco
The premier MEA event for cementitious materials, innovation, and regional trade opportunities.
Sign up to our newsletter on industrylink.eu to receive the latest news and future events info as well as exclusive pricing. Follow our LinkedIn page for news and insights for the next events.
