Landfill waste releases methane, a greenhouse gas at least 28 times stronger than CO2. Landfill gas projects capture it at the source, avoiding emissions by burning it or converting it into energy.
The CTL Ecourbis Landfill Gas (LFG) Project, located at the Central de Tratamento de Resíduos Leste (CTL) in São Paulo, Brazil, aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and utilising methane generated from decomposing organic waste. Previously, this methane was released directly into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Through the installation of an advanced gas collection system with horizontal trenches, the project captures LFG and channels it via a distribution network to three high-efficiency enclosed flares for combustion. This process converts methane into carbon dioxide, thereby achieving substantial emission reductions. Additionally, part of the captured gas is supplied to consumers through a dedicated pipeline, replacing fossil fuel use, and plans include electricity generation from the recovered gas.
Follow the latest milestones and updates from this project.
The project also operates its Eco Iris nursery on-site, which produces more than 30,000 seedlings per year of native Atlantic Forest species. These seedlings are supplied to forest restoration initiatives and environmental compensation programmes. The facility is supported by dedicated administrative and operational infrastructure.
The project activity results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction from the CTL landfill through the following ways below:
• Burning CH4 in flares;
• Supply consumers through a dedicated pipeline. Therefore, this project will lead to climate change mitigation
The CTL Ecourbis Landfill Gas Capture Project delivers significant environmental benefits by mitigating pollution, improving air quality, and supporting ecosystem health. By capturing and flaring methane (CH₄) the project prevents harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere.
With the implementation of the project activity, besides the GHG emissions reduction (CH4), there is also a contribution to sustainable development through the improvement of the local environmental conditions. During the operational phase, which takes place 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, there are new jobs created locally for duties related to construction, operations and maintenance, landscaping, plumbing, monitoring and security personnel. These people are fully trained by EcoUrbis in their duties and tasks. Local jobs are also created during the implementation and operation of the project activity.
Ecourbis has been carrying out an environmental educational program called “Programa Ver de Perto” (in English, Close Look Program), which has been put into practice since the CTL Landfill planning phase and will be extended for the operational period. Since 2008, the program actions have already reached more than 57,385 students, teachers and local communities around the landfill, highlighting issues related to the municipal solid waste (MSW), from waste generation to final disposal.
Through the “Programa Ver de Perto”, EcoUrbis provides environmental education to students, teachers, and local residents. Over 57,000 participants have been engaged since 2008, raising awareness about sustainable waste management and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
EcoUrbis promotes equal employment opportunities and inclusivity. The project ensures that there is at least one woman in leadership and decision-making positions by showing signed company functional organisational charts in the determined year.
By supplying landfill gas as an alternative energy source to local consumers, the project replaces fossil fuels with a cleaner, renewable energy option. Future plans for electricity generation from captured gas will further increase the share of sustainable energy in the national grid.
The project creates local employment opportunities in construction, operations, maintenance, monitoring, and environmental management.
The project directly mitigates climate change by capturing and flaring methane (CH₄) from the CTL landfill.
These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.
