Materials and waste management

Cemig has a waste management program covering the stages of identification, segregation, packaging, search for reuse and reduction and final disposal, always with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve performance in relation to the matter.

The maintenance activities of distribution lines and networks are responsible for the majority of waste generation, with oily waste and waste contaminated by insulating mineral oil being the main portion of hazardous waste generated by the Company. As an action plan to reduce the impact, procedures are adopted to reduce oil leaks in equipment and the recycling of insulating mineral oil as a destination, prioritizing its reuse after regeneration.

Cemig has defined ambitious targets for waste management:

• Reduction of non-hazardous waste: The company aims to reduce the annual average of non-hazardous waste sent to landfills by 5% between 2022 and 2027.

• Reduction of hazardous waste: Cemig defined the target of reducing the generation of hazardous waste by 50% in relation to the base year of 2020, with the purpose of reaching this mark by 2028.

• Reuse/recycling of 99.5% of waste: The company seeks to achieve a reuse and recycling rate of 99.5% of the waste generated, further reducing the amount of materials sent to landfills.

To achieve these targets, Cemig invests in innovative solutions, such as:

• Oil Regeneration: Cemig invests in oil regeneration, a process that allows transformer oil to be reused, reducing the need for disposal and reducing environmental impact. The regeneration and reuse rate of Cemig in 2023 was 95.01%, a significant increase compared to the 40.40% obtained in 2022.

• Biodegradable Vegetable Oil Transformers: Cemig replaces traditional transformers with models that use biodegradable vegetable oil. This innovative solution significantly reduces the environmental impact in the event of accidents, as the vegetable oil decomposes naturally, preventing soil and water contamination.

• Compact Substations: Cemig implements compact substations using less physical space and generating less waste during construction. This solution contributes to optimizing land use, reducing environmental impact and minimizing substation installation time.

Cemig also invests in training its employees for waste management:

• Online Trainings: The Corporate University of the company offers online training on solid waste management, focusing on the environmental performance of employees inside and outside the corporate environment.

• Procedure Instructions: Cemig makes available on its corporate intranet a series of procedural instructions composing the Corporate Waste Management Program, guiding employees on correct waste management practices.

Strengthening partnerships for success:

• Best Suppliers Award: Annually, we hold the Prêmio Melhores Fornecedores [Best Suppliers Award], highlighting ESG practices. Waste management is one of the main evaluation criteria, recognizing suppliers who are dedicated:

– To increase the recycling rate: seeking innovative solutions to repurpose materials, reducing environmental impact.

– To promote the efficient use of resources: optimizing the use of materials and seeking reuse alternatives, generating benefits for both the environment and the economy.

– To adopt sustainable practices: implementing measures that reduce waste generation and minimize the environmental impact in their operations.