RCE Curitiba Paraná-2014
1. Name of RCE :
RCE - Curitiba - Parana
3. Country:
Brazil
5. Project Title:
SENAI in Paraná Center for Sustainable Solutions: increasing ESD awareness through sustainable construction and technologies
7.Project Partner Contact Information Provide information about the main contacts for the project. :
Organization:
SENAI in Paraná - National Service of Industrial Apprenticeship in Paraná
Role:
Professional and technical education and industrial technological innovation
Main Contact:
Marco Antonio Areias Secco - Regional Director of SENAI in Paraná – marco.secco@pr.senai.br
9. Project Description Provide a short description of the project including regional challenges it addresses, its aims as well as project activities/strategies Allow text field (character count 500 words):
In September 2013 SENAI in Paraná launched the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions. This Center has 159.20 m2 and was created to promote new technologies applied to sustainable construction, energy and environment. It is a space where students, industries and other members of the community can see these technological innovations implemented in civil construction. It is located in Curitiba and showcases environmental friendly concepts and attitudes, including interactive technologies available to visitors. Its creation was inspired on research and new construction concepts, considering environment sustainability, economic viability and social fairness pillars. Its main purposes are to provide an educational experience for sustainable development and disseminate this experience to the community, companies and industries from Paraná and Brasil. The Center was built entirely with wood frame technology, based on the initiative of developing environmental actions that are also economically and socially feasible. This dry construction system was imported from Germany and tropicalized by Tecverde, a construction company that brought this technology to Brazil with SENAI´s in Paraná support. Besides this building system, other sustainable technologies and techniques developed by partner companies were included and are demonstrated through augmented reality (virtual reality). Among these are: a green roof, for temperature and water drainage control; rainwater reuse system; LED lighting; photovoltaic power generation; and taps with flow control and economic toilet flushing systems. The technology management is through a home automation system, which provides analysis and online monitoring of renewable energy generation through interactive queries. The SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions is located within the area of the largest environmental laboratory in Paraná and it is also the office of the SENAI Environmental and Sustainability Consultancy Team. Sustainable technologies and mechanisms can be demonstrated and in this space also features a meeting space to discuss technological innovations and actions linked to sustainable practices. The development of the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions involved research, technologies, networking and partner companies. The SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions can assist companies, industries and education centers (schools / colleges / universities) when developing projects on the following technological areas: energy efficiency; environmental assays analysis; environmental projects; integrated automation systems for houses and companies; life cycle evaluation of products and processes; and tests and dynamic tests on materials. It is an open space for learning, discussions and meetings that showcases and raises awareness to sustainable development.
12. Duration of the Project Start Date: End date::
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 to Friday, October 10, 2014
Describe Coordination and management of the project. Please also reflect how the RCE as a network organization has contributed to the project and the challenges involved, if any. Character count 400 words :
The concept of the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions was idealized in 2012 by the Regional Director of SENAI in Paraná, considering that education for sustainable development is a major concern within this Institution. For the implementation of this Center a coordinating core team was created and lead by the one of the managers working directly linked to the Regional Director. This core team established partnerships and technologies that could be applied for sustainable education and increasing awareness of industries and stakeholders. Nowadays the management is carried out by the Manager of the SENAI CIC Unit. The SENAI CIC Unit is also where the SENAI Technology Institute for Environment and Chemistry is based, where many environmental professional education courses are offered and where a team of technology experts provide environmental and sustainable solutions for institutions, companies and industries. SENAI in Paraná is a member of the Regional Centre of Expertise, RCE- Curitiba-Paraná, along with other partner institutions (Universities UTFPR, UFPR and PUC-PR). The RCE partners encourage institutions in promoting workshops, discussions and activities that are food for thought when it comes to education for sustainability. Activities involving teachers and students from partner institutions are also carried out - economic, social and environmental challenges are presented and discussed seeking feasible solutions for simple and complex questions. In this sense the RCE as a network organization has contributed to the project mainly in the discussion of ideas, information exchange and as a partner in finding solutions and increasing sustainability awareness for students, educators, stakeholders and the community. The challenges involved finding simple and feasible sustainable solutions to be showcased at the Center considering visitors with various backgrounds. Another challenge was finding a way to showcase these solutions in a integrated way highlighting that they could be implemented in other spaces and make a difference towards sustainable development.
14. What are the current results of the project in terms of outputs (e.g. publications, developed practices, course materials)? Character count 300 words:
The main current result of the project in terms of output includes the SENAI in Paraná Center for Sustainable Solutions itself as a sustainability showcase. Nevertheless there have been other initiatives of SENAI in Paraná associated to the role and activities of this Center. A brief (3 minutes) video has been produced to increase awareness and prompt classroom discussions among students and educators. SENAI in Paraná has been including sustainability topics in many technical and technological courses but it was a challenge to include this approach in some capacity building courses due to their short length. This way, a video (SENAI Institutional Video on Sustainability) was created to provide food for thought and discussions regarding sustainability and therefore increase awareness towards this topic. Another result that is in progress is the preparation and publishing of a course collection about sustainability. The collection Sustainability SENAI comprises the sustainability pillars adopted by the Institution (environmental, social, economic, work safety, cultural diversity) and the first volume (Environmental Sustainability) has been released comprising the topics: sustainable consumption, energy efficiency, neutralization of greenhouse gases, rational water use and solid wastes. Another initiative in place that was established before this Center but acts closely related to it is the SENAI Sustainability Committee. This Committee focuses on sustainable management and education for sustainability activities to be implemented within SENAI in Paraná, establishing practices, guidelines and recommendations that reach students, educators, technicians, partners, managers and stakeholders. All these results are integrated and aimed at good practices and education for sustainable development.
15. What are the expected/confirmed outcomes (e.g. impact of the project) Character count 400 words:
The expected and confirmed outcomes of the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions are showcasing and increasing public awareness of sustainability practices applied to civil construction, clean energy generation, energy saving, water reuse, domotics and therefore promoting education for sustainable development in the State of Paraná and in Brazil. The Center has been used to show students, educators, local community, companies, industries, stakeholders and shareholders that many simple and feasible sustainability solutions can be implemented and used to reduce the human impacts on natural resources, materials and biodiversity. Visitors and guests can acquire knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to contribute to sustainable development. Since SENAI in Paraná is part of the Industry Federation of the State in Paraná and is the main institution in providing professional education and industrial technological solutions, it is our responsibility to increase awareness and promote sustainable development among partners, clients (including students and industries here), decision makers, society and others considering present and future generations.
16. Are there any unexpected/unplanned results achieved by your project? If yes, briefly describe or list them . Character count 200 words.:
Initially the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions was idealized to demonstrate sustainability technologies and develop / increase education for sustainability awareness. One present result that was not fully foreseen in the project is that this Center became a meeting place for initiatives related to sustainability and education for sustainable development meetings. Among the meetings that have been hosted by the Center, some of the RCE - Curitiba - Paraná initiatives (e.g. launching of the third volume of our regional magazine called CRIE - EDS) and also a national meeting of PRME Chapter Brazil (The Principles for Responsible Management Education - UN) can be included.
17. What are the remaining challenges and/or limitations for further development? Character count 300 words.:
The SENAI in Paraná Center for Sustainable Solutions has been completed and is in activity since September 2013, when it was launched and presented to partners, stakeholders, collaborators, educators, etc. The main remaining challenge involves keeping the sustainability techniques and technologies applied in the Center updated, adding new products and processes as research develops. Updates from the original partners and search for new partners will be probably the best solution for this challenge of keeping the Center as an updated showcase with feasible and state of the art sustainability solutions. The continuity of the other activities and secondary results linked to the Center that were obtained (e.g. video, course materials, Sustainability Committee, students and educators sustainability awareness programs, etc.) should not be considered a challenge since the Director of SENAI in Paraná is directly committed in keeping education for sustainable development as a major concern throughout all Educational Units of SENAI in Paraná.
18. What is the project’s contribution to innovative and transformative educational processes for sustainable development (especially regarding formal and/ non-formal learning/research)? Character count 500 words:
The SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions provides a hands-on experience for visitors, including students, educators, local community and companies, showing clearly that technologies, knowledge and attitudes can bring changes that contribute to sustainable development. The visitors have the opportunity to see and experience how these technologies work and the results they provide for sustainable outcomes. Sustainability should not be considered a new concept for the present generations; however, attention has to be drawn to society towards putting many good practices in place. In this way, the techniques and technologies present in the Center call attention to simple improvements that can be implemented to save and use wisely energy, water, materials and natural resources. By promoting this Center, SENAI in Paraná gives opportunity for visitors to learn and exchange experiences about sustainable techniques and technologies that can be applied at a household or industrial scale. This knowledge and skills provide educational opportunities that will empower teenagers and adults with heterogeneous backgrounds to contribute to sustainable development. The Center has been used for formal and informal learning. In formal learning students and educators can use the Center as part of a classroom activity, guided visit or research project. While in informal learning, it can provide a positive experience for other visitors (community, companies, industries, partners, etc.) in a sense that they can see in place the techniques / technologies working when they come for a meeting or for a visit seeking sustainable solutions for the challenges they have. The Center, as a showcase for these sustainable solutions, can also be used as a research place to see how these techniques and technologies respond as time goes by, in a sense of detecting loopholes and improvements that could be put in place.
19.How can you scale up and mainstream ESD and SD practices of the project and enable it to contribute to the implementation of the Global Action Programme (GAP) as proposed by UNESCO? (max 300 words):
Undoubtedly the education experiences brought by this project can be scaled up and mainstreamed to other initiatives and places contributing to the implementation of the GAP Programme as proposed by UNESCO. In brief, the GAP Programme focuses on education and learning to contribute and promote sustainable development. This way, the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions objectives of providing knowledge and awareness on sustainable solutions are directly linked to the GAP Programme goals. As an educational institution (industrial professional and technical education), SENAI in Paraná is committed in providing quality education for teenagers and adults and it is considered essential that our students should incorporate sustainability concepts to their personal and professional experiences. Therefore, through education, learning, activities and experiences developed at the Center, SENAI in Paraná motivates students to get engaged and empowers them to contribute to sustainable development.
Partner institution representatives and students from the RCE - Curitiba - Paraná have participate in international discussions on issues related to environmental and sustainability (e.g. 2013 Youth Virtual Conference of the UNU RCEs organized by the Grand Rapids RCE) and these have proven to be very positive challenges for the students and educators. Other centers similar to this one or with complementary sustainable techniques and technologies could be created and form a network to exchange experiences and learning opportunities. On a network system this Center could also be used by students from other regions and schools involving video conferences and other remote technologies.
Partner institution representatives and students from the RCE - Curitiba - Paraná have participate in international discussions on issues related to environmental and sustainability (e.g. 2013 Youth Virtual Conference of the UNU RCEs organized by the Grand Rapids RCE) and these have proven to be very positive challenges for the students and educators. Other centers similar to this one or with complementary sustainable techniques and technologies could be created and form a network to exchange experiences and learning opportunities. On a network system this Center could also be used by students from other regions and schools involving video conferences and other remote technologies.
20. How does you project contribute institutional and policy reforms as part of sustainability change? Character count 500 words:
SENAI in Paraná interacts actively with many partners that vary from other regional educational institutions to international industries and companies. Among these partners there are business corporation managers and directors. Since SENAI in Paraná provides professional and technological education for industries in Paraná, challenges and needs of our partners must be understood and solutions found, always taking into account a balance between social, environmental and economic values. SENAI in Paraná also carries out partnerships with the RCE - Curitiba - Paraná, governmental agencies, Brazilian and international ministries, social institutions, city halls, and many other institutions. Since the construction of the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions many activities have been carried out at the institutional level and have contributed to policy changes. The Center has called attention of partners, stakeholders, shareholders, industries and state trade unions showcasing that simple sustainability solutions can make big differences and be implemented at relatively low costs. The creation of the Center has boosted the SENAI Sustainability Committee actions and provoked discussions within the institutions linked to SENAI in Paraná and to the Industry Federation of the State of Paraná, especially considering that many Federal Regulations set in 2010 are now in the process of being implemented (e.g. reverse logistics). This way, the SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions has had an important role in highlighting sustainability issues at an institutional and regional level.
21. How does your project further improve capacities of various partners and stakeholders on the theme? Character count 500 words.:
The SENAI Center represents an opportunity for various partners to show and integrate their experience in a single location. Some of the partners would have experience on water reuse but would not be aware about how this could be integrated to domotics, for example. By putting together these different techniques and technologies concerning water, energy and automation the partner companies and industries involved in the project understood well how sustainability initiatives should be integrated. Many stakeholders and shareholders also had their first hand-on experience in linking sustainability techniques and technologies in a single project. Adaptations had to be made and discussed until a level of agreement was reached by the participants. For example, even the wood frame construction system imported from Germany had to be tropicalized by Tecverde, a construction company that brought this technology to Brazil with SENAI´s in Paraná support in collaboration with the Ministries of Baden-Württemberg. Networking and agreements at both regional and international levels were essential to achieve the present results. Since this project showcases sustainable techniques and technologies any interested partner or stakeholder could get to know and become involved with the educational activities of the Center, therefore improving their capacities to contribute to sustainable development at their reach.
22.What is the significance of this project for developing global linkages in order to strengthen activities in this area? (max 250 words):
The SENAI Center for Sustainable Solutions has already regional linkages with RCE - Curitiba - Paraná partners and other sustainability initiatives partners, so potentially through networking it could involve various other national and international linkages. Certainly other global initiatives could be linked, collaborate and become incorporated in this project. Once more stakeholders and initiatives from the private sector understand that sustainability is feasible and within their reach, the better it will be to promote sustainable development at different levels and involving various participants (e.g. governments, companies, educations, youth, experts, etc.) in other projects.
23. What is novel about the project within the RCE network and what could other RCEs learn from this experience? (Answer only if relevant) Character count 250 words.:
The Center coordinating core team involved various partners and even an international cooperation with the State Ministry for Finance and Economic Affairs of Baden-Württemberg (Germany) to put together in a single space many techniques and technologies related to sustainability. The partner companies and industries involved in the creation of this Center collaborated in a volunteer way to showcase their equipment and technologies. In this sense, this Center provided a multi partnership and stakeholder experience since many technologies had to be integrated and were closely linked within the same space. Many times the private sector incorrectly understands that the RCE initiatives are only meant to involve institutions and educational organizations or at least are not considered of concern by them. In the SENAI Center for Sustainable solutions various privately owned companies and industries understood that they had a key role in participating, showcasing and promoting sustainability awareness. Another positive experience that could benefit other RCEs is that the goal of this Center is not only to reach students and educators but also to bring changes to companies and industries, as recommended in the GAP Programme that the inclusion of the private sector should be taken into account to promote sustainability.
24. What is the significance of this project for the region? How important are its results for its particular project category? Character count 250 words.:
In the region this project is significant because it brings teaching and learning experience not only for students and educators but it also raises awareness of present and future companies / industries workers, shareholders and stakeholders empowering them and making evident that simple and economically feasible sustainability solutions and technologies can be within their reach. Its results fit precisely under the thematic area of sustainable consumption and learning since it showcases how to save and use wisely energy, water, materials and natural resources and provides a hands-on educational experience for sustainable development.
Region:
Americas
