On November 19, during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sicredi will showcase its green finance portfolio at the Cooperativism and Sustainable Finance panel, part of the Brazil Pavilion. Alongside Sicoob and Cresol, the cooperative will engage in discussions on how Brazilian credit cooperatives lead initiatives promoting responsible development and environmental preservation. The panel will emphasize efforts that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reinforce Brazil’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
With over 120 years of experience, Sicredi is a key driver of sustainable development in Brazil. It has expanded its operations to serve family farmers, small producers, and local businesses. As a pioneer in supporting agribusiness, Sicredi is dedicated to transforming the lives of its members and communities through financial practices and products that deliver not only economic results but also positive social and environmental impacts.
Pedro Lutz Ramos, Treasury Superintendent at Sicredi, highlighted that participation in COP29 will underscore the role of credit cooperatives in promoting sustainable activities and financial inclusion for vulnerable communities. He noted that these cooperatives finance the transition to a green economy and support communities in addressing the asymmetric impacts of climate change, considering geographic and income inequalities. “I expect that COP29 will enhance the already positive perception of credit cooperatives among Brazilian authorities, the domestic audience, and the international community. We aim to showcase how our unique approach fosters social, economic, and climate resilience in our communities while advancing greener practices for the energy transition,” he stated.
To support this commitment, Sicredi has implemented its Sustainable Finance Framework, which includes guidelines for both green and social impact categories. Its green finance initiatives offer credit lines for renewable energy projects, natural resource management, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and basic sanitation. On the social front, the cooperative supports initiatives for financial inclusion, financial education, funding for micro and small enterprises, family farming, basic infrastructure, and projects for people with disabilities.
Currently, Sicredi’s green financing portfolio exceeds USD 10 billion, as classified under the Brazilian Federation of Banks’ (Febraban) sustainability taxonomy. This portfolio has the potential to prevent the emission of 14 million tons of CO₂. “This impressive portfolio underscores the cooperative’s commitment to driving the transition to a low-carbon economy and supporting farmers in adopting environmentally responsible practices,” added Pedro.
Sicredi is also one of the largest financiers of micro- and mini-scale solar energy generation in Brazil, promoting the development of renewable energy systems accessible to rural producers and members while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Empowering Women in Business
Another standout initiative is Donas do Negócio, a program aimed at financial inclusion and empowering female entrepreneurs. This initiative provides micro and small business owners with easy access to credit lines and personalized financial education. “The goal of the program is to develop and strengthen women’s management skills, promote economic growth, and empower their communities. Beyond financial support, Sicredi is committed to fostering female leadership in a more inclusive and equitable work environment,” Pedro explained.
The program contributes directly to several SDGs, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Tania Zanella, superintendent of the Sistema OCB, emphasized the essential role of women in the economy and sustainable development. “It is crucial to ensure that women have equal opportunities for leadership and success. Initiatives like Donas do Negócio provide the financial and educational support needed for female entrepreneurship to thrive, building stronger and more sustainable communities,” she stated.
Climate Risks
Regarding sustainability and climate risk management, Sicredi focuses on three main areas: measuring and reducing emissions from financed activities, managing climate risks, and supporting members in adapting to and building resilience against climate change. By monitoring emissions from financed activities, the cooperative aims to reduce its environmental impact. Its risk management strategies identify and mitigate challenges that the rural sector may face in the coming years due to global warming and its consequences.
As the second-largest provider of rural credit in Brazil, Sicredi applies a sustainability-driven approach to agribusiness. Highlights include integrated crop-livestock-forest systems and initiatives to reduce methane emissions, which are essential for achieving low-carbon agriculture. These practices promote soil sustainability, improve productivity, contribute to carbon sequestration, and reduce emissions.
Sicredi complements its commitment to sustainable development by expanding credit lines for regenerative agriculture practices and technologies that boost productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the cooperative invests in training its members to incorporate these practices into their daily activities, enhancing their competitiveness and fostering long-term sustainability.
