• Climate Change

The State of Paraná is setting a strong example in climate action by promoting transparent and long-term sustainable growth. Through its Selo Clima Paraná program, an official certification issued by the state government, Paraná has established a comprehensive public registry where companies, organizations, and municipalities voluntarily report their greenhouse gas emissions. The program recognizes and certifies participants that show strong environmental practices and encourages them to reduce greenhouse gases pollution and adopt strong environmental practices.

Launched in 2015 by Paraná’s Secretariat for Sustainable Development (SEDEST), the Selo Clima Paraná serves as the State’s Public Registry of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Through the emission of a sustainability certificate, the program recognizes good Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices among private and public organizations, as well as municipalities.

Participation is open to a wide range of actors. Public organizations such as state secretariats, departments, autarchies, public foundations, and special regime bodies at both state and municipal levels can join. Private entities range from individual entrepreneurs (MEI) to large corporations, including private companies, public enterprises, and mixed-economy societies operating in Paraná. Municipalities throughout the state are also invited to participate, fostering inclusive climate action across all sectors. All participants are evaluated and categorized based on verified climate actions and ESG practices, receiving certificates valid for 12 months, which can be renewed in agreement with the program’s Evaluation Committee.

Turning impact into global recognition

What sets the program apart is its voluntary and transparent approach that motivates organizations to reduce emissions and strengthen their environmental commitments. The goal is to encourage organizations with the ‘Selo’ to publicly share their greenhouse gas reduction targets, but also to increase their commitment to human rights and the common good, and improve transparency in their actions, generating long-term sustainable growth and sustainability. Additionally, by compiling their information, organizations can more easily set new objectives and targets related to ESG issues and their carbon footprint.

The Selo Clima Paraná also aims to increase the visibility of participating organizations among investors and suppliers by helping them qualify for market indices like the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE B3). Additionally, it supports international recognition through initiatives such as the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. By offering meaningful recognition and increased visibility, the program creates a strong incentive for organizations to join and actively reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Selo Clima Paraná: a replicable model for regions worldwide

Since 2015, the program has experienced a steady rise in participation, indicating that both the private and public sectors are eager to engage in voluntary climate initiatives when provided with clear guidelines, measurable and impactful climate targets and international recognition. By involving a diverse range of entities, from entrepreneurs and public organizations to municipalities, Selo Clima Paraná exemplifies how subnational governments can develop innovative government programs for climate leadership.

As regions worldwide look for scalable climate action models, Selo Clima Paraná shows how reducing greenhouse gases through incentives, innovation and government climate certification can promote a just and sustainable future.

Read more:

• Selo Clima Paraná | Your company with a sustainable seal
• Selo Clima Paraná | Secretariat of Sustainable Development

About #RegionsVoice: In 2019, Regions4 launched the global campaign #RegionsVoice in a collective effort to bring the voice of regional governments to the major events and negotiation processes in sustainable development within the UN. The aim of the campaign is to ensure the visibility and wider recognition of the role of regional governments in sustainable development, by elevating both individual and collective messages and engaging with a wider audience during the UN Decade of Action.