Sustainability

The event offset its CO2 emissions with compensatory investment in a green project, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

In 2024, the organization of Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong, the international surf championship that brought together some of the world’s best tube riders at Carcavelos beach, with a waiting period until March 9, maintained its commitment to environmental sustainability by achieving, for the third consecutive year, the carbon footprint zero target.

Continuing its collaboration with Reflora, an environmental startup dedicated to calculating, reducing, and offsetting the carbon footprint of its partners, the Capítulo Perfeito team measured the event’s carbon emissions, reversing this environmental impact through compensatory investment in a green project. Specifically, the Reflora team calculated (in tCO2e) the carbon emissions resulting from the activation of the championship, allowing the organizers to acquire carbon credits proportional to the emissions generated, and then apply this amount to a carefully selected environmental and community intervention program.

In 2024, the project chosen by the Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong organization to achieve carbon neutrality was the “The Envira Amazonia Project,” located in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Its primary goal was to prevent planned deforestation (for conversion into pasture areas) and improve the quality of life for local communities.

Through this investment, certified with an international compensation seal, the event organization contributed to the protection of over 39,000 hectares of forest and the preservation of seven animal species and more than 30 plant species at high risk of extinction. It also directly benefited 200 local families, ensuring access to healthcare and education, and funding the development of infrastructure.

Thus, Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong reinforced its decarbonization commitment made in 2022, becoming the only surf championship held in Portugal to meet the carbon footprint zero target. In the previous year, through investment in the Castañeros project in Peru, the event organization had already contributed to the protection of 1,700 m² of forest area, investing in local flora and fauna research programs, wildfire management training, and sustainable forestry, along with donating machines, technology, and equipment for forest preservation and regeneration, benefiting hundreds of families directly.

“By bringing the best tube riders from around the world to Portugal, we were aware that our carbon footprint became significant. As an event that takes place in the sea, sustainability is part of the DNA of Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong, and as such, it became imperative to offset the carbon emissions generated and find compensatory ways to preserve the planet and the oceans. In 2024, we maintained our commitment to the environment, renewing efforts towards decarbonization and reducing the environmental impact locally and globally,” said Rui Costa, event organizer.

The organization of Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong promoted a social inclusion initiative in partnership with SURFaddict, the Portuguese Adaptive Surf Association based at Carcavelos beach in Cascais, where the 10th edition of the event took place.

With a waiting period that extended until March 9, Capítulo Perfeito powered by Billabong remained “on hold” until the ideal conditions for a full competition day in Carcavelos’ powerful tubes were met.

When the big day arrived, the event organizers integrated two members from SURFaddict into the team: Caiá Assis and Afonso Faria, with the former presenting a prize to one of the winners and the latter acting as caddy for one of the athletes in the competition.

In addition to his passion for the waves, Caiá also practiced judo, athletics, and taekwondo. Afonso Faria participated in the European Adaptive Surf Championship for the first time in 2023, earning a bronze medal in ‘prone 2,’ helping Portugal achieve second place overall in the European Championship.

By collaborating with the Capítulo Perfeito organization, the two surfers had the opportunity to be part of an international surf event that brought some of the world’s most talented and recognized free surfers to Portugal, getting close to true legends of the sport like Rob Machado, Nathan Florence, and Michael February, among others.

“We are very happy with this partnership with SURFaddict, the local association in Carcavelos, that does such unique and valued work. It will be a joy for us to welcome Caiá and Afonso on the day of the championship and provide them with special moments in close contact with the stars of the event, who share their passion for the sea and the waves,” said Rui Costa, event organizer.

“It is with great pleasure that we associate with this legendary championship. We will have two of our surfers present, performing roles on land. Afonso Faria will be the caddy for one of the athletes, and Caiá Assis will be the event’s PR, welcoming everyone with the joy and kindness that many know. It will surely be a very different day for them and a source of pride to be present, socialize, feel useful, and included,” said Teresa Abraços, president of the association.

Each sponsor was invited to plant a tree at the Sponsors Green Point, located within the championship venue, in a symbolic action aimed at raising awareness among all those present about environmental protection. In the end, the collection of trees was donated to a school in the Union of Parishes of Carcavelos and Parede.

Capítulo Perfeito 2024 integrated eco-friendly practices throughout the event, focusing on environmental responsibility. Sponsors and partners were encouraged to reduce the use of advertising materials, which were later sent for recycling and repurposing into sustainable products. This action reinforced the circular economy and minimized environmental impact.

The event also promoted proper waste separation for recycling. Water dispensers and reusable bottles were encouraged, while wooden cutlery and cardboard packaging were used in dining areas. Unused food was donated, helping to reduce waste and promote more sustainable eating practices.