Biodiversity
The preservation of green areas is one of the Gerdau Group’s constant concerns. Out of a total of 15,700 hectares occupied by Brazilian units, 2,800 hectares is native forest.

Energy
The Gerdau Group seeks to constantly improve its energy performance, investing in technologies and programs designed to reduce consumption. It is also increasing its own energy production through initiatives such as the use of residual gases generated during the industrial processes and by increasing the use of natural gas. The specific electricity consumption in the Brazilian facilities in 2005 was 498.8 kWh per metric ton of steel produced, a 4.6% growth compared to 2004. This growth resulted from the need to readjust the levels of production. This growth resulted from the need to readjust production levels. Despite the fact that production was reduced due to the fall in domestic demand in 2005, the process of equipment readjustment translated into increased energy consumption.

The Company is also making investments to reduce fuel oil consumption at its mills. This is currently being replaced with natural gas, an environmentally cleaner product. Using this strategy, the Group has been able to reduce its greenhouse gas emission rate in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol guidelines. In 2005, Gerdau units in Brazil used 14,800 tons of fuel oil, a 28.5% reduction compared  to 2004.