The Sustainable Cities Research Network (Rede Urbis) aims to carry out research and environmental education actions that can contribute to improving sustainability in municipalities in the Northeast of Brazil, developing and encouraging changes in habits and the adoption of accessible technologies adapted to our region.

Over the last few decades, there has been an intense process of urbanization across practically the entire globe and today, in most countries, the population lives predominantly in urban areas. In Brazil, rapid population growth, migration to large metropolises and a lack of urban planning have created inadequate living conditions in most cities, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities and creating severe environmental problems due to poor management of waste, sewage, water resources and green spaces, among other factors.

Against this backdrop, the Urbis Network has been involved in research, extension and innovation activities on the subject of solid waste management, including the operation of the Experimental Biorefinery for Organic Solid Waste (Berso) on UFPE's Recife campus.

Berso has anaerobic digestion and composting processes, as well as an experimental community garden and maintains most of these facilities with rainwater harvesting. In addition to master's and doctoral research, the biorefinery also interacts continuously with the community by hosting technical visits and donating organic compost for non-profit purposes. Furthermore, by treating a significant part of the organic waste generated by UFPE, Berso has emerged as a model solution for municipalities in the region, and is constantly sought out by representatives of the executive branch for consultancy and training courses.

Berso has anaerobic digestion and composting processes, as well as an experimental community garden and maintains most of these facilities with rainwater harvesting. In addition to master's and doctoral research, the biorefinery also interacts continuously with the community by hosting technical visits and donating organic compost for non-profit purposes. Furthermore, by treating a significant part of the organic waste generated by UFPE, Berso has emerged as a model solution for municipalities in the region, and is constantly sought out by representatives of the executive branch for consultancy and training courses.

Currently, the sub-network has 14 working researchers: 6 doctoral students, 3 master's students and 5 undergraduate students.