The concern with the environment and the impact of its actions and its products in the near future, lead to sustainability, more and more, within companies.
Approximately two decades ago, the managers of large companies had already realized the need to implement environmental sustainability actions in companies, making this one of the main management challenges.
The Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain (Ilos) revealed, in a study, that almost half of Brazilian companies already adopt specific policies for the sustainability sector.
This awareness of the need to take actions aimed at reducing environmental impacts and preserving nature has led Brazilian companies to gain international recognition through awards and forums.
For a company to be considered an example in environmental sustainability, it is necessary to present measures aimed at three dimensions: environmental, economic and social. The shares, however, vary according to the sector in which they operate and the size of the company.
Among the main measures, emphasis on the reduction of emissions of solid waste, recycling programs, investment in social responsibility, security of human rights, conscious consumption of natural resources such as water and energy, rational use of materials used in production, manufacture of more durable, improved logistical efficiency, programs to fight hunger, free professional training projects and compliance with labor practices.
The advantages for companies go beyond preserving the environment, having sustainable actions can result in improving the image in the market - some companies profit after adopting sustainable measures -, in increasing competitiveness and in growing profitability, since there is a reduction production costs.
Companies that adopt sustainability actions are considered more innovative and more competitive since the inclusion of these measures in their daily lives reveals a company concerned with the future of the country, the environment and the economy.
Survey reveals that consumers prefer sustainable companies
Companies that have sustainable active actions in society draw more attention from consumers according to a study by Associação Paulista de Supermercados (Apas).
The survey analyzed 101 supermarkets in São Paulo and revealed that the issues of global warming, deforestation and non-renewable resources are attractive to consumers.
For this reason, companies feel motivated to promote environmental and social actions - such as, for example, the distribution of ecological bags, walks or programs to fight hunger.
Source: Pensamento Verde
