Sustainable development
Small and medium-sized Brazilian companies are increasingly concerned about environmental issues.
Aline Oliveira _247 Sustainability is on the global agenda, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not going to be left out. It's already a primary issue for the more than six million SMEs across the country, which now need to rethink their management in an innovative and sustainable way. "When we talk about sustainability, we consider three important aspects: social, environmental, and economic. These three aspects need to be integrated," explains sustainability consultant and Director of Special Projects at Vega Engenharia Ambiental, Carlos Bezerra.
A recent survey by SEBRAE, conducted with 4 entrepreneurs, shows that they care about environmental issues and understand the complexity of the topic. According to the study, most respondents know that sustainability is strongly associated with environmental (87%), social (82%), and economic (82%) issues, and not just one or two of these points.
Regarding environmental issues, some practices are already being implemented by small and medium-sized businesses, as, according to the study, entrepreneurs carry out selective waste collection (70,2%), control of paper consumption (72,4%), water consumption (80,6%), energy consumption (81,7%), and proper use of toxic waste, such as solvents, cleaning products, and ink cartridges (65,6%).
Adopting sustainable practices can also be good for business. "The sustainability movement is one of the main movements happening in our era, in our time. It's growing, and it's clear that consumers are becoming increasingly aware," says Carlos Bezerra.
This reality is already recognized by 79% of those interviewed by SEBRAE, who say they are aware that companies that adopt environmental preservation measures can attract more customers. "Furthermore, 46% of those interviewed identify environmental issues as an opportunity for profit," said Carlos Alberto dos Santos, Technical Director of SEBRAE.
RIO+20
At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, SEBRAE will showcase opportunities for green businesses – focusing on sustainable practices – and guide entrepreneurs in adopting these practices. “The theme of sustainability that will be addressed at Rio+20 is an agenda that is here to stay. It is not an isolated case or a fad. It is something consistent and coherent with changes in consumer habits and innovation processes,” points out the technical director of SEBRAE.
The institution will participate in a series of debates promoted by the Ministry of the Environment on June 14th, and on June 21st, it will join an event with national and international experts to discuss the relationship between small businesses and sustainable development.
Lectures and workshops will also be held to show entrepreneurs how to meet market demands regarding the adoption of sustainable practices. In addition, there is a partnership with Canal Futura, which will showcase successful case studies and business opportunities for those looking to expand their company.