Understand here the concept, the importance, some numbers on the topic and how to apply sustainable actions in a small business

Sustainable development is one of the most talked-about topics today, given its importance in terms of the relationship between the environment and economic growth. In this content, learn more about the concept and how it can be applied in companies. Read on!

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is development capable of meeting all the needs of the current generation, without compromising the ability to meet future generations. In short, it is balanced development with the environment, with the objective of preventing resources from running out in the future.

This is one of the most accepted definitions and also the most propagated on sustainable development and was created in 1983 by the World Commission on Environment and Development created by the United Nations (UN). The event, at the time, discussed and proposed ways to balance economic development and environmental conservation.

In summary, sustainable development proposes a major process of change with regard to the exploitation of natural resources by organizations. After all, according to the concept, technological development, institutional changes and the direction of investments must be in harmony with the environment.

Sustainable development principles

Did you know that all-natural resources are finite, meaning that they will eventually run out? One of the missions of sustainable development is to make this end increasingly distant from nations around the world.

For this to happen, some actions need to be implemented, considering the three pillars of sustainable development:

• economic development, which preaches the development of the economy, respecting good environmental practices and competitiveness among companies;
• social development, which aims at the well-being of human capital, that is, of people;
• environmental conservation, which encompasses everything aimed at preserving the environment and its resources as a whole.

Sustainable development in companies

The concepts of sustainable development are already being applied in the business world. After all, in addition to caring for the environment, sustainability actions also contribute to a positive image of the company in the eyes of the public.

In summary, the current public is looking for brands that are aligned with its values and purposes, with environmental sustainability being one of them. A survey carried out in 2019 by Accenture brings important data on the subject.

In all, 30,000 consumers were interviewed around the world. Of Brazilians, 79% want brands to take a stand on important issues, with environmental issues being one of them.

In addition, organizations that are committed to the use of quality raw materials, the well-being of their employees and that focus on reducing the use of plastic are among the most sought after, according to the survey. The study concluded that companies that define a position, facing important causes, are much more likely to attract consumers and influence the moment of purchase.

Sustainability becomes the focus of small businesses

In this context, small businesses are already following this trend, according to data from the document Engagement of Small Brazilian Businesses in Sustainability and the SDGs - Sustainable Development Goals, developed by the Sebrae Sustainability Center.

To begin with, according to the survey, there are basically four main reasons that lead small companies to adopt these sustainable development actions. Are they:

• environmental preservation (67%);
• cost reduction (20%);
• marketing (3%);
• comply with legislation (2%).

In addition, the survey also pointed out that 93% of small businesses are committed to sustainability, 54% already apply isolated actions and 29% already have more planned actions. And, among the main sustainable actions developed by small businesses are:

• replacement of incandescent light bulbs with economical fluorescents and LED (97%);
• waste separation and correct disposal initiatives (81%);
• having a defined time to turn equipment on and off (74%);
• practices for saving water (60%).

Finally, 8% of the small businesses interviewed say that sustainable development is at the heart of the company.

Starting from the basics: how to apply sustainable development in business?

Once you understand what sustainable development is, you may be wondering how to apply it to your small business. Considering the three pillars of sustainable development, we list some actions:

• invest in general educational programs, not only related to the environment, for employees;
• offer discounts for those who dispense with plastic bags;
• develop a campaign to encourage selective collection in the company and also for employees to replicate the same behavior at home;
• support social actions in your community, such as a joint effort to fight dengue;
• encourage the reduction of energy and water consumption.
• reduce the use of plastic, create internal campaigns for each employee to use their own cup, eliminating the use of disposables; in this sense, we can also mention the use of own and personalized mugs, for example. Why not invest in this item for your employees?
• spread, mainly on social networks, informative content about sustainable development with the brand.

Surely you and your employees have already heard about these actions. However, which ones do you apply in your company or at home? And your collaborators? Therefore, the suggestion is to start little by little, with simpler attitudes.

Be sustainable in your business

No company lives isolated on an island. In this sense, in addition to relationships with other business partners, there must be a sincere commitment to the environment.

Sustainable development concepts can be applied to organizations of any size or nature. Thus, the environment is taken care of, while consumers and other companies can be inspired by the sustainable actions of their business