In today’s business environment, adopting sustainable practices is no longer an option but a necessity. Companies play a decisive role in promoting a balance between economic and socio-environmental development, and it is essential to integrate sustainable measures into their operations in order to achieve this goal.
Environmental preservation and economic development are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, when companies adopt sustainable practices, they tend to boost their competitiveness, mitigate operational risks and generate long-term value. Investing in energy efficiency, waste reduction, responsible use of natural resources and the development of eco-efficient products and services positively impacts both the environment and significantly reduces costs, generating improvements in the organization’s own reputation.
By adopting corporate social responsibility policies, companies also contribute to promoting the socio-environmental development of the communities where they operate, promoting decent employment, social inclusion, access to education and a better quality of life for their inhabitants, strengthening the ties between business and society and creating a more prosperous environment for everyone.
In order to meet the new demands of the current scenario and put ESG practices into action, it is essential that companies seek out specialized services to ensure the correct implementation and monitoring of their sustainable practices. The greenhouse gas inventory (GHGI) is an example of an essential tool in this process. By drawing up a detailed inventory, companies can identify their main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, assess their environmental performance and develop strategies to reduce their carbon footprint by identifying and planning to use carbon credits.
The GHG Protocol – an initiative of the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) – as well as the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program, defines three scopes of greenhouse gas emissions:
- Scope 1: includes direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company, such as emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels in its facilities and industrial processes.
- Scope 2: covers indirect emissions associated with the generation of electricity, heat or steam purchased and consumed by the company.
- Scope 3: includes indirect emissions resulting from the company’s activities, but from sources not owned or controlled by the company, such as emissions from the production of raw materials, the transportation of products and the final disposal of waste.
Therefore, in order for companies to adapt to the new requirements, it is necessary to work with accurate and reliable information on their greenhouse gas emissions, allowing them to make data-based decisions and implement effective mitigation measures. The Environmental and Mining department at Manucci Advogados has specialists in environmental projects who help companies in the process of drawing up a greenhouse gas inventory, following the guidelines established by the GHG Protocol, covering scopes 1, 2 and 3, and the guidelines of the ABNT NBR ISO 14064-1:2012 standard.
By investing in good ESG practices, companies not only ensure their own long-term viability and reduced operating costs, but also contribute to building a fairer future, with the solidification of sustainable values.
