Sustainable transformation: what is it?

The need to reduce environmental impact, while generating social benefits and competitive advantage, is one of the main challenges facing companies today. For this, they need to invest assertively in changing production processes to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and optimize the use of resources, engaging society and employees so that adaptation is consolidated for the long term with no return. This is called sustainable transformation.

Sustainable transformation requires an analysis of the production cycle, from obtaining raw materials, proceeding to the use of the product by the consumer and its final disposal. Replacing the energy matrix or incorporating the circular economy are examples widely seen. It means innovating with reused waste, making raw material for the company’s process, or even developing the reuse of waste generated from its process in another industrial sector through good environmental management in line with partnership. 

Sustainable transformation has the potential to generate carbon credits, that is, there is the possibility of monetizing this. It has a lot of value – it is a way to get a subsidy to make the implementation of measures economically viable and also to allow a consolidated advantage in the medium and long term. 

The carbon market depends not only on the engagement of companies and investors, but also on public policies that can encourage and subsidize it.

 Companies are at different levels of their sustainable transformation – some are starting to inventory their carbon emissions, while others are already at the stage of implementing these measures to mitigate emissions, or even further ahead, monitoring the results of changes on the operation. 

How to start sustainable transformation

The transition from a conventional mode of production to a more sustainable model can be carried out in different ways, depending on the field of activity of each company. What cannot be lost sight of is the prioritization of actions that are more effective in reducing socio-environmental liabilities more directly related to the core business. 

Therefore, it is essential to invest in a diagnosis of the production cycle for the implementation of customized sustainable transformation processes that are economically viable and that bring measurable results of the generated environmental benefits.

Here are some of the measures and practices that can be part of the sustainable transformation of companies:

• Change of energy matrix to renewable sources;

 • Reduction of energy consumption in production processes;

• Adoption of the circular economy, reducing the volume of liabilities in landfills;

 • Implementation of circular manufacturing, reducing the extraction of natural resources for the production of new consumer goods;

 • Valorization of waste, reintegrating materials into the production chain that would otherwise be discarded;

 • Development of carbon sequestration areas, such as plantations and recovery of forests and native forests;

 • Use of renewable raw materials;

 • Prioritization of suppliers of products and services with sustainability certifications;

 • Use of sustainable technologies and machinery in the production cycle. 

Opportunities are many and quite varied for different industries. Regardless of the size and maturity of the company, it is important to begin sustainable business transformation immediately. The direction of each day-to-day decision to adopt sustainable practices makes all the difference in the impact of operations and, consequently, in the long-term organizational survival. 

Sustainable transformation, more than a positioning with a well-intentioned reputation, is increasingly an essential process for business success, both to meet the rules of social and environmental compliance, as well as to attract customers and investors, in addition to developing a significant competitive edge . 

Sustainable transformation is opportunity

Climate change, more demanding consumers engaged in the fight for sustainable development, eager investors for companies committed to good ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices are factors that drive changes in production processes and socioeconomic dynamics. It is in this context that sustainable transformation impose itself as an opportunity.

And to make the best use of this opportunity, companies need to have partners specialized in the management and implementation of good sustainability practices and mitigation of environmental impacts. Thus, it is possible to go through the necessary adaptations and transitions, without losing the focus on the business.

The Ambipar Group, a leading Brazilian multinational in the management and development of sustainable transformation projects, has the necessary devices, technologies and technical staff to accompany companies from different segments on their transformation journey. There are more than 400 customers who already have tailor-made solutions to optimize their operations, with a view to reducing the environmental impact and making better use of resources.

• Now take the first step towards the sustainable transformation of your company: talk to Ambipar.