In the current context, sustainability is an essential value for companies that wish to build a more responsible future. As part of the commitment to the environment and social-environmental responsibility, the Green Seal emerges as an important certification to ensure sustainable business practices.
This commitment is reflected in the concept of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), which involves practices aimed at the responsible management of environmental, social, and governance factors. Companies that adopt an ESG approach seek not only to minimize their environmental impact but also to promote fair social practices and ethical and transparent governance. At Deal, these guidelines are at the core of our operations.
With the growing demand for transparency and environmental accountability, consumers around the world are paying more attention to company actions. According to a survey by the São Paulo Supermarket Association (APAS), 95% of Brazilians prefer companies with ethical and sustainable practices, and 64% have stopped consuming products from brands that do not comply with these principles. These data reinforce the importance of the Green Seal, which certifies companies’ commitment to sustainability.
But how does the Green Seal work and how can it benefit companies? Deal explores these aspects to demonstrate the positive impact of this certification on the business environment and the preservation of the planet.
What is the Green Seal?
The Green Seal is a certification awarded to companies that implement low-impact environmental management practices. It is more than a marketing strategy; it represents a true commitment to responsible resource use, waste reduction, and carbon emission minimization.
Companies that earn the Green Seal adhere to globally recognized standards, such as the ISO 14001 standard, which sets guidelines for environmental management. The adoption of these practices spans various sectors, from goods production to service provision, always aiming for sustainability.
Types of Green Seals
There are different Green Seals available, each focusing on specific aspects of sustainability. In Brazil, the main ones include:
- ISO 14001: Certification focused on environmental management.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Ensures that forest products, such as paper and wood, come from sustainable sources.
- Procel: Promotes energy efficiency in household appliances.
- Ecocert: Certifies organic food and cosmetics.
- Rainforest Alliance: Evaluates agricultural products such as coffee and cocoa, respecting biodiversity.
- Sistema B: Designed for companies with a strong socio-environmental impact.
- The Leaping Bunny: Focused on cruelty-free products.
- Produto Orgânico Brasil: Certifies organic food and products.
- I-REC: Certifies renewable energy, ensuring that the energy consumed comes from clean sources.
How Does the Green Seal Certification Work?
To obtain the Green Seal, companies undergo rigorous audits that assess their compliance with sustainability standards. In Brazil, this involves following the ISO 14000 standards, which ensure the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) capable of minimizing the environmental impact of operations.
Additionally, companies in the energy market, such as those that are part of Deal, can obtain specific certifications, such as the I-REC, which certifies the use of renewable energy.
Examples of Companies with the Green Seal in Brazil
IIn Brazil, many companies have already adopted practices that guarantee them the Green Seal, such as:
- Natura: Known for its sustainable practices in the manufacture of cosmetics, cruelty-free and with certified sources.
- Suzano: Uses the FSC seal to ensure the sustainable origin of its forest products.
- Bradesco: The bank uses 90% renewable sources in its operations and plans to expand the use of solar energy.
- Banco Safra: All the energy consumed in its administrative buildings and agencies comes from renewable sources, certified by the I-REC certificate.
Benefits of Being a Green Company
Becoming a green company goes beyond protecting the environment. The commitment to sustainability offers a number of competitive advantages, such as:
- Improvement of institutional image;
- Increase in consumer trust;
- Access to markets that require sustainability standards.
In addition, green practices help reduce operational costs, such as efficiency in energy use and waste reduction, making operations more profitable and efficient.
How to Obtain the Green Seal
To achieve the Green Seal, companies must adopt practices that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This includes the implementation of an Environmental Management System, according to the guidelines of ISO 14001. After implementation, companies undergo audits to verify if they meet the required criteria. If approved, they receive certification and can use the Green Seal on their products and institutional communication.
In the case of companies operating in the free energy market, such as those in the Deal, the use of energy from renewable sources can also ensure the I-REC certificate, further reinforcing the commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion
At Deal, we believe that sustainability is not just a choice, but a necessity for building a fairer and more responsible future. Companies that adopt the Green Seal not only contribute to environmental preservation but also position themselves differently in the market, gaining the trust of increasingly conscious consumers. With the growing demand for ethical and sustainable practices, investing in certifications like the Green Seal is a crucial step to ensure long-term success.
