The segment generates around 80% of jobs in Brazil and accounts for half of the world’s GDP

By Silvia Pimentel

The growing awareness of ESG around the world has led companies of all sizes to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations, which are increasingly essential to attract customers, investors, consumers and maintain business longevity. Although almost always associated with large corporations, strategies related to governance, social responsibility and the environment should be included on the agenda of small and medium-sized companies, as they play an important role in global, regional and local economies.

In Brazil, for example, small and medium-sized companies are responsible for generating around 80% of jobs and account for half of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the United Nations (UN). Another particularity of the segment is its ability to innovate and adapt more quickly to market changes.

“ESG is a collective journey, which can begin in a simple, uncomplicated and accessible way. It is not an agenda only for large corporations. It is possible for small and medium-sized companies to incorporate good practices and improve business governance,” emphasizes architect and urban planner Sérgio Myssior, co-coordinator of the CCBC’s compliance and ESG committee.

The ESG specialist recently participated in the meeting of the Compliance and ESG Committee of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (CCBC), which marked the launch of the ESG in Practice Project. The initiative’s main objectives are to encourage discussion about the importance of ESG concepts, train small and medium-sized companies to adopt good practices and invite companies associated with the CCBC to share their experiences and actions.

“Without a doubt, the project creates a fruitful environment not only for the exchange of experiences and development of new skills, but, above all, for simplifying the ESG journey”, pointed out the specialist.  

Large companies can be a reference  

Ancar Ivanhoe, owner of 17 shopping centers, of which it manages 15 projects, in addition to managing eight third-party shopping centers, is on the list of companies that have made commitments related to the ESG and is currently reaping the benefits of its initiatives, which included, in 2023, investments in social projects worth R$4.5 million, generating impacts for around 10 thousand people.

The social investment strategy adopted by the company includes its own and third-party social initiatives, including direct donations to non-governmental organizations and the allocation of resources through public incentive laws.

Commitment to diversity

At the company, the goals related to diversity and inclusion were defined based on the Diversity Census, which allowed the mapping of employee profiles and revealed important data on the company’s general demographics.

It was possible to discover, for example, that the company has a diverse and inclusive environment, consisting of 40.8% women, 29.6% people over 40 years old, 51.9% self-declared Black and mixed-race individuals, 4.8% people with disabilities, and 8.7% LGBTQIAPN+. Unsurprisingly, 90% of its employees agree, fully or partially, that the company is committed to diversity and inclusion.