Abstract
Objective – The main goal of this study is to identify and assess, within sustainability reports, information concerning potential carbon credits obtained through projects carried out under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) assumptions, as well as to assess CDM project experts’ perceptions of obstacles to entering carbon credit markets. Design/methodology/approach – exploratory, descriptive, bibliographical and documental research, and interviews. Theoretical basis - Research was based on the concepts of sustainability, especially as to environmental responsibility (CSR); cost-benefit analysis was also considered, since selling carbon credits can be a way of mitigating the trade off between immediate shareholder satisfaction and investment in CSR. Findings – The perceptions of representatives from carbon credit projects’ certifying companies was examined by means of a series of interviews – concluding that savings in costs, business marketing and certifications are even greater motivators than carbon credits themselves. We estimated that, through energy efficiency, the projects discussed in 2011 sustainability reports would be capable of saving approximately 538 million reais in costs. In addition, 40 million reais , considering the rate of the euro and of securities on December 31, 2014, would be gained through the sale of carbon credits. Practical implications – Thus, this research helps to demonstrate the significant potential for further financial gains that companies may obtain through energy efficiency and habitat restructuring, whether by taking advantage of CO 2 reduction brought about by such projects, or by developing new projects that continue to benefit economy, society and the environment.
Highlights
In Brazil, especially from the 1990s on, there has been a growing concern about companies’ attitudes towards sustainability
The second topic is the theoretical framework; the third topic presents methodology; in the fourth topic, we present a diagnosis of the benefits that can be associated with Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects and their potential for carbon credit generation; the fifth topic presents the perception of market professionals concerning the benefits of CDM projects and the resistance to carbon credits; and, in the sixth topic we present the paper’s final considerations
In order to strengthen the relationship between theory and practice, and to raise other variables to explain the assessments of sustainability reports, we interviewed representatives from companies and advisor companies that acted as carbon credit project developers and certifiers in Brazil
Summary
In Brazil, especially from the 1990s on, there has been a growing concern about companies’ attitudes towards sustainability. Market concern (considering all stakeholders) regarding sustainable development is perceptible in the establishment of social and environmental indicators, in new sustainability report platforms and in other ways of disseminating “sustainable” actions Faced with this demand, companies have reacted with projects that involve energy efficiency, restoration of degraded habitats, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, amongst other actions. In this first topic we have presented comprehensively the issues that will be addressed in this paper. The second topic is the theoretical framework; the third topic presents methodology; in the fourth topic, we present a diagnosis of the benefits that can be associated with CDM projects and their potential for carbon credit generation; the fifth topic presents the perception of market professionals concerning the benefits of CDM projects and the resistance to carbon credits; and, in the sixth topic we present the paper’s final considerations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
