The sustainable practices in service companies covered by the ALI program, in RN, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the sustainable practices adopted in 53 companies operating in the service sector which have concluded the ALI Program in the cities of Natal, Mossoró and surroundings, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The study was characterized as exploratory and observational, with a quali-quantitative approach, using standardized interviews for the application of an Innovation Radar. The results showed an evolution in the sustainability dimension, with improvement and innovations in the subdimensions of energy management and waste reduction, however, with subtle improvements in water management. It was also found that the adoption of sustainable practices by companies in the solar energy sector can be a marketing action to attract new customers. Furthermore, it is very important to intensify actions to raise awareness of these micro and small companies on the theme of sustainability focused on water and solid waste management, encompassing their impacts on the economy and natural resources, in order to make them competitive and aligned with global changes and requirements.