In recent years, the term ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has ceased to be a mere trend and has become a prominent standard in the business world, as well as one of the decisive factors for competitiveness and investment attraction for companies of different sizes.

ESG actions and strategies represent a set of environmental, social, and governance criteria that, when implemented consistently, can help companies assess risks, identify opportunities, and ensure business longevity. This perspective broadens management’s focus: it moves beyond short-term profit to consider the impact generated on society and the environment — without losing sight of profitability.

And there are numbers that support this shift:

  • The ESG Panorama in Brazil 2023, published by Amcham, shows that 61% of companies that adopted ESG practices strengthened their reputation, 57% generated positive socio-environmental impact, and 40% reduced environmental, social, and governance risks.

Sebrae (2025) reinforces, in a recent publication, that companies with well-structured ESG initiatives reduce operating costs, increase productivity, and decrease exposure to fraud and legal disputes.

In addition, the ESG agenda is directly connected to investment attraction. Funds and banks have prioritized companies with sustainability reports and clear governance policies, expanding access to green financing and green bonds (debt instruments for projects that promote positive environmental impacts).

In a scenario in which 86% of consumers want the world to become a place with greater sustainability and equity, according to World Economic Forum survey (2020), one thing becomes clear: the market has changed. Today’s consumer is rarely looking only for products and services; they seek purpose, consistency, and positive impact.

For medium-sized and large companies, this paradigm shift requires strategic reflection:

  • How is your brand positioning itself in light of new market and stakeholder expectations?

  • What risks and opportunities can ESG standards reveal for your business?

  • How can this agenda strengthen your image, reduce costs, and increase your competitive advantage?

Beyond attracting investors and customers, the adoption of ESG initiatives has a direct impact on operational efficiency:

  • Solar energy projects and waste management initiatives can lead to significant savings on energy bills;

  • Well-being, diversity, and workplace safety programs tend to reduce turnover and increase productivity;

  • Transparent governance policies increase the confidence of investors and partners.

In summary, adopting ESG standards means choosing sustainable growth, growth that balances profit, purpose, and responsibility, transforming environmental and social challenges into opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation.

The future of business belongs to those who understand that sustainability is not a cost—it is a strategy.

Assessoria de Imprensa do Sebrae/MT. Quase 70% das pequenas empresas brasileiras adotam alguma prática ESG. SEBRAE, 2023. Disponível em: https://mt.agenciasebrae.com.br/cultura-empreendedora/quase-70-das-pequenas-empresas-brasileiras-adotam-alguma-pratica-esg/. Acesso em: 20 out. 2025.

CRISTINA, Poliana. Como as boas práticas ESG podem impactar no seu negócio. Itaipu Parque Tec, 2023. Disponível em: https://blog.itaipuparquetec.org.br/boas-praticas-esg-impacta-negocios/. Acesso em: 20 out. 2025.

Entenda o que são as práticas de ESG. SEBRAE, 2025. Disponível em: https://sebrae.com.br/sites/PortalSebrae/artigos/entenda-o-que-sao-as-praticas-de-esg,66c7e3ac39f52810VgnVCM100000d701210aRCRD. Acesso em: 20 out. 2025.

Práticas ESG chegam a micro e pequenas empresas; saiba como implementar. RN Contabilidade, 2025. Disponível em: https://www.rncontabilidaders.com.br/noticias-ler.php?id=11922. Acesso em: 20 out. 2025.

PIMENTEL, Silvia. Pequenas e médias empresas podem e devem incluir ESG na agenda. Câmara Comércio Brasil Canadá (CCBC). Disponível em: https://www.ccbc.org.br/publicacoes/noticias-ccbc/pequenas-e-medias-empresas-podem-e-devem-incluir-esg-na-agenda/. Acesso em: 20 out. 2025.

5 práticas ESG para pequenas e médias empresas. American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil (AMCHAM), 2025. Disponível em: https://www.amcham.com.br/blog/praticas-esg-pequenas-e-medias-empresas. Acesso em: 20 out. 2025.