Social and environmental innovations of Brazilian companies

This paper focuses on the social and environmental innovations of Brazilian companies, rather than on merely economic innovations. These innovations are discussed within the context of sustainability. Data were collected via a qualitative and descriptive study from the annual Guia Exame de Sustentabilidade magazine (2014 Edition). The magazine stated that 228 companies responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 61 companies stood out in Brazil for their policies and practices in sustainability and had their results published. The social innovations were geared towards meeting the needs of the surrounding communities. Environmental innovations appeared in greater numbers, connoting a higher stage of attention and interest from Brazilian companies. Environmental innovations were intended to evolve or improve processes and products and to reduce the consumption of resources.

Keywords:
efficient processes; reduction of greenhouse gases; socio-technical context.

Authorship

Celso Machado Junior^** Corresponding author: Celso Machado Junior, e-mail: celsomachado1@gmail.com

Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Mestrado Profissional em Administração em Governança Corporativa (MPAGC). E-mail: celsomachado1@gmail.comFaculdades Metropolitanas UnidasBrazilSão Paulo, SP, BrazilFaculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Mestrado Profissional em Administração em Governança Corporativa (MPAGC). E-mail: celsomachado1@gmail.com

Maria Tereza Saraiva de Souza

Fundação Educacional Inaciana Pe. Sabóia de Medeiros (FEI), São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brasil. Programa de Mestrado e Doutorado em Administração (PMDA). E-mail: mariaterezasaraivas@gmail.com Fundação Educacional Inaciana Pe. Sabóia de MedeirosBrazilSão Bernardo do Campo, SP, BrazilFundação Educacional Inaciana Pe. Sabóia de Medeiros (FEI), São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brasil. Programa de Mestrado e Doutorado em Administração (PMDA). E-mail: mariaterezasaraivas@gmail.com

Roberto Bazanini

Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Programa de Mestrado em Administração. E-mail: roberto.bazanini@terra.com.brUniversidade PaulistaBrazilSão Paulo, SP, BrazilUniversidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Programa de Mestrado em Administração. E-mail: roberto.bazanini@terra.com.br

Daielly Melina Nassif Mantovani

Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA). E-mail: daimantovani@gmail.comFaculdades Metropolitanas UnidasBrazilSão Paulo, SP, BrazilFaculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA). E-mail: daimantovani@gmail.com

Cristiane Jaciara Furlaneto

Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Conselho Superior de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão. E-mail: crisjaciara@gmail.com Universidade PaulistaBrazilSão Paulo, SP, BrazilUniversidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Conselho Superior de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão. E-mail: crisjaciara@gmail.com

^* Corresponding author: Celso Machado Junior, e-mail: celsomachado1@gmail.com

SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Figures | Tables

Figures (1)
Tables (5)

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Figure 1.
Distribution of companies with environmental and/or social innovations.

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Table 1.
Concepts used to classify sustainability reports.

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Table 2.
Synthesis of reports highlighted by companies, from ^{Appendix A} Appendix A. Reports highlighted by the companies. Sector Company Featured Actions Class* Agribusiness Bunge Efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GGEs), logistics – invested in logistics, with a 20% reduction in the route of grain and a 20% reduction in the emission of carbon originating from transport – reduction of 100,000 truck trips. Restrictions on suppliers that violate environmental and labor standards. EI Amaggi Environmental and social certification – invested in international certification to avoid the risk of having products barred abroad for social or environmental issues. EI Odebrecht Agro-industrial Supported communities – invested in the training of bricklayers and bakers, to meet labor shortages in the cities where they are installing their industries. SI Auto Industry Volvo Efficiency, energy, reduction in GGEs, reuse – invested in productive efficiency. Decrease of 63% in the energy needed to manufacture a vehicle and a 50% reduction in GGEs. Currently, 90% of the waste of raw materials – iron and plastic – is processed at the factory. EI Eaton Efficiency, power, water – searched for more-efficient uses of resources, causing a 15% reduction in water consumption and a 28% reduction in electricity consumption. EI Capital Goods Tetra Pak Using sustainable resources – the use of renewable materials in 2014 went from 75% to 82%. Expanded the use of recycled materials in the production process. EI Weg Energy efficiency – became one of the first companies in the country to apply international standards of energy management: ISO50001. A reduction of 13% of electricity consumption in the assembly lines. EI Consumer Goods Unilever Supplier certification – working with its suppliers to achieve the target of 100% of agricultural raw materials having certification of origin by the end of the decade. EI Brasil Kirin Reduction of materials in packaging, collectors – has programs to reduce raw materials in packaging. In 2013, it saved 4,000 tons of plastic resin. Works with partnership collectors for collecting discarded packaging material. EI SI Coca-Cola Development of poor communities – invested in the development of small-scale suppliers of extractive communities in the Amazon. SI Grupo Boticário Energy efficiency – invested in the efficient use of natural resources. In the reform of its first plant, it reduced the consumption of electricity by 20%, and its new plant has been designed with attention to the better use of natural resources. EI Kimberly-Clark Reduction in water consumption – invested in reducing water consumption in the paper manufacturing process. In 2013, it needed 5,000 liters of water to produce 1 ton of paper. EI Natura Efficiency, mitigation, networking – The company proposes a business management that makes possible a positive impact on the environment. EI Construction Even Efficiency, energy, water, mitigation of problems caused by its operations – has a program to alleviate the inconvenience that the construction of its buildings causes for those who live nearby. Invested in new properties that have a lower consumption of water and electricity. EI SI Consulting and IT Management Promon Efficiency, water, collectors – specializes in developing environmental solutions with positive social impacts. Implemented a recycling system that benefits recycling cooperatives and a closed-loop water system that eliminates the need for the collection and disposal of water. EI SI Ecofrotas Carbon credits – developed a methodology that allows the sale of carbon credits with the adoption of ethanol in the car fleet. EI EY Sustainable logistics chain – created a methodology for building sustainable supply chains and applied its knowledge in planning the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. EI Electronics Philips Efficiency of products – invested in the development of products with higher energy efficiency and lower costs. One example is LED lamps – the price dropped 70% in two years. EI Embraco Reuse – invested in its business based on the reuse of material that would be discarded. Reused 96% of solid waste from industrial processes. EI HP Efficient products and processes, reuse – implemented the circular economy concept and developed partnerships with suppliers to reduce resource consumption and increase the efficiency of products. Its products were also made more energy efficient. EI Schneider Electric Supplier development, GGE reduction, supporting the community – developed the sustainability of its suppliers. Reduction in GGEs. Training 15,000 people from disadvantaged communities through electrician courses. EI SI Whirlpool Water saving – saved water in appliance manufacturing and encouraged consumers to do the same by purchasing its washing machines. EI Energy AES Brasil Sustainable energy – diversified its sources of power generation. Installed solar plants with hydroelectric plants to take advantage of the structure. It aimed to double the capacity of its power generation via sustainable energy by 2016. EI Ampla Electricity consumption hours – by 2015, it aimed for customers in the city of Buzios to be able to choose appropriate tariffs based on their spending habits. EI Coele Consumer awareness, supporting communities – implemented programs offering discounts in exchange for recyclable waste and the replacement of inefficient electric appliances. Encouraged customers to use less electricity. EI CPFL Energia Alternative energy – expanded investments in renewable sources of electricity and imposed sustainability goals for its executives. EI EPD Energy, supporting communities – invested 430 million reais (162 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in social and environmental programs in communities affected by its new hydroelectric plants. EI SI Elektro Local suppliers – promoted the economy in its concession areas. In 2014, 75% of business was done with local partners. SI Itaipu Binacional Use of electricity – invested in sustainable forms of electricity use. Supported the development of electric cars. EI Light Reduction in energy theft – invested in the fight against energy theft, which drains 16% of the energy distributed by the company in Rio de Janeiro. EI Hotels Grupo Rio Quente Environmental education – educational programs are the foundation of the sustainability policy of Rio Quente Group. Sourced alternative energy – heating shower water was done by solar panels. EI Infrastructure CCR Education for transit – has a program that contributes to training future drivers and decreasing accident rates on the roads. SI Ecoro-dovias Energy efficiency – its road modernization includes energy efficiency with the introduction of LED lamps and solar panels. EI Financial Institutions Itaú Unibanco Financial education – offered financial education for internal employees and business clients in order to reduce default rates. SI Bradesco Investment in technology – invested in digital channels to keep customers away from the rows of bank tellers. The cost of digital transactions is 5% of that in banks. Grupo BB and Mapfre Risk assessment in contracts, reduction of resources – included sustainability issues in risk assessments. It simplified the terms of the contracts, reducing paper usage by 88%. EI HSBC Fighting corruption – improved its internal controls and trained employees to prevent bribery cases. SI Construction Materials Masisa Integration of suppliers, professional training – achieved integration of the supply chain by establishing a focus on sustainability. It operated in the training of professionals in the area and the growth of the furniture sector. EI SI Duratex Waste reduction – aimed to reduce industrial waste sent to landfill. In 2013, it recycled 33% of its waste. EI Mining and Steel Mills Arcelor-mittal Energy efficiency, water consumption, reduction of GGEs – initiated a project to take advantage of the gases from the burning charcoal used in the production process to generate electricity. Achieved GGE reduction. Reused and treated water. EI Alcoa Forest recovery – invested in a mined area rehabilitation technique in Pará and created an alternative income for the community. EI SI AngloGold Ashanti Water saving – its wastewater treatment facility in underground mining helped to save water, achieving a 7% rate of water reuse and a 58% reduction in the volume of water pumped. EI Aperam Waste reduction, efficiency – in six years, the steel mill Aperam halved the generation of waste in the manufacture of steel. The goal was to clear the remains of the production process. EI Vale Efficiency, reducing consumption of natural resources – aimed to extract iron ore while having a minimal impact on the environment. In the new plant, there was a 90% reduction in the volume of water used. Ore transportation was done by electric mats, not by 300 trucks. EI Voto-rantim Metais Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the community, public managers – invested in recycling electric arc furnace dust, the main waste generated in its plants. The goal is zero waste from productive activity by 2020. The Forest Ecos program focuses on developing public awareness and training entrepreneurs and managers. EI SI Yamana Efficiency, reduced energy consumption – the company's strategy was to streamline costs, seek efficiency and reduce electric and diesel power consumption. EI Paper and Cellulose Fibria Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the surrounding community – invested in biotechnology in the genetic improvement of eucalyptus in order to reduce the area planted. Reduced solid waste going to landfill. It has social actions aimed at improving the lives of neighboring communities. EI SI Klabin Environmental certification – invested in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification of good practices in forest management for small providers acting in the form of associations. EI Chemistry Beraca Social project – developed a project to support low-income communities in Piauí through access to clean water and education. SI Basf Efficiency, reducing consumption – performed a review of the processes of its unit in São Bernardo do Campo to improve the consumption of water and electricity and to reduce environmental impacts, waste generation and GGEs. EI Braskem Product innovation – invested 200 million reais (75 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in the year to drive innovation in green products. Developed raw materials derived from sugar cane to replace oil. EI Dow Brasil Product innovation – developed a filter system that promises to reduce water treatment costs by 40%. The technology began to be used on the São Paulo coast. EI White Martins Product innovation, efficiency – developed products and services to increase the efficiency of its customers. It has also internally acted to increase its efficiency. EI Health Services Sabin Female work – supported female-dominated labor with constant training. SI Fleury Group Employee training – encouraged employees to give suggestions to improve business processes. In 2013, the program generated savings of 4 million reais (1.5 million dollars as of December 31, 2014). SI Albert Einstein Hospital Supporting needy communities – the hospital provided care to more than 10,000 children in the second largest slum in São Paulo. SI Sírio-Libanês Hospital Reducing the impacts of activities – adopted an international agenda to reduce the impact of its activities in ten themes, including sustainable construction technologies, green hospitals and a health-based international network. EI Telecommunications Algar Telecom Environmental design, supplier development – developed a recycling project that combines environmental, educational and social objectives. Collected banners and transformed them into school materials, which were then donated to the public. It ensured its suppliers were committed to sustainability. EI SI Telefônica Vivo Digital inclusion – provided Internet access to rural schools. In 2014, its digital inclusion program benefited 4,000 rural schools. The goal was to connect 22,000 rural schools. SI Transportation and Logistics Libra Group GGE reduction, replacing diesel with electricity – invested in electrical equipment for the transport of loads to reduce the GGEs in port operations. EI SMEs Zanzini Relationships with society, recycling – invested in relationships with social actors and the use of recycled materials. EI SI Source: Authors based on Guia Exame de Sustentabilidade (2014). Notes: Class* = classification: EI or SI. SME: Small and medium enterprises. .

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Table 3.
Benefit themes of the social innovations.

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Table 4.
Benefit themes of the environmental innovations.

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Sector Company Featured Actions Class* Agribusiness Bunge Efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GGEs), logistics – invested in logistics, with a 20% reduction in the route of grain and a 20% reduction in the emission of carbon originating from transport – reduction of 100,000 truck trips. Restrictions on suppliers that violate environmental and labor standards. EI Amaggi Environmental and social certification – invested in international certification to avoid the risk of having products barred abroad for social or environmental issues. EI Odebrecht Agro-industrial Supported communities – invested in the training of bricklayers and bakers, to meet labor shortages in the cities where they are installing their industries. SI Auto Industry Volvo Efficiency, energy, reduction in GGEs, reuse – invested in productive efficiency. Decrease of 63% in the energy needed to manufacture a vehicle and a 50% reduction in GGEs. Currently, 90% of the waste of raw materials – iron and plastic – is processed at the factory. EI Eaton Efficiency, power, water – searched for more-efficient uses of resources, causing a 15% reduction in water consumption and a 28% reduction in electricity consumption. EI Capital Goods Tetra Pak Using sustainable resources – the use of renewable materials in 2014 went from 75% to 82%. Expanded the use of recycled materials in the production process. EI Weg Energy efficiency – became one of the first companies in the country to apply international standards of energy management: ISO50001. A reduction of 13% of electricity consumption in the assembly lines. EI Consumer Goods Unilever Supplier certification – working with its suppliers to achieve the target of 100% of agricultural raw materials having certification of origin by the end of the decade. EI Brasil Kirin Reduction of materials in packaging, collectors – has programs to reduce raw materials in packaging. In 2013, it saved 4,000 tons of plastic resin. Works with partnership collectors for collecting discarded packaging material. EI SI Coca-Cola Development of poor communities – invested in the development of small-scale suppliers of extractive communities in the Amazon. SI Grupo Boticário Energy efficiency – invested in the efficient use of natural resources. In the reform of its first plant, it reduced the consumption of electricity by 20%, and its new plant has been designed with attention to the better use of natural resources. EI Kimberly-Clark Reduction in water consumption – invested in reducing water consumption in the paper manufacturing process. In 2013, it needed 5,000 liters of water to produce 1 ton of paper. EI Natura Efficiency, mitigation, networking – The company proposes a business management that makes possible a positive impact on the environment. EI Construction Even Efficiency, energy, water, mitigation of problems caused by its operations – has a program to alleviate the inconvenience that the construction of its buildings causes for those who live nearby. Invested in new properties that have a lower consumption of water and electricity. EI SI Consulting and IT Management Promon Efficiency, water, collectors – specializes in developing environmental solutions with positive social impacts. Implemented a recycling system that benefits recycling cooperatives and a closed-loop water system that eliminates the need for the collection and disposal of water. EI SI Ecofrotas Carbon credits – developed a methodology that allows the sale of carbon credits with the adoption of ethanol in the car fleet. EI EY Sustainable logistics chain – created a methodology for building sustainable supply chains and applied its knowledge in planning the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. EI Electronics Philips Efficiency of products – invested in the development of products with higher energy efficiency and lower costs. One example is LED lamps – the price dropped 70% in two years. EI Embraco Reuse – invested in its business based on the reuse of material that would be discarded. Reused 96% of solid waste from industrial processes. EI HP Efficient products and processes, reuse – implemented the circular economy concept and developed partnerships with suppliers to reduce resource consumption and increase the efficiency of products. Its products were also made more energy efficient. EI Schneider Electric Supplier development, GGE reduction, supporting the community – developed the sustainability of its suppliers. Reduction in GGEs. Training 15,000 people from disadvantaged communities through electrician courses. EI SI Whirlpool Water saving – saved water in appliance manufacturing and encouraged consumers to do the same by purchasing its washing machines. EI Energy AES Brasil Sustainable energy – diversified its sources of power generation. Installed solar plants with hydroelectric plants to take advantage of the structure. It aimed to double the capacity of its power generation via sustainable energy by 2016. EI Ampla Electricity consumption hours – by 2015, it aimed for customers in the city of Buzios to be able to choose appropriate tariffs based on their spending habits. EI Coele Consumer awareness, supporting communities – implemented programs offering discounts in exchange for recyclable waste and the replacement of inefficient electric appliances. Encouraged customers to use less electricity. EI CPFL Energia Alternative energy – expanded investments in renewable sources of electricity and imposed sustainability goals for its executives. EI EPD Energy, supporting communities – invested 430 million reais (162 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in social and environmental programs in communities affected by its new hydroelectric plants. EI SI Elektro Local suppliers – promoted the economy in its concession areas. In 2014, 75% of business was done with local partners. SI Itaipu Binacional Use of electricity – invested in sustainable forms of electricity use. Supported the development of electric cars. EI Light Reduction in energy theft – invested in the fight against energy theft, which drains 16% of the energy distributed by the company in Rio de Janeiro. EI Hotels Grupo Rio Quente Environmental education – educational programs are the foundation of the sustainability policy of Rio Quente Group. Sourced alternative energy – heating shower water was done by solar panels. EI Infrastructure CCR Education for transit – has a program that contributes to training future drivers and decreasing accident rates on the roads. SI Ecoro-dovias Energy efficiency – its road modernization includes energy efficiency with the introduction of LED lamps and solar panels. EI Financial Institutions Itaú Unibanco Financial education – offered financial education for internal employees and business clients in order to reduce default rates. SI Bradesco Investment in technology – invested in digital channels to keep customers away from the rows of bank tellers. The cost of digital transactions is 5% of that in banks. Grupo BB and Mapfre Risk assessment in contracts, reduction of resources – included sustainability issues in risk assessments. It simplified the terms of the contracts, reducing paper usage by 88%. EI HSBC Fighting corruption – improved its internal controls and trained employees to prevent bribery cases. SI Construction Materials Masisa Integration of suppliers, professional training – achieved integration of the supply chain by establishing a focus on sustainability. It operated in the training of professionals in the area and the growth of the furniture sector. EI SI Duratex Waste reduction – aimed to reduce industrial waste sent to landfill. In 2013, it recycled 33% of its waste. EI Mining and Steel Mills Arcelor-mittal Energy efficiency, water consumption, reduction of GGEs – initiated a project to take advantage of the gases from the burning charcoal used in the production process to generate electricity. Achieved GGE reduction. Reused and treated water. EI Alcoa Forest recovery – invested in a mined area rehabilitation technique in Pará and created an alternative income for the community. EI SI AngloGold Ashanti Water saving – its wastewater treatment facility in underground mining helped to save water, achieving a 7% rate of water reuse and a 58% reduction in the volume of water pumped. EI Aperam Waste reduction, efficiency – in six years, the steel mill Aperam halved the generation of waste in the manufacture of steel. The goal was to clear the remains of the production process. EI Vale Efficiency, reducing consumption of natural resources – aimed to extract iron ore while having a minimal impact on the environment. In the new plant, there was a 90% reduction in the volume of water used. Ore transportation was done by electric mats, not by 300 trucks. EI Voto-rantim Metais Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the community, public managers – invested in recycling electric arc furnace dust, the main waste generated in its plants. The goal is zero waste from productive activity by 2020. The Forest Ecos program focuses on developing public awareness and training entrepreneurs and managers. EI SI Yamana Efficiency, reduced energy consumption – the company's strategy was to streamline costs, seek efficiency and reduce electric and diesel power consumption. EI Paper and Cellulose Fibria Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the surrounding community – invested in biotechnology in the genetic improvement of eucalyptus in order to reduce the area planted. Reduced solid waste going to landfill. It has social actions aimed at improving the lives of neighboring communities. EI SI Klabin Environmental certification – invested in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification of good practices in forest management for small providers acting in the form of associations. EI Chemistry Beraca Social project – developed a project to support low-income communities in Piauí through access to clean water and education. SI Basf Efficiency, reducing consumption – performed a review of the processes of its unit in São Bernardo do Campo to improve the consumption of water and electricity and to reduce environmental impacts, waste generation and GGEs. EI Braskem Product innovation – invested 200 million reais (75 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in the year to drive innovation in green products. Developed raw materials derived from sugar cane to replace oil. EI Dow Brasil Product innovation – developed a filter system that promises to reduce water treatment costs by 40%. The technology began to be used on the São Paulo coast. EI White Martins Product innovation, efficiency – developed products and services to increase the efficiency of its customers. It has also internally acted to increase its efficiency. EI Health Services Sabin Female work – supported female-dominated labor with constant training. SI Fleury Group Employee training – encouraged employees to give suggestions to improve business processes. In 2013, the program generated savings of 4 million reais (1.5 million dollars as of December 31, 2014). SI Albert Einstein Hospital Supporting needy communities – the hospital provided care to more than 10,000 children in the second largest slum in São Paulo. SI Sírio-Libanês Hospital Reducing the impacts of activities – adopted an international agenda to reduce the impact of its activities in ten themes, including sustainable construction technologies, green hospitals and a health-based international network. EI Telecommunications Algar Telecom Environmental design, supplier development – developed a recycling project that combines environmental, educational and social objectives. Collected banners and transformed them into school materials, which were then donated to the public. It ensured its suppliers were committed to sustainability. EI SI Telefônica Vivo Digital inclusion – provided Internet access to rural schools. In 2014, its digital inclusion program benefited 4,000 rural schools. The goal was to connect 22,000 rural schools. SI Transportation and Logistics Libra Group GGE reduction, replacing diesel with electricity – invested in electrical equipment for the transport of loads to reduce the GGEs in port operations. EI SMEs Zanzini Relationships with society, recycling – invested in relationships with social actors and the use of recycled materials. EI SI Source: Authors based on Guia Exame de Sustentabilidade (2014). Notes: Class* = classification: EI or SI. SME: Small and medium enterprises.

Figure 1. Distribution of companies with environmental and/or social innovations.

Source: research data.

Table 1. Concepts used to classify sustainability reports.

Category	Concept
Social Innovation	Proposals aimed at social change present a new vision – a new way to evaluate and define problems and possible solutions (Bouchard, 2012. Social innovations are dynamics that allow an individual or a group of individuals to meet social demands or sets of social needs that are currently not met satisfactorily (Chambon et al., 1982). Social innovation is the convergence of cultural aspects, in which the emphasis is on the importance of ideas and the understanding that social conditions could be different and better (Bridgstock et al., 2010).
Environmental Innovation	Environmental innovation includes a new product, production process, service, management type or business model for the organization, causing a reduction in environmental risk, pollution and other possible negative impacts of resource use in comparison with relevant alternatives (Kemp and Pearson, 2007). Environmental innovation is designed to provide sustainable development in the industrial sector and incorporates a systemic approach (Coenen and Díaz Lópes, 2010). Environmental innovations contribute to sustainability, which in turn is positioned as an important large-scale transformation inductor, involving users, institutions, technological advances, the economy, political structures and other aspects (Jacobsson and Bergek, 2011; Markard et al. 2012). In environmental innovation, cost (present and future projections) materializes as an important behavioral factor of producers and consumers, who are more sensitive to initial costs than long-term costs (Van den Bergh et al., 2011).

Source: Prepared by the authors, based on the references cited.

Table 2. Synthesis of reports highlighted by companies, from ^{Appendix A} Appendix A. Reports highlighted by the companies. Sector Company Featured Actions Class* Agribusiness Bunge Efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GGEs), logistics – invested in logistics, with a 20% reduction in the route of grain and a 20% reduction in the emission of carbon originating from transport – reduction of 100,000 truck trips. Restrictions on suppliers that violate environmental and labor standards. EI Amaggi Environmental and social certification – invested in international certification to avoid the risk of having products barred abroad for social or environmental issues. EI Odebrecht Agro-industrial Supported communities – invested in the training of bricklayers and bakers, to meet labor shortages in the cities where they are installing their industries. SI Auto Industry Volvo Efficiency, energy, reduction in GGEs, reuse – invested in productive efficiency. Decrease of 63% in the energy needed to manufacture a vehicle and a 50% reduction in GGEs. Currently, 90% of the waste of raw materials – iron and plastic – is processed at the factory. EI Eaton Efficiency, power, water – searched for more-efficient uses of resources, causing a 15% reduction in water consumption and a 28% reduction in electricity consumption. EI Capital Goods Tetra Pak Using sustainable resources – the use of renewable materials in 2014 went from 75% to 82%. Expanded the use of recycled materials in the production process. EI Weg Energy efficiency – became one of the first companies in the country to apply international standards of energy management: ISO50001. A reduction of 13% of electricity consumption in the assembly lines. EI Consumer Goods Unilever Supplier certification – working with its suppliers to achieve the target of 100% of agricultural raw materials having certification of origin by the end of the decade. EI Brasil Kirin Reduction of materials in packaging, collectors – has programs to reduce raw materials in packaging. In 2013, it saved 4,000 tons of plastic resin. Works with partnership collectors for collecting discarded packaging material. EI SI Coca-Cola Development of poor communities – invested in the development of small-scale suppliers of extractive communities in the Amazon. SI Grupo Boticário Energy efficiency – invested in the efficient use of natural resources. In the reform of its first plant, it reduced the consumption of electricity by 20%, and its new plant has been designed with attention to the better use of natural resources. EI Kimberly-Clark Reduction in water consumption – invested in reducing water consumption in the paper manufacturing process. In 2013, it needed 5,000 liters of water to produce 1 ton of paper. EI Natura Efficiency, mitigation, networking – The company proposes a business management that makes possible a positive impact on the environment. EI Construction Even Efficiency, energy, water, mitigation of problems caused by its operations – has a program to alleviate the inconvenience that the construction of its buildings causes for those who live nearby. Invested in new properties that have a lower consumption of water and electricity. EI SI Consulting and IT Management Promon Efficiency, water, collectors – specializes in developing environmental solutions with positive social impacts. Implemented a recycling system that benefits recycling cooperatives and a closed-loop water system that eliminates the need for the collection and disposal of water. EI SI Ecofrotas Carbon credits – developed a methodology that allows the sale of carbon credits with the adoption of ethanol in the car fleet. EI EY Sustainable logistics chain – created a methodology for building sustainable supply chains and applied its knowledge in planning the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. EI Electronics Philips Efficiency of products – invested in the development of products with higher energy efficiency and lower costs. One example is LED lamps – the price dropped 70% in two years. EI Embraco Reuse – invested in its business based on the reuse of material that would be discarded. Reused 96% of solid waste from industrial processes. EI HP Efficient products and processes, reuse – implemented the circular economy concept and developed partnerships with suppliers to reduce resource consumption and increase the efficiency of products. Its products were also made more energy efficient. EI Schneider Electric Supplier development, GGE reduction, supporting the community – developed the sustainability of its suppliers. Reduction in GGEs. Training 15,000 people from disadvantaged communities through electrician courses. EI SI Whirlpool Water saving – saved water in appliance manufacturing and encouraged consumers to do the same by purchasing its washing machines. EI Energy AES Brasil Sustainable energy – diversified its sources of power generation. Installed solar plants with hydroelectric plants to take advantage of the structure. It aimed to double the capacity of its power generation via sustainable energy by 2016. EI Ampla Electricity consumption hours – by 2015, it aimed for customers in the city of Buzios to be able to choose appropriate tariffs based on their spending habits. EI Coele Consumer awareness, supporting communities – implemented programs offering discounts in exchange for recyclable waste and the replacement of inefficient electric appliances. Encouraged customers to use less electricity. EI CPFL Energia Alternative energy – expanded investments in renewable sources of electricity and imposed sustainability goals for its executives. EI EPD Energy, supporting communities – invested 430 million reais (162 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in social and environmental programs in communities affected by its new hydroelectric plants. EI SI Elektro Local suppliers – promoted the economy in its concession areas. In 2014, 75% of business was done with local partners. SI Itaipu Binacional Use of electricity – invested in sustainable forms of electricity use. Supported the development of electric cars. EI Light Reduction in energy theft – invested in the fight against energy theft, which drains 16% of the energy distributed by the company in Rio de Janeiro. EI Hotels Grupo Rio Quente Environmental education – educational programs are the foundation of the sustainability policy of Rio Quente Group. Sourced alternative energy – heating shower water was done by solar panels. EI Infrastructure CCR Education for transit – has a program that contributes to training future drivers and decreasing accident rates on the roads. SI Ecoro-dovias Energy efficiency – its road modernization includes energy efficiency with the introduction of LED lamps and solar panels. EI Financial Institutions Itaú Unibanco Financial education – offered financial education for internal employees and business clients in order to reduce default rates. SI Bradesco Investment in technology – invested in digital channels to keep customers away from the rows of bank tellers. The cost of digital transactions is 5% of that in banks. Grupo BB and Mapfre Risk assessment in contracts, reduction of resources – included sustainability issues in risk assessments. It simplified the terms of the contracts, reducing paper usage by 88%. EI HSBC Fighting corruption – improved its internal controls and trained employees to prevent bribery cases. SI Construction Materials Masisa Integration of suppliers, professional training – achieved integration of the supply chain by establishing a focus on sustainability. It operated in the training of professionals in the area and the growth of the furniture sector. EI SI Duratex Waste reduction – aimed to reduce industrial waste sent to landfill. In 2013, it recycled 33% of its waste. EI Mining and Steel Mills Arcelor-mittal Energy efficiency, water consumption, reduction of GGEs – initiated a project to take advantage of the gases from the burning charcoal used in the production process to generate electricity. Achieved GGE reduction. Reused and treated water. EI Alcoa Forest recovery – invested in a mined area rehabilitation technique in Pará and created an alternative income for the community. EI SI AngloGold Ashanti Water saving – its wastewater treatment facility in underground mining helped to save water, achieving a 7% rate of water reuse and a 58% reduction in the volume of water pumped. EI Aperam Waste reduction, efficiency – in six years, the steel mill Aperam halved the generation of waste in the manufacture of steel. The goal was to clear the remains of the production process. EI Vale Efficiency, reducing consumption of natural resources – aimed to extract iron ore while having a minimal impact on the environment. In the new plant, there was a 90% reduction in the volume of water used. Ore transportation was done by electric mats, not by 300 trucks. EI Voto-rantim Metais Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the community, public managers – invested in recycling electric arc furnace dust, the main waste generated in its plants. The goal is zero waste from productive activity by 2020. The Forest Ecos program focuses on developing public awareness and training entrepreneurs and managers. EI SI Yamana Efficiency, reduced energy consumption – the company's strategy was to streamline costs, seek efficiency and reduce electric and diesel power consumption. EI Paper and Cellulose Fibria Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the surrounding community – invested in biotechnology in the genetic improvement of eucalyptus in order to reduce the area planted. Reduced solid waste going to landfill. It has social actions aimed at improving the lives of neighboring communities. EI SI Klabin Environmental certification – invested in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification of good practices in forest management for small providers acting in the form of associations. EI Chemistry Beraca Social project – developed a project to support low-income communities in Piauí through access to clean water and education. SI Basf Efficiency, reducing consumption – performed a review of the processes of its unit in São Bernardo do Campo to improve the consumption of water and electricity and to reduce environmental impacts, waste generation and GGEs. EI Braskem Product innovation – invested 200 million reais (75 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in the year to drive innovation in green products. Developed raw materials derived from sugar cane to replace oil. EI Dow Brasil Product innovation – developed a filter system that promises to reduce water treatment costs by 40%. The technology began to be used on the São Paulo coast. EI White Martins Product innovation, efficiency – developed products and services to increase the efficiency of its customers. It has also internally acted to increase its efficiency. EI Health Services Sabin Female work – supported female-dominated labor with constant training. SI Fleury Group Employee training – encouraged employees to give suggestions to improve business processes. In 2013, the program generated savings of 4 million reais (1.5 million dollars as of December 31, 2014). SI Albert Einstein Hospital Supporting needy communities – the hospital provided care to more than 10,000 children in the second largest slum in São Paulo. SI Sírio-Libanês Hospital Reducing the impacts of activities – adopted an international agenda to reduce the impact of its activities in ten themes, including sustainable construction technologies, green hospitals and a health-based international network. EI Telecommunications Algar Telecom Environmental design, supplier development – developed a recycling project that combines environmental, educational and social objectives. Collected banners and transformed them into school materials, which were then donated to the public. It ensured its suppliers were committed to sustainability. EI SI Telefônica Vivo Digital inclusion – provided Internet access to rural schools. In 2014, its digital inclusion program benefited 4,000 rural schools. The goal was to connect 22,000 rural schools. SI Transportation and Logistics Libra Group GGE reduction, replacing diesel with electricity – invested in electrical equipment for the transport of loads to reduce the GGEs in port operations. EI SMEs Zanzini Relationships with society, recycling – invested in relationships with social actors and the use of recycled materials. EI SI Source: Authors based on Guia Exame de Sustentabilidade (2014). Notes: Class* = classification: EI or SI. SME: Small and medium enterprises. .

Sector	Number of firms	Number of innovations introduced	% of innovation in the sample	Number of environmental innovation introduced	Number of Social Innovation introduced
Agribusiness	3	3	4.22%	2	1
Auto Industry	2	2	2,82%	2	0
Capital Goods	2	2	2,82%	2	0
Consumer Goods	6	7*	9,86%	5	2
Construction	1	2	2,82%	1	1
Consulting and IT Management	3	4*	5,63%	3	1
Electronics	5	6*	8,45%	5	1
Energy	8	9*	12,68%	7	2
Hotels	1	1	1,41%	1	0
Infrastructure	2	2	2,82%	1	1
Financial Institutions	4	3**	4.22%	1	2
Construction Materials	2	3*	4.22%	2	1
Mining and Steel Mills	7	9*	12,68%	7	2
Paper and Cellulose	2	3*	4.22%	2	1
Chemistry	5	5	7,05%	4	1
Health Services	4	4	5,63%	1	3
Telecommunications	2	3*	4.22%	1	2
Transportation and Logistics	1	1	1,41%	1	0
Small and medium enterprises.	1	2*	2,82%	1	1
Total	61	71	100%	49	22

Source: Prepared by the authors, based on the references cited.
Note: * there are institutions that present more than one innovation, ** One of the institutions presented innovation, but it does not fit as either environmental or social.

Table 3. Benefit themes of the social innovations.

Theme	Quantity	%	Theme	Quantity	%
Support the community	9	41,0	Education for transit	1	4,5
Enhance professional capacity	3	13,6	Financial education	1	4,5
Partnerships with collectors	2	9,2	Fighting corruption	1	4,5
Mitigate the effects of activities	2	9,2	Gender equality	1	4,5
Local suppliers	1	4,5	Digital inclusion	1	4,5

Source: research data.

Table 4. Benefit themes of the environmental innovations.

Theme	Quantity	%	Theme	Quantity	%
Efficiency	20	20	Mitigate environmental impacts	4	4
Electricity	20	20	Environmental certification	3	3
Water	10	10	Environmental education	2	2
Reuse/recycling	8	8	Good habits	1	1
Reduction of GGEs	7	7	Carbon credit	1	1
Supply chains / suppliers	6	6	Biotechnology – genetic improvement	1	1
Waste reduction	6	6	Risk assessment	1	1
Reduction in resource consumption	5	5	Forest recovery	1	1
New products	4	4

Source: research data.

Sector	Company	Featured Actions	Class*
Agribusiness	Bunge	Efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GGEs), logistics – invested in logistics, with a 20% reduction in the route of grain and a 20% reduction in the emission of carbon originating from transport – reduction of 100,000 truck trips. Restrictions on suppliers that violate environmental and labor standards.	EI
	Amaggi	Environmental and social certification – invested in international certification to avoid the risk of having products barred abroad for social or environmental issues.	EI
	Odebrecht Agro-industrial	Supported communities – invested in the training of bricklayers and bakers, to meet labor shortages in the cities where they are installing their industries.	SI
Auto Industry	Volvo	Efficiency, energy, reduction in GGEs, reuse – invested in productive efficiency. Decrease of 63% in the energy needed to manufacture a vehicle and a 50% reduction in GGEs. Currently, 90% of the waste of raw materials – iron and plastic – is processed at the factory.	EI
Auto Industry	Eaton	Efficiency, power, water – searched for more-efficient uses of resources, causing a 15% reduction in water consumption and a 28% reduction in electricity consumption.	EI
Capital Goods	Tetra Pak	Using sustainable resources – the use of renewable materials in 2014 went from 75% to 82%. Expanded the use of recycled materials in the production process.	EI
Capital Goods	Weg	Energy efficiency – became one of the first companies in the country to apply international standards of energy management: ISO50001. A reduction of 13% of electricity consumption in the assembly lines.	EI
Consumer Goods	Unilever	Supplier certification – working with its suppliers to achieve the target of 100% of agricultural raw materials having certification of origin by the end of the decade.	EI
	Brasil Kirin	Reduction of materials in packaging, collectors – has programs to reduce raw materials in packaging. In 2013, it saved 4,000 tons of plastic resin. Works with partnership collectors for collecting discarded packaging material.	EI SI
	Coca-Cola	Development of poor communities – invested in the development of small-scale suppliers of extractive communities in the Amazon.	SI
	Grupo Boticário	Energy efficiency – invested in the efficient use of natural resources. In the reform of its first plant, it reduced the consumption of electricity by 20%, and its new plant has been designed with attention to the better use of natural resources.	EI
	Kimberly-Clark	Reduction in water consumption – invested in reducing water consumption in the paper manufacturing process. In 2013, it needed 5,000 liters of water to produce 1 ton of paper.	EI
	Natura	Efficiency, mitigation, networking – The company proposes a business management that makes possible a positive impact on the environment.	EI
Construction	Even	Efficiency, energy, water, mitigation of problems caused by its operations – has a program to alleviate the inconvenience that the construction of its buildings causes for those who live nearby. Invested in new properties that have a lower consumption of water and electricity.	EI SI
Consulting and IT Management	Promon	Efficiency, water, collectors – specializes in developing environmental solutions with positive social impacts. Implemented a recycling system that benefits recycling cooperatives and a closed-loop water system that eliminates the need for the collection and disposal of water.	EI SI
	Ecofrotas	Carbon credits – developed a methodology that allows the sale of carbon credits with the adoption of ethanol in the car fleet.	EI
	EY	Sustainable logistics chain – created a methodology for building sustainable supply chains and applied its knowledge in planning the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.	EI
Electronics	Philips	Efficiency of products – invested in the development of products with higher energy efficiency and lower costs. One example is LED lamps – the price dropped 70% in two years.	EI
	Embraco	Reuse – invested in its business based on the reuse of material that would be discarded. Reused 96% of solid waste from industrial processes.	EI
	HP	Efficient products and processes, reuse – implemented the circular economy concept and developed partnerships with suppliers to reduce resource consumption and increase the efficiency of products. Its products were also made more energy efficient.	EI
	Schneider Electric	Supplier development, GGE reduction, supporting the community – developed the sustainability of its suppliers. Reduction in GGEs. Training 15,000 people from disadvantaged communities through electrician courses.	EI SI
	Whirlpool	Water saving – saved water in appliance manufacturing and encouraged consumers to do the same by purchasing its washing machines.	EI
Energy	AES Brasil	Sustainable energy – diversified its sources of power generation. Installed solar plants with hydroelectric plants to take advantage of the structure. It aimed to double the capacity of its power generation via sustainable energy by 2016.	EI
	Ampla	Electricity consumption hours – by 2015, it aimed for customers in the city of Buzios to be able to choose appropriate tariffs based on their spending habits.	EI
	Coele	Consumer awareness, supporting communities – implemented programs offering discounts in exchange for recyclable waste and the replacement of inefficient electric appliances. Encouraged customers to use less electricity.	EI
	CPFL Energia	Alternative energy – expanded investments in renewable sources of electricity and imposed sustainability goals for its executives.	EI
	EPD	Energy, supporting communities – invested 430 million reais (162 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in social and environmental programs in communities affected by its new hydroelectric plants.	EI SI
	Elektro	Local suppliers – promoted the economy in its concession areas. In 2014, 75% of business was done with local partners.	SI
	Itaipu Binacional	Use of electricity – invested in sustainable forms of electricity use. Supported the development of electric cars.	EI
	Light	Reduction in energy theft – invested in the fight against energy theft, which drains 16% of the energy distributed by the company in Rio de Janeiro.	EI
Hotels	Grupo Rio Quente	Environmental education – educational programs are the foundation of the sustainability policy of Rio Quente Group. Sourced alternative energy – heating shower water was done by solar panels.	EI
Infrastructure	CCR	Education for transit – has a program that contributes to training future drivers and decreasing accident rates on the roads.	SI
Infrastructure	Ecoro-dovias	Energy efficiency – its road modernization includes energy efficiency with the introduction of LED lamps and solar panels.	EI
Financial Institutions	Itaú Unibanco	Financial education – offered financial education for internal employees and business clients in order to reduce default rates.	SI
	Bradesco	Investment in technology – invested in digital channels to keep customers away from the rows of bank tellers. The cost of digital transactions is 5% of that in banks.
	Grupo BB and Mapfre	Risk assessment in contracts, reduction of resources – included sustainability issues in risk assessments. It simplified the terms of the contracts, reducing paper usage by 88%.	EI
	HSBC	Fighting corruption – improved its internal controls and trained employees to prevent bribery cases.	SI
Construction Materials	Masisa	Integration of suppliers, professional training – achieved integration of the supply chain by establishing a focus on sustainability. It operated in the training of professionals in the area and the growth of the furniture sector.	EI SI
Construction Materials	Duratex	Waste reduction – aimed to reduce industrial waste sent to landfill. In 2013, it recycled 33% of its waste.	EI
Mining and Steel Mills	Arcelor-mittal	Energy efficiency, water consumption, reduction of GGEs – initiated a project to take advantage of the gases from the burning charcoal used in the production process to generate electricity. Achieved GGE reduction. Reused and treated water.	EI
	Alcoa	Forest recovery – invested in a mined area rehabilitation technique in Pará and created an alternative income for the community.	EI SI
	AngloGold Ashanti	Water saving – its wastewater treatment facility in underground mining helped to save water, achieving a 7% rate of water reuse and a 58% reduction in the volume of water pumped.	EI
	Aperam	Waste reduction, efficiency – in six years, the steel mill Aperam halved the generation of waste in the manufacture of steel. The goal was to clear the remains of the production process.	EI
	Vale	Efficiency, reducing consumption of natural resources – aimed to extract iron ore while having a minimal impact on the environment. In the new plant, there was a 90% reduction in the volume of water used. Ore transportation was done by electric mats, not by 300 trucks.	EI
	Voto-rantim Metais	Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the community, public managers – invested in recycling electric arc furnace dust, the main waste generated in its plants. The goal is zero waste from productive activity by 2020. The Forest Ecos program focuses on developing public awareness and training entrepreneurs and managers.	EI SI
	Yamana	Efficiency, reduced energy consumption – the company's strategy was to streamline costs, seek efficiency and reduce electric and diesel power consumption.	EI
Paper and Cellulose	Fibria	Efficiency, waste reduction, supporting the surrounding community – invested in biotechnology in the genetic improvement of eucalyptus in order to reduce the area planted. Reduced solid waste going to landfill. It has social actions aimed at improving the lives of neighboring communities.	EI SI
Paper and Cellulose	Klabin	Environmental certification – invested in FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification of good practices in forest management for small providers acting in the form of associations.	EI
Chemistry	Beraca	Social project – developed a project to support low-income communities in Piauí through access to clean water and education.	SI
	Basf	Efficiency, reducing consumption – performed a review of the processes of its unit in São Bernardo do Campo to improve the consumption of water and electricity and to reduce environmental impacts, waste generation and GGEs.	EI
	Braskem	Product innovation – invested 200 million reais (75 million dollars as of December 31, 2014) in the year to drive innovation in green products. Developed raw materials derived from sugar cane to replace oil.	EI
	Dow Brasil	Product innovation – developed a filter system that promises to reduce water treatment costs by 40%. The technology began to be used on the São Paulo coast.	EI
	White Martins	Product innovation, efficiency – developed products and services to increase the efficiency of its customers. It has also internally acted to increase its efficiency.	EI
Health Services	Sabin	Female work – supported female-dominated labor with constant training.	SI
	Fleury Group	Employee training – encouraged employees to give suggestions to improve business processes. In 2013, the program generated savings of 4 million reais (1.5 million dollars as of December 31, 2014).	SI
	Albert Einstein Hospital	Supporting needy communities – the hospital provided care to more than 10,000 children in the second largest slum in São Paulo.	SI
	Sírio-Libanês Hospital	Reducing the impacts of activities – adopted an international agenda to reduce the impact of its activities in ten themes, including sustainable construction technologies, green hospitals and a health-based international network.	EI
Telecommunications	Algar Telecom	Environmental design, supplier development – developed a recycling project that combines environmental, educational and social objectives. Collected banners and transformed them into school materials, which were then donated to the public. It ensured its suppliers were committed to sustainability.	EI SI
Telecommunications	Telefônica Vivo	Digital inclusion – provided Internet access to rural schools. In 2014, its digital inclusion program benefited 4,000 rural schools. The goal was to connect 22,000 rural schools.	SI
Transportation and Logistics	Libra Group	GGE reduction, replacing diesel with electricity – invested in electrical equipment for the transport of loads to reduce the GGEs in port operations.	EI
SMEs	Zanzini	Relationships with society, recycling – invested in relationships with social actors and the use of recycled materials.	EI SI

Source: Authors based on Guia Exame de Sustentabilidade (2014).
Notes: Class* = classification: EI or SI.
SME: Small and medium enterprises.

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Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais em Bacias Hidrográficas Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais em Bacias Hidrográficas (IPABHi), Estrada Mun. Dr. José Luis Cembranelli, 5000, Taubaté, SP, Brasil, CEP 12081-010 - Taubaté - SP - Brazil
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Social and environmental innovations of Brazilian companies

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[1] ^* Corresponding author: Celso Machado Junior, e-mail: celsomachado1@gmail.com