Análise de sistema de gestão ambiental: Estudo de caso em usina de açúcar e etanol na região imediata de ASSIS/SP

Abstract

Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) may seem like a significant challenge when it comes to meeting the requirements for international certification, such as ISO 14001. However, this has become an increasingly relevant topic due to the growing culture of environmental preservation in the global market. The main reasons driving this evolution include environmental responsibility to minimize impacts and promote responsible practices, image improvement attracting conscientious consumers and enhancing competitiveness, unquestionable cost reduction through more efficient practices, and compliance with regulations to avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation in the market. In the sugar and ethanol plant analyzed, certified in ISO 14001, efforts were made to understand and assess the implementation of the EMS and its performance in continuous improvement. This emphasizes the importance of optimizing environmental practices, identifying inefficiencies, reducing waste, and minimizing impacts, showcasing their benefits. Upon analyzing the EMS developed in the plant, based on documented evidence, active leadership engagement stands out, expressed from implementation to internal audit monitoring. The coherence of the Environmental Policy with the company's sector of operation is also notable, with ambitious goals such as an 80% increase in renewable energy production and supply, a 20% reduction in the carbon footprint of ethanol, and an increase to 80% in renewable business participation. The planning, implementation, and operation structure are clear and effective, as evidenced by the results in the company's annual sustainability report. The company managed to avoid over 30 million tons of CO2 since 2011, reduced mineral fertilizer use by 30%, increased productivity by up to 15% by using industrial waste for fertilization, and reduced the consumption of 1.8 billion liters of water from external sources. While there is a caveat regarding the lack of visibility of daily execution controls, praise can be given to the system for controlling legal, regulatory, and auditable documents and records for its effectiveness. This allows internal audits to be recognized as efficient and emphasizes the continuous search for improvements. Therefore, the widespread environmental preservation culture among its 1000+ employees is noteworthy, resulting in the technical effectiveness of the implemented EMS.