Sustainability

The contemporary business landscape reveals a paradigm shift: sustainability has transcended its status as a mere trend to become an unavoidable strategic imperative. Industry experts unanimously agree that the competitive survival of companies is intrinsically linked to their ability to adapt to this new reality. However, the transition from recognizing this necessity to effectively implementing changes often presents a significant challenge. It is precisely in this context that European funding emerges as a fundamental catalyst, providing the necessary impetus to materialize environmental and innovation ambitions, fostering profound transformation in production, consumption, and management paradigms. The European Union, fully aware of the magnitude of challenges posed by the dual transition—climatic and digital—has been developing a robust ecosystem of programs and funds tailored to diverse business profiles. This holistic approach not only enables large-scale projects but also democratizes access to modernization, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises to implement more efficient processes, reduce their carbon footprint, and explore disruptive innovations in their respective sectors. Overview of European Support Programs Horizon Europe This flagship program, running until 2027, serves as the primary catalyst for research and innovation across Europe. Its scope encompasses the development of sustainable technologies, resource management optimization, and significant advancements in renewable energy. Detailed information about calls and application procedures is available on the Horizon Europe Portal. LIFE Program Exclusively dedicated to environmental protection and combating climate change, this program offers a unique opportunity for organizations committed to preserving ecosystems, implementing circular economy practices, and decarbonizing their production processes. Detailed information on the application process is accessible on the LIFE Portal. European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Part of Horizon Europe, this program supports high-risk, disruptive projects, offering funding that covers phases from prototyping to commercial scale-up. Additional information is available on the EIC Accelerator Portal. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Funds These financial instruments play a crucial role in reducing regional disparities and promoting sustainable practices. They are ideal solutions for companies seeking to modernize equipment or implement circular waste management systems. Detailed information is available on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) / Cohesion Fund Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) As part of NextGenerationEU, the RRF prioritizes projects focused on digital transformation, emission reduction, and clean energy development. Complementary information is available on the NextGenerationEU Portal and the Portugal PRR Portal. Portugal 2030 This new community framework significantly reinforces support for digital transformation, competitiveness, and climate transition, offering specific opportunities for implementing green production lines, sustainable management training, and cutting-edge technological development. Detailed information can be found on the Portugal 2030 Portal. Strategic Guidelines for Success To maximize the benefits of these funding mechanisms, companies are advised to: The need for action is urgent. As sustainability demands intensify, the European Union offers a comprehensive set of financial instruments to support business transformation. Organizations that demonstrate anticipation and adaptability will gain the resources needed to innovate and thrive in this new economic paradigm. As the popular saying goes, the best time to start a transformation was two decades ago; the second-best time is now. Excerpt written by Vítor Ferreira *Cover Photo by Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash  

At a time when the word “transition” seems to define our collective lives—be it energy, digital, or social—it is crucial to recognize that sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” option for businesses. Today, alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria and compliance with European directives such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), the CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive), and the EU Taxonomy are not fleeting trends but genuine passports to the future. In 2025, the requirement to report sustainability data will be more urgent than ever, occupying a prominent place on the corporate agenda. This is not merely about fulfilling legal obligations but about responding to supply chain pressure, meeting increasingly stringent banking sector criteria, and, most importantly, addressing the rising expectations of consumers and investors. We are witnessing a paradigm shift where it is no longer enough to “appear” responsible: businesses must be responsible, with tangible and measurable evidence. To business leaders who still view these demands as bureaucratic burdens, it is worth emphasizing: proper implementation of ESG practices is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage. Companies that demonstrate concrete commitments and report their achievements gain better access to financing, build trust with partners, and strengthen their position with informed and demanding customers. Conversely, non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, irreparable reputational damage, and exclusion from supply chains that tolerate no failures. Transparency is the keyword in this new context. Stakeholders want data, clear metrics, and tangible progress indicators. In a world where information is just a click away, the ability to communicate openly, coherently, and consistently is critical. Good intentions are no longer enough; robust and detailed reports are required to evaluate the environmental and social impact of all business activities, including those of suppliers and partners. This visibility not only enhances customer loyalty but also attracts talent and secures brand credibility. On the other hand, managing environmental and social risks can no longer be seen as a siloed department detached from central strategy. Today’s risks are diffuse, complex, and interconnected: from extreme weather events to geopolitical instability, responsibility no longer ends at the company’s doorstep. With the CSDDD, due diligence begins upstream in the value chain, requiring companies to map vulnerabilities, evaluate partners, and mitigate potential negative impacts. Those who neglect this dimension risk being caught off guard, paying a steep price. Finally, let us not forget the role of technology. Digital transformation, driven by data analysis and artificial intelligence solutions, is an indispensable ally in measuring, managing, and reporting on sustainability. Processes that were once time-consuming are now more agile and precise, facilitating legal compliance and enabling a holistic view of performance. Digitalization is not just a technical enabler—it is a catalyst for sustainable innovation, preparing businesses for a rapidly evolving market. Ultimately, the question every business leader must ask today is simple: is my company ready for this new reality? Is it aligned with European directives and has it integrated ESG metrics into its corporate strategy? Does it clearly communicate its results and commitments? Does it map and mitigate environmental and social risks, leveraging technology to gain efficiency and reliability in data analysis? The answers to these questions will largely determine the place your company occupies in the future. The path to sustainability is neither short nor simple, but it is unavoidable. And when the world demands more transparency, responsibility, and innovation, making sustainability a strategic pillar is not just a duty—it is an opportunity for healthy, robust, and enduring growth. Excerpt written by Vítor Ferreira. *Cover Photo by AltumCode on Unsplash  

Communicating a sustainability program (which most companies should be working on today) has enormous benefits. A well-crafted communication strategy can be a powerful tool, allowing companies to engage employees and drive internal change towards sustainability, while also sparking stakeholder interest in major sustainable goals. On the other hand, communication can help companies gain a competitive advantage, as their position on social and environmental issues sets them apart from competitors. Sustainability communication also assists in addressing growing challenges, such as new reporting regulations, declining consumer trust in brands, and increased scrutiny from investors. Today, the standard for companies is to communicate their sustainability progress. Consumers increasingly prefer sustainable brands, with one-third of consumers choosing to buy brands they believe have a positive social and environmental impact. Regardless of where companies operate, it is likely that governments, financial regulators, or stock exchanges will establish sustainability reporting rules and recommendations that will affect all companies. This trend is unlikely to reverse, so it is essential to understand that every company should not only start sustainability programs but also communicate and report on their efforts. By meeting mandatory or voluntary reporting requirements today, the company will be better positioned to respond to new regulatory requirements tomorrow. This inevitability is even more evident in the context of the EU’s Green Deal, focused on a more sustainable world and European leadership in driving that change. Simultaneously, a sustainability story is an excellent way to engage employees. Sustainability helps build employees’ sense of purpose and pride in what the company collectively achieves, motivating them to pursue its overall strategy. Moreover, it enhances the employer’s value proposition, making it easier to attract top talent, as people increasingly want to work for companies with a purpose beyond profit. In the U.S., 75% of millennial workers, when deciding who to work for, consider the organization’s social and environmental commitments, and around 66% refuse to work for a company without sustainable practices. It is crucial that our companies recognize they must not only initiate genuine sustainability efforts but also communicate this commitment—otherwise, they risk compromising their own economic sustainability. Excerpt written by Vítor Ferreira. Published in Jornal de Leiria on December 13, 2021 *Cover Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

One of the biggest difficulties in management is managing change. We live in times of climate urgency. The last 14 months have successively broken the record for the hottest months of all time, on a global scale. On the other hand, it increasingly seems evident that less attentive consumers are beginning to worry today, joining the voice of political entities and economic agents more actively involved in environmental concerns. Sustainability is no longer a nice word in annual reports to become a daily imperative to ensure economic and social permanence. In the business world, this transition is no longer a choice, but a matter of survival. Companies that resist the call of sustainability risk being consigned to history. Let’s get to the facts: the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the ISO 14001 environmental management standard and the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles are today inescapable standards. These are not mere acronyms to decorate speeches, but structural pillars that shape the future of business. ESG criteria offer an integrated approach. Talking about sustainability without considering social impacts and governance is covering the sun with a sieve. Global investors are increasingly looking at these criteria (and financing itself now depends on ESG criteria – so-called green finance). And for good reason, companies that integrate environmental, social and governance concerns are more resilient and profitable in the long term. Of course, the transition to more sustainable practices remains strangely difficult despite everything. There are internal resistances, implementation costs and the inertia of the status quo. One of the biggest difficulties in management is managing change, and yet, as Resource Theory tells us, companies that prosper are those that learn and reconfigure their skills to create product and process innovations. The benefits far outweigh the challenges, as companies that invest in sustainability not only improve efficiency and reduce costs, but also increase employee satisfaction and customer loyalty. It is no coincidence that so many companies in Leiria are taking great steps in this direction. Our region is showing that it is possible to combine profit with purpose. From the adoption of renewable energy to the development of ecological products, we are witnessing a true green revolution (as proven by some initiatives of which the PRR’s mobilizing agenda – “packaging of the future” is an example). In times of climate crisis and increasing regulation, sustainability has gone from being a niche to becoming mainstream. Companies that fail to realize this risk being marginalized and those that lead this change will be building a lasting legacy. Excerpt written by Vítor Ferreira. Published in Jornal de Leiria on July 13, 2024 *Cover Photo by Yaniv Knobel on Unsplash

The search for sustainable products was the subject of a study by the International Trade Center, with funding from the European Commission Directorate General for Commerce. This is a sector that, in 2018, sold over 40.7 billion euros in the European Union. (FiBL Statistics, 2020) The study focused on eight retail product groups: food, beverages, clothing, computers, furniture, mobile phones, printed materials, and toys and games.   The results show that: To improve the supply of sustainable products to consumers, the study recommends 12 measures to be implemented by retailers, suppliers and policymakers: Retailers Suppliers