Environmental Management Certification and Sustainability: challenges for communication

Abstract

This article is based on research done among enterprises that received ISO 14,001certification. Its aim was to verify the different aspects of communication, in order to answer to the anxieties of interested parties (residents in the neighborhood, consumers, workers and service providers), contributing to trust and credibility of the ISO 14,001 certificate. This certification represents a market instrument among enterprises and also a strong merchandise item. However, many amplified accidents that occurred and the posture of the enterprises that react to compensate for environmental damages only after those accidents happen have been obstacles to develop a relationship of trust with community. The results showed that certified enterprises have not been able to establish a successful communication with interested parties.