Compliance With Legal and Other Requirements Related to the Environmental Licensing Processes in Companies Located in Rio De Janeiro - Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: This work aims to analyse the compliance with legal and other requirements related to the environmental licensing processes in some Brazilian companies. The work also aims to assess the degree to which these companies define and execute action plans to address unmet requirements as well as their risk management. Theoretical framework: The article presents an overview of the legal questions related to the theme. In addition, a literature review was conducted on works related to the Environmental Impact Assessment Process and environmental risk management in organizations in Brazil and worldwide. Method/design/approach: Based on a qualitative-quantitative and descriptive approach, six medium and large-sized companies located in the state of Rio de Janeiro were analysed. The companies operate in the chemical, pharmaceutical, hospitality, engineering, and metallurgical segments. The following data was collected: number of legal and other applicable requirements, which were assessed, met and unmet; number of risks identified; number of action plans drawn up to mitigate risks; number of action plans overdue, completed and on time.  Results and conclusion: Results indicate significant amounts of non-assessed and unmet requirements, weak identification of risks by companies and a considerable number of overdue action plans. It can be concluded that environmental control bodies did not demonstrate effectiveness in the execution of their attributions. Furthermore, the main stakeholders involved in the licensing process have not played their roles and fulfilled their responsibilities adequately. Research implications: It is believed that this work presents relevant information about the behaviour of Brazilian companies regarding their environmental licensing processes, compliance obligations and risk management. Thus, it can contribute to the reflection and proposition of initiatives that bring positive results for organizations and, especially, for the environment and society. Originality/value: Similar studies generally focus on specific companies in specific industries. The main differential of this study is its broad analysis, carried out in different segments of activity and involving companies of different sizes and levels of environmental risk.