Práticas de ESG em cooperativas de crédito: um estudo multicaso do Sicoob, Sicredi e Cresol

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the adoption of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices in the credit cooperatives Sicredi, Sicoob, and Cresol, through a multiple case study. The research seeks to identify how these cooperatives implement such practices, as well as examine the challenges and opportunities encountered in the process. The methodology was qualitative and exploratory, based on the documentary analysis of 2023 sustainability reports and academic bibliographic sources. The results indicate that the cooperatives are at different maturity levels in the adoption of ESG practices. Sicredi has invested heavily in environmental sustainability, standing out in renewable energy and green economy projects. Sicoob excels in social inclusion, with financial education programs that have positively impacted various regions. Cresol, in turn, has a solid role in rural development, supporting small farmers with credit and technical assistance. However, the cooperatives face challenges related to the standardization of ESG metrics and governance and sustainability training, which limits the comparative assessment of their impacts. The study concludes that, although the cooperatives have made significant progress, greater alignment and integration of ESG practices are needed to maximize their impact on the sustainable development of the communities they serve.