Proposição de indicadores de sustentabilidade para indústria com atividade galvânica: uma abordagem com ênfase na gestão integrada das normas ISO 9001, ISO 14001 e ISO 45001

Abstract

Business management needs to evolve to incorporate sustainable development, seeking a balance between economic growth, environmental preservation, and social well-being. Companies must consider the impact of their actions on all these aspects. This study focused on the galvanic industry due to its high environmental and occupational risks, as its processes generate hazardous waste containing heavy metals and expose workers to harmful chemical agents that cause diseases. In this context, the main objective of this study was to contribute to the sustainable development of the electroplating industry by proposing and validating specific sustainability indicators, aligned with integrated management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001) and ESG practices, aiming to improve working conditions and raise awareness among entrepreneurs and managers about the importance of sustainability in the sector. The methodological path for constructing the indicators occurred through the application of the Delphi Technique. The final proposal of the indicators was obtained from the consensus of workers and specialists, seeking a synthesis that approximated the already consolidated theoretical assumptions with the practical performance of the professionals. To analyze the consensus, a descriptive analysis was used in each of the stages of the applied Delphi Technique, resulting in the elaboration of a panel with a summary of the data obtained. 39 relevant sustainability indicators were identified for the galvanic industry, which also help in meeting ISO standards and adopting ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices. The most relevant indicators in this study were "Water Consumption" and "Production Safety", both with 90.6% consensus for the "very important" relevance level. The indicator with the lowest percentage of consensus among the specialists was "Allocated Value for R&D Activities", with 34.4% consensus for the "very important" relevance level. The application of the indicators in industries in Juazeiro do Norte (CE) revealed advances and challenges in the sector's sustainability. Positive points include environmental progress and good work safety practices. However, there is a need for improvements in the incorporation of renewable energies, participation in CIPA, emergency plans, investments in R&D, and awareness of climate change. Despite recognizing the benefits of integrated management (IMS) and sustainability indicators, entrepreneurs still face difficulties in implementing them. The research contributes specific indicators for the sector, encouraging future research and actions for the sustainable development of galvanic activity.