ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

As we are eager to reverse or at least ease the alarming situation of our planet, overwhelmed by a predatory growth system, we must first encourage changes within ourselves and those to whom we relate. This assumption is not only valid to individuals, but also for organizations, which are taking on the role of social players to an increasing extent, whether public or private.

Demanda conducts environmental impact diagnosis projects that provide input for companies, government entities and non-governmental organizations. Based on the findings of these impact surveys, it is possible to build up in-depth knowledge of the affected locations and the expectations of the communities involved. These portraits of reality are documented through audiovisual and written resources that are subsequently critiqued by the team of specialized professionals commissioned to conduct the study.

The main purpose of the surveys conducted to integrate Environmental Impact Reports is to provide input, for example, on the understanding of the publics of the disposal of solid wastes and the most probable reactions to the implementation of mega-projects or huge enterprises affecting the lives of people living in nearby communities.

Through conducting the surveys, information is obtained that helps the company or organization draw up a proper assessment of what the community rates as positive and negative factors of the enterprise, as well as indicating solutions presented by the community for solving the problems triggered by this new situation. Moreover, these data provide feedback for drawing up marketing and communication plans.

This type of survey offers some direct benefits:

• Identification of potential groups of people with favorable and unfavorable opinions, and redoubts of resistance to the enterprise;
• Systematized knowledge of community values in terms of the concept, the project, the environment and other variables related to the anthropic, biotic and physical surroundings;
• Knowledge of community concerns about environmental issues and the current situation;
• Identification of community expectations with regard to solutions that might be offered for these enterprises;
• Exploring perceptions of possible impacts caused by the implementation of the enterprise;
• Measuring the level of confidence in some mitigatory measures and proposing services that enterprises could offer to communities.