Environmental Education in the Business Context: Practices and Challenges in the Transportation Sector for the Formation of a Socio-Environmental Culture
Authors: Rocha André Luis Zanola , Araújo Gilberto Jorge da Cruz , Cunha Tatiana Santos da , Souza Edmilson Monteiro de , Cardoso Alexander Machado , Musci Marcelo 
Published: October 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate Environmental Education in the business context, with a focus on the transport sector, in order to reflect on the teaching practices that are developed in all areas, with the aim of presenting environmental practices that can promote the formation of an individual committed to the socio-environmental reality and to life.

Theoretical Framework: Environmental Education can be characterized as an educational process based on social values, knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies aimed at conservation and care for the environment. This definition highlights the need for its operationalization at all levels and sectors of society in a cultural transformation project, which intends the necessary contribution of Formal Education. Based on the proposal, the study supports the need for the rapid implementation of environmental education within urban transport companies, so that in the medium to long term it is possible to observe a strengthened sustainable dynamic in environmental education for this sector.

Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves dividing the study into two parts, where the first was based on a systematic review of the scientific literature and the second part, due to the scarcity of significant data on the subject identified in the initial phase, was configured as a professional proposal for implementing environmental education within the urban public transport sector.

Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed important implications for the promotion of sustainability in the transportation sector through Environmental Education by proposing a practical approach that combines educational and operational strategies, highlighting the need for companies to integrate socio-environmental responsibility actions into their daily practices, increasing environmental awareness among employees, but also fostering cultural transformation in organizations, generating a broader impact. In addition, the research can serve as a model for other industrial sectors, offering a replicable framework for implementing sustainability programs in a systematic way and adapted to the needs of each organizational context. By combining a rigorous analysis of the scientific literature with the proposal of a practical product for the implementation of Environmental Education in transportation companies, focusing on the specific needs of the transportation sector, it is possible to bring solutions that are applicable and adaptable to the reality of organizations, which increases its relevance both in the academic field and in the market. The study not only fills gaps identified in the literature, but also contributes with an action model that can be directly implemented, bringing benefits to companies, employees and society in general.

Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the urban transport field. These implications may include the promotion of sustainability in the transport sector through Environmental Education by proposing a practical approach that combines educational and operational strategies, highlighting the need for companies to integrate socio-environmental responsibility actions into their daily practices, increasing environmental awareness among employees, but also fostering cultural transformation in organizations, generating a broader impact.

Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by also serving as a model for other industrial sectors, offering a replicable framework for implementing sustainability programs in a systematic manner and adapted to the needs of each organizational context. In this context, the work emphasizes the relevance of intersectoral partnerships, which can drive public policies and collaborative actions between the private and public sectors to promote a more sustainable transition.