Sustainability, Legality and ESG in Civil Construction: A Study in Mossoró/RN

The growing relevance of sustainable practices has driven organizations from various sectors to adapt their activities to current socio-environmental demands. In the con-struction sector, this demand is even more pronounced due to the high consumption of natural resources and the significant generation of solid waste. However, questions remain about the extent to which companies in this sector understand and incorporate sustainable practices into their routines. This study investigates the level of knowledge and the adoption of sustainable practices by residential building construction compa-nies registered with the Civil Construction Industry Union of Mossoró/RN. A qualita-tive-quantitative approach was adopted, using questionnaires and photographic rec-ords collected during on-site visits. The data reveal an incipient adoption of Environ-mental Management Systems (EMS) and limited knowledge about ESG principles, highlighting structural and cultural barriers to sustainability in the sector. Neverthe-less, isolated initiatives related to waste reduction and the adoption of more efficient practices were observed. The study concludes that strengthening technical training, promoting management systems, and aligning with contemporary demands are rele-vant strategies to foster sustainability and competitiveness in the construction sector.