Sustainability in public organizations: Study of a Brazilian federal educational institute

Abstract

Study objective: was to verify the effectiveness of UFSM's (Federal University of Santa Maria) Sustainable Logistics Management Plan (SLMP) actions in the academic community, through the perception of its collaborators and students. Methodology / approach: descriptive research with a quantitative approach. Originality / relevance: this study presents its importance in the perspective of contributing with informations to base the adequation of the university's SLMP, as well as in expanding the practice of sustainable actions. Main results: the results indicated the lack of knowledge expressed by a high percentage of the respondents about the SLMP implemented in the Institution as the main negative point, as well as about the webpage where are disclosed the actions already carried out and the actions foreseen about the environmental subject. However, the great majority affirms that it is important to practice sustainable actions and considers the subject to be relevant, which makes it possible to explore this positive tendency of acceptance and participation of the academic community to expand environmentally correct actions in the Institution. Theoretical / methodological contributions: considering the importance of including sustainable practices in organizations, especially those of a public nature, the results of the study can be used by other public institutions, in order for the practices and projects developed aligned with sustainability. Conclusion: the sustainability in public organizations has been practiced in a more embracing way with actions that include rationalizing the use of materials and services, and beyond that, can be perceived advances in the Brazilian legislation with sustainable regulations for proactive action, with the objective of optimizing the use of resources and providing benefits to society.