As I look ahead to 2030, I notice a clear signal: ESG is not just a trend. For organizations like mine—and maybe yours—the pressure to act on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is coming from regulators, markets, and society alike. In Brazil, there’s another layer of complexity, given the influence of ABNT (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas), which continues to shape the way companies approach ESG.
ESG will shape business survival, not just corporate image.
Today, I want to walk you through how ABNT and its emerging standards are set to directly affect companies by 2030. I’ll mix practical experiences with facts, and share how projects such as Rekompense anticipate these moves, turning regulatory challenges into clear opportunities.
Why ABNT matters in the ESG context
In my experience, some company leaders think ESG is only about market reputation or annual reports. They usually miss a key point: in Brazil, ABNT acts as a technical bridge connecting international ESG trends and the specific regulatory demands of Brazilian markets. Its norms set technical frameworks—almost like a rulebook—that push companies to embed ESG into their daily routines.
ABNT standards give structure and legitimacy to ESG programs, making them not just voluntary, but increasingly expected and, at times, mandatory.
What surprises many is how ABNT works both with Brazilian regulators and also aligns with bodies like ISO, ensuring that companies ready for Brazilian standards are often ready for international scrutiny as well.
The new ESG norms: What’s already here and what’s coming?
I have seen the ESG landscape in Brazil change quickly since 2015. Let me outline some current and expected norms that will shape companies’ strategies until 2030.
Environmental standards (the ‘E’ in ESG)
The environment is where ABNT has the greatest footprint today. Here are norms already impacting companies:
- ABNT NBR ISO 14001: Covers environmental management systems. Many companies use this as a base for mapping risks, setting reduction targets, and tracking improvements.
- ABNT NBR ISO 14064: Relates to greenhouse gas inventories. It’s quickly becoming essential for companies seeking to measure their carbon footprint and prove progress to investors.
- ABNT NBR ISO 14046: Focused on water footprint, it directs companies to measure and manage water use and impact.
Looking forward, I expect ABNT to toughen standards around climate adaptation, circular economy, and biodiversity—reflecting global concerns and national priorities. Projects like Rekompense track these trends proactively, preparing clients for new reporting and performance requirements.
Social standards (the ‘S’ in ESG)
If you ask me, the ‘S’ is expanding fast. Social responsibility has moved from general ethics to specific, auditable practices.
- ABNT NBR ISO 26000: Provides guidance on social responsibility, especially regarding stakeholder engagement, labor practices, and community relations.
- Health and safety (OSH): Rules like ABNT NBR ISO 45001 ensure safe, healthy workplaces—a key concern for ESG assessments.
- Accessibility and inclusion: Norms are being updated to better address diversity, disability access, and equality.
I’ve also noted discussions about future norms covering digital inclusion, safe work environments in remote/hybrid setups, and social impact audits. These trends will raise expectations for transparency—and will demand more detailed reporting.
Governance standards (the ‘G’ in ESG)
Governance has moved far beyond boardroom checklists. ABNT standards are increasingly requiring explicit processes for ethics, compliance, and oversight:
- ABNT ISO 37001: Focuses on anti-bribery management.
- ABNT ISO 37301: Relates to compliance management systems. This guides companies in risk and policy management across operations—an area that aligns closely with what Rekompense offers in risk reduction and regulatory adaptation.
- Soon: Digital governance norms. I expect ABNT to soon formalize norms around data protection (linked to LGPD), cybersecurity, and AI in corporate decision-making, responding to global digital transformation concerns.
How these norms will impact companies by 2030
What does this mean for your business, practically? Let me clarify the most direct impacts I see.
Regulatory compliance will become non-negotiable
Compliance with ABNT norms will determine which companies can operate and compete.
Failing to prepare might mean exclusion from public tenders, supply chains, or investment pools. It isn’t just a matter of fines—these standards will decide if you get to even sit at the table.
Operational risk will be closely linked to ESG
Regulators, investors, and even insurers will increasingly assess company risk profiles based on ABNT-anchored ESG performance. I notice that more banking and insurance products consider alignment with ABNT when setting credit or coverage conditions. Projects focusing on risk management are already helping companies align strategies with these trends.
Strategic advantage in new markets and investments
Companies leading on ABNT ESG compliance will likely gain access to new markets and investment opportunities. Savvy buyers and global investors often want to see not just promises, but verifiable, norm-based ESG performance in the Brazilian context. I’ve even seen clients using ABNT adherence as a sales differentiator.
The road ahead: Preparation and action
By 2030, I am convinced that ABNT will create a strong, unified set of ESG standards, pushing companies beyond written policies to real, measurable actions. Strategic adaptation is essential, not only for compliance but for long-term value.
- Follow updates from trusted technical committees
- Engage regularly with industry associations and ABNT stakeholder forums
- Conduct regular compliance and readiness assessments—preferably with outside ESG experts like Rekompense
- Ensure open communication between compliance, sustainability, and strategy teams
- Take part in ESG and sustainability initiatives that anticipate future requirements
The companies that treat these standards as a roadmap for resilience and innovation will fare best.
How Rekompense can help your business go further
At Rekompense, I have seen how early engagement makes a real difference. We do not wait for norms to become law—our technical team constantly tracks ABNT discussions, prepares clients for what’s next, and turns regulatory stress into commercial advantages. Sustainability becomes visible, measurable results. If you want to see some examples and the bigger ESG context, check out the articles in our ESG category and also our section on corporate strategy. For those of you focusing on standards and law, there’s a wealth of information in regulatory compliance as well.
If you value forward-thinking ESG, let’s connect. Rekompense is dedicated to transforming sustainability challenges into new business opportunities. Start your journey by learning more about us, and discover how we can prepare your company to not only comply, but lead until—and past—2030.
Frequently asked questions
What is ABNT in ESG context?
ABNT (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas) sets technical standards in Brazil. In the ESG context, ABNT defines rules and guidelines that help companies structure, measure, and report their environmental, social, and governance performance. ABNT makes ESG practices more credible and aligns them with national and international expectations.
Which ABNT norms affect companies most?
Some of the main ABNT standards directly shaping companies until 2030 are ABNT NBR ISO 14001 (environmental management), ABNT NBR ISO 26000 (social responsibility), ABNT NBR ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), ABNT NBR ISO 14064 (greenhouse gas inventory), ABNT ISO 37001 (anti-bribery), and ABNT ISO 37301 (compliance management). Each of these links ESG performance with day-to-day business practices.
How to comply with new ABNT standards?
Start by mapping which new ABNT ESG standards apply to your company. Develop implementation plans, train your team, and track progress. Regular compliance audits and updated documentation help meet both current and upcoming requirements. Often, working with specialized advisers, like those at Rekompense, accelerates readiness and makes compliance smoother.
When do new ABNT rules start?
New ABNT norms become valid as soon as they are published by ABNT and referenced by regulators or industry associations. Some are mandatory for specific sectors, while others start as voluntary but become expected practice over time. To avoid surprises, follow ABNT committee updates and review the standards applicable to your business regularly.
Where can I find ABNT ESG guidelines?
You can purchase official ABNT standards directly from the ABNT website or authorized publishing partners. Industry associations, ESG consultancy firms, and projects such as Rekompense also offer summaries and guidance to help you understand and implement these norms. You will also find dedicated information in online resources related to sustainability and regulatory compliance.
