In the context of global concerns about climate change that stem from the
alarming and unprecedented growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this study
discusses the use of energy by large consumers of electricity in Brazil in the perspective of
sustainable development, energy resources, and regulatory policies. It evaluates the
commitment to emissions restrictions among the major customers of an electricity utility
company that serves 4.1 million consumers (68% of the population and 66% of the gross
internal product for the second-highest economically developed Brazilian state). The
evaluation is based on proposed metrics and indicators. By considering the Brazilian
commitment to a policy of sustainable development, this study reviews the primary
international agreements and recommendations that have been developed to mitigate and
adapt to climate change and sustainability. A survey was developed for participating
organizations classified by economic sector to assess their awareness to 18 issues that
reflect international guidelines on emission constraints. Based on total energy consumption,
the survey discusses the worrying level of GHG emissions (tCO2eq) that is associated with
the generation of electricity by customers of the largest utility company. In spite of 90% of
the organizations having considered sustainability as a business opportunity and a
competitive differential that enables niche markets, the results of this study demonstrated
low commitment to the desired emissions restrictions.