Sustainable Management in the Business Sector of Riobamba City

Introduction: The concept of sustainable management has gained prominence in the industrial sector as response to the environmental and social challenges of the 21st century. From a theoretical perspective, sustainable practices are proposed to integrate economic, environmental, and social strategies that enable companies to enhance their overall performance and reputation. The study identified the sustainability practices implemented in productive sectors, analyzing the perceptions, strategies, and outcomes observed by local business owners.Methods: A survey was conducted among 150 companies from the productive sector in Riobamba, equitably selected from the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. The instrument included closed-ended questions related to the level of knowledge, implemented practices, perceived benefits and challenges, suggested strategies, and willingness to invest in sustainability. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to identify trends.Results: Seventy-five percent of the companies expressed a willingness to invest in sustainable practices, with waste management (28%) and efficient water use (17%) being the most common practices. Fifty-seven percent evaluated the impact of these strategies positively, while 29% indicated a need for financial support to enhance their sustainability. Regulatory barriers and a lack of training and sustainable culture were cited as significant obstacles.Conclusions: The productive sector shows significant progress in the implementation of sustainable practices, though challenges such as financing, training, regulation, and technical and economic support remain. It is suggested to adopt sustainable strategies that optimize the environmental, economic, and social impact of the sector.