Case Name: Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor (IDEC) vs. Gol Linhas Aéreas S/A (Providing information and greenwashing)

Summary

This is a Judicial Inquiry filed by the Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection (IDEC) against Gol Linhas Aéreas S.A. This action is part of a set of two Interpellations filed by IDEC alleging greenwashing and problems with the use of carbon credits from the voluntary market. This case against Gol challenges the airline's voluntary carbon offsetting initiatives through the "Meu Voo Compensa" program. IDEC questions the transparency, effectiveness, and veracity of the company's claims regarding the neutralization of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as the integrity of the carbon credits acquired and advertised as sustainable. According to the initial petition, Gol's greenwashing practice consists of using marketing and communication strategies to mislead consumers into believing that its operations are environmentally responsible, without any concrete, verifiable, and effective measures to substantiate such claims. An example of this behavior is the use of an aircraft labeled "Green Plane" to reinforce its sustainable image, even though the aircraft itself lacked technical or operational advantages that would effectively make it more environmentally friendly. IDEC requires GOL Linhas Aéreas to answer a series of questions related to the transparency, legal nature, calculation and compensation methods of the "Meu Voo Compensa" program, as well as the allocation of consumer payments, and other environmental initiatives publicized by the company.

In response to the Inquiry, Gol Linhas Aéreas filed a statement denying any greenwashing and maintaining that its sustainability actions are transparent, audited, and based on internationally recognized methodologies. The company emphasizes that it uses the GHG Protocol to calculate emissions and acquires carbon credits validated by the international certification body Verra, which are tracked via blockchain. The company also reports that it has published sustainability reports audited by Ernst & Young, reaffirming its commitment to ESG practices and GHG reduction. Gol argues that carbon offsetting is a voluntary and costly measure for passengers, not a donation, and that its actions are unrelated to the Operation Greenwashing investigations. However, as a precaution, it has suspended its partnership with Moss, the climate company previously responsible for the program, and is in the process of hiring a new partner. Finally, it reiterates that its institutional communication seeks to inform, not deceive, consumers, defending the legitimacy of its environmental initiatives and requesting recognition of the regularity of its conduct and the absence of violations of environmental and consumer rights.

The case file was dismissed after the notification/summons was served. The case is permanently archived.

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Main norms mobilized

• Article 170 of the Federal Constitution (CRFB/88)
• Article 225 of the Federal Constitution (CRFB/88)
• Consumer Protection Code - CDC (Federal Law 8.078/1990)

Case timeline

Case documents