Sustainability integrated into our strategy, operations, and non-negotiable values
We generate sustainable value for all our key stakeholders by contributing to the balance of environmental and social resources and addressing the needs of future generations. At Cogna, sustainability is an ongoing journey that requires continuous evolution.
Materiality Matrix
We guide our sustainability strategy based on Material Topics, defined through a comprehensive study that cross-references the perceptions of different stakeholders—those who have an interest in the sectors in which we operate—with topics that are important to our business. This process results in the identification of the topics with the greatest impact and influence on our business, as well as the Company’s impacts on external environmental and social factors.
Furthermore, in developing our Materiality, we follow the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).
Impact
Numbers and Milestones of Our Societal Impact
A Journey in Constant Evolution
- Creation of the Fundação Pitágoras
- Signature of adhesion to the Global Compact Network Brazil
- First GRI Standard Sustainability Report, corresponding to 2015 (Click here)
- Construction of materiality matrix
- ESG research and perception study (investors)
- 1st publication of SROI (Social Return on Investment)
- Launch of corporate volunteer work program
- Ongoing GRI reporting on a quarterly basis
- Launch of website dedicated to ESG
- Establishment of ESG working groups
- WOB (Women on Board) certification for the Cogna and Vasta Boards of Directors
- Adhesion to the United Nations WEPs (Women’s Empowerment Principles)
- Membership of Instituto Ethos
- Membership of Fórum de Empresas e Direitos LGBTI+
- Launch of Cogna Commitments for a Better World
- Consolidation of higher education brands under the Anhanguera brand.
- Launch of Start Anglo Bilingual School.
- First education company to become part of B3’s Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE).
- Entry into the B2G (business-to-government) market through SOMOS/Vasta Platform.
- New operational model.
- Recognized as an Industry Mover in S&P’s 2025 Sustainability Yearbook.
- Cogna and SOMOS entered the ranking of Best Companies to Work for in Brazil, according to GPTW.
- Anhanguera Educacional, a group company, starts publishing GRI standard reports (Click here)
- Listing on Novo Mercado (B3)
- Creation of internal policies (Corporate Social Responsibility; Private Social Investment)
- 1st Kroton social impact measurement
- Definition of social activity pillars
- Review of materiality matrix
- Mobilization to combat Covid-19
- First year of actions to achieve the Commitments for a Better World targets
- Inclusion of company ESG targets as a component of executive variable remuneration
- Unprecedented Great Place to Work (GPTW) certification as one of the best companies to work for in the country
- Cogna is listed on the B3 Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE)
- Cogna is listed on the B3 Carbon Efficient Index (ICO2)
- Establishment of an innovative trilingual partnership: Colégio Liceu Pasteur and Start Anglo. Expansion of KrotonMed, offering medical courses in Ponta Porã (MS) and São Luís (MA), totaling 110 new seats.
- 120 projects involving the use of artificial intelligence at various stages of development.
- Issuance of social bonds by Cogna, the first ESG-labeled debenture with a social focus in Brazil’s education sector.
In this journey, we are also guided by global best practices in policies and management:
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- UN International Bill of Human Rights and its instruments
- United Nations Global Compact
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
Our Commitments
Cogna’s operations are built on three pillars established by the ESG manifesto
Balance between People and Nature
- Make efficient use of natural resources, prioritizing renewable sources for a greener world;
- Educate and promote environmental awareness, aware that we are all responsible for climate change;
- Promote balance between the use of resources, their preservation and environmental compensation.
Education, Diversity and Human Rights
- Contribute to Public Education in the country;
- Promote the entrepreneurial ecosystem and employability, assisting in the professional journey and career building;
- Promote economic and social development around educational units;
- Caring for the health and well-being of employees, contributing to physical, mental and emotional balance.
Governance and Integrity
- Seek gender equality at all hierarchical levels and in the Company’s governance;
- Promote best governance practices and transparency in disclosures and results;
- Promote the principles of integrity and anti-corruption.
Balance between People and Nature
We use natural resources efficiently, prioritizing renewable sources and contributing to a more sustainable future. We promote education and environmental awareness, recognizing that everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change. We always strive to balance the use, preservation, and offsetting of natural resources.
Education, Diversity and Human Rights
We support public education and entrepreneurship as pathways to the social and economic development of communities. Through initiatives that strengthen education and employability, we expand opportunities and promote income generation. We also prioritize the health and well-being of our employees, encouraging physical, mental, and emotional balance.
Governance and Integrity
We promote gender equity at all levels of the organization and within our governance, strengthening a more diverse and inclusive culture. We adopt best practices in transparency in management and results disclosure. We also continuously uphold the principles of integrity and anti-corruption across all our relationships.
We Are a Team, Not Heroes
We are not alone. We are part of a relevant network dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights and aligned with the climate transition.
Movimento pela Equidade Racial
Since 2024
Programa Brasileiro GHG Protocol
Member 2023
Movimento Transparência 100% – Global Compact Award-Winning Company – First Best Practices Award
Since 2023
Movimento Raça é Prioridade – Global Pact
Since 2023
Movimento Ambição Net Zero – Global Pact
Since 2023
Movimento Mente em Foco – Global Pact
Since 2023
Movimento Mulher 360
Since 2023
Movimento Elas Lideram – Global Pact
Since 2023
Empresa Limpa – Pacto Empresarial pela Integridade e Contra Corrupção
Since 2022
Fórum de Empresas e Direitos LGBTI+
Since 2021
Empresa Cidadã
Since 2021
Women's Emporwerment Principles
Since 2021
Instituto Ethos
Since 2021
Reports
Since 2009, we have published our Sustainability Report as part of Cogna’s commitment to its stakeholders to provide regular and transparent accountability. Its purpose is to demonstrate to all audiences how we assess and incorporate critical social and environmental aspects into the definition and execution of our investment and business growth strategy.
News
Stay up to date with the latest news on Cogna’s ESG agenda and check out highlights in the media
Veja como foi o V Fórum Educação & ESG
Veja como foi o V Fórum Educação & ESG
