Team size: Eight 

Can you discuss your or your company’s efforts relating to renewability, sustainability, or other environmentally friendly activities?  

⁠Environmental impact reduction. Mercado Libre aims to reduce its environmental footprint through innovation and technology. We have transitioned eight operations to renewable energy in 2022. Mercado Libre’s fleet includes around 800+ electric vehicles. Additionally, we are actively regenerating 6,000 hectares of forests in Brazil and Mexico through our project “Regenera América”. 

⁠Sustainable mobility. Mercado Libre promotes sustainable mobility by expanding its electric vehicle fleet and contributing to reducing emissions and promoting cleaner transportation. 

Entrepreneurship support. We empower entrepreneurs and small businesses through our ecosystem. Over 686,000 entrepreneurs accessed their first credit with Mercado Pago and more than 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sell on our platform. 

⁠Positive impact products. We encourage the sale of products with positive impacts, for example, in 2022, Mercado Libre sold over 11 million of such products in the Latin American market. 

⁠Education and empowerment. Our company supports education programs for women and youth; we have trained over 1,300 young women in technology programs and additionally, 1,000 young men received training for their first jobs. 

Digital donation culture. Mercado Libre fosters a culture of digital donation, through program, “Mercado Libre Solidario,” we have involved approximately 3,500 registered NGOs. 

Biodiversity conservation. Through our “Regenera América” program, we have financed conservation and regeneration projects in the Latin America region. The program has already supported nine initiatives in Latin America since its launch in 2021. As Mercado Libre, we recognise the urgent need for transformation, and we are committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment. 

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?  

Within our organisations, in-house lawyers should be recognised as pivotal agents for driving change. While we may be primarily involved in translating initiatives or projects onto paper, our true value lies in the genuine commitment we bring to the causes they represent. As in-house lawyers, a passion for environmental sustainability, community well-being, and the world at large transforms us into advocates who can turn a matter of public interest into a rewarding accomplishment. An attorney deeply engaged with societal and environmental concerns becomes an inspiring example, influencing positive outcomes for both the company we serve and the broader community. I believe that lawyers, passionate about their roles and dedicated to environmental and social causes, serve as role models within our profession. Being actively involved in socially impactful initiatives is something we, as legal professionals, should take pride in and embrace as an integral part of our contributions to the greater good.  

It can be challenging to measure a company’s track record in environmentally friendly behaviour. What, in your opinion, has mostly been missed in discussions about how green a company is?  

At Mercado Libre, we actively engage in social initiatives to benefit our community, concurrently recognising the interconnectedness of our business impact on both society and the environment. Our green initiatives extend beyond legal obligations, using sustainable materials to minimise our ecological footprint. We believe these efforts not only fulfil regulatory requirements but also align with our commitment to environmental stewardship. Specifically, our initiatives foster community engagement, promoting environmental awareness and inspiring a sense of responsibility. For instance, our sustainable materials usage reflects our dedication to eco-friendly practices in our operations. 

Moreover, Mercado Libre´s projects not only contribute to environmental well-being but also extend into cultural realms, fostering a positive impact on the community. We take pride in witnessing the ripple effect of our endeavours, creating a cultural shift towards environmental consciousness. This comprehensive approach aligns with our vision for a better World. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in quantifying and enhancing our contributions, striving for a more sustainable and socially responsible future.