Chapter 16 - Integrating Sustainability Into Operations Flashcards
Sustainability Business
conducts its operations without negatively impacting the environment, community, or society as a whole.
Three Pillars of Sustainability
-Social
-Economic
-Environmental
Linear Economy
tradition economy that follows “take, make, waste” model of production where raw materials are extracted and transformed into products which are used until they are eventually discarded as waste.
Circular Economy
an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use for longer, and regenerating natural systems.
Cradle-to-Grave
a design and production approach that considers impacts from production of the product, up until the product’s disposal only.
Cradle-to-Cradle
a design and production approach that emphasizes recycling, renewing, and reusing products with a goal of zero waste.
Biological Cycle
a cycle in which all materials, or “nutrients,” can be absorbed back into nature, such as food, natural fibres, or biodegradable food containers.
Technological Cycle
a cycle in which all materials (e.g., metals, oil-based plastics, chemicals) can be reused, repaired, or transformed without losing their energy.
Upcycling
the transformation of waste into materials or products of higher quality.
Biomimicry
learning from and then emulating nature’s forms, processes, and ecosystems to create more sustainable designs and solve business challenges.
Life Cycle Assessment and Steps
tool used to assess the potential environmental impacts of a product, process, or service over the product’s entire life cycle.
Stages:
1. Defining goal and scope
2. Inventory analysis
3. Impact assessment
4. Interpretation of data
Supply Chain Management
consideration for the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a product’s journey through the supply chain, from raw materials sourcing to production, storage, delivery, and every transportation link in between
One Suggested Framework for Integrating Sustainability into the supply chain:
- Procurement
- Operations
- Waste Management
- Data and Communication
Product Stewardship
the act of minimizing the human health, safety, environmental, and social impacts of a product and its packaging throughout all stages of the product life cycle; a responsibility shared by all actors in the supply chain
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
an environmental policy approach that places physical and/or financial responsibility for the life cycle of the product, including the post-consumer stage, on the producer
Green Marketing
Can Involve Public Communication:
* Climate change and energy
* Sourcing
* Production
* Water
Green Washing
the act of providing inaccurate information or exaggerated claims about a product or service to mislead consumers into believing it is sustainable
Greenwashing can include:
1. Hidden trade-off
2. Lack of proof
3. Vagueness
