Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability defined as?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are the concept of sustainable work practices?
- reduce waste - reducing amount of waste going to landfill
- Repairing rather than replacing equipment
- Recycling paper, inks, other office supplies
- reduce energy usage, using sources of renewable energy
- using resources efficiently
What are the three principles of sustainability in the business services industry?
Economic, environmental, social
What does the economic principle of sustainability concern in the business industry?
Profit - being sustainable is it not profitable at any cost. As business activities must include:
- compliance
- proper governance
- risk management
What does the environmental principle of sustainability concern in the business industry?
The planet - business are focused at reducing carbon footprint, waste, water usage, damage to the environment
What does the social principle of sustainability concern in the business industry?
The people - focus on how business identify and manage their positive and negative impact on their
- employees
- stakeholders
- the community
What are the consequences of poor sustainable work practices?
Hazardous chemicals: contaminated oil —> consumed by humans and animals
Rainwater: leeches out contaminant from landfill —> polluted water —> consumed by animals
Incineration of waste: adds to air pollution —> respiratory problems and other health effects
What is the meaning of corporate social sustainability?
Refers to a business’s impact on social systems like society, local communities, employees, consumers and other stakeholders.
If business harms social systems, degrading well-being of future generations (e.g discrimination, equity, unfair working conditions) —> operations not socially sustainable
How can a business achieve the standard for corporate social sustainability?
- Provision of afforable housing
- Physical and mental support
- Opportunites for education
- Training and employment
- Access to support
- Safety and security
What are the best practice sustainability models that should be used in a business services workplace?
Introducing flexible office spaces - customised to preference of workers (shared or private) –> enhance productivty and engagement
Making sustainability part of workplace culture - Everyone committed to sustainability initiatives
–> decrease business carbon footprint.
Introducing policies to promote sustainability
Building eco-friendly supply chains - using collaborative shipping –> cost and energy efficient
Becoming a green building - consuming fewer resources, minimises waste
What are the benefits of sustainable work practices?
Addressing ethical obligations and responsibilities –> increse customer loyalty, profability, draw more investors
Compliance with legislation and reguation - avoid legal issues
Positive environmental impacts - reduce waste, carbon footprint, resources and energy consumption.
Reputation benefits - attracting employees and customers.
What areas can the workplace sustainability policy and procedures cover?
- Energy usage
- Reusing paper
- Recycling paper, plastic equipment
- Purchasing products made from recycled paper
- Using instant messaging
- Avoiding use of paper through emails.
- Purchasing products have lower impact on environment.
What is the meaning of compliance?
When a PCBU meets the requirements of legislation, accepted practices, prescribed rules and regulations, specific standards, or the terms of a contract.
What is the meaning of best practice?
Methods or techniques that have constantly shown superior results, then used as a benchmark for businesses to achieve.
