Unit 8 (Sustainability) Flashcards
Define the TBL (3)
Triple Bottom Line
a framework that incorporates economic, environmental and social measures- often called the 3Ps (people, planet, profit).
Explain the concept of decoupling and list its main strategies (1+2)
refers to the disconnecting of two trends, so that one is not dependent on the other. In the context of sustainable development, these variables are economic progress and environmental degradation.
resource decoupling- being more efficient with resources used
impact decoupling- using processes that reduce environmental impact
Give examples of international legislation for environmental protection (3)
(1992) Rio Earth Summit- focused on halting the destruction of natural resources
(1997) Kyoto Protocol- introduced legally binding limitations on greenhouse gas emissions
(2009) Copenhagen Accord- limited global warming to 2 degrees C.
List benefits of sustainability reporting to manufacturers, governments and consumers
MANUFACTURERS- reports highlight opportunities to reduce resource consumption/ energy use –> competitive edge, reduced costs
GOVERNMENTS- reports can be used to assess the impact of business sector on the economy and environment –> can enforce legislation, help focus on problem areas
CONSUMERS- builds trust
Define product stewardship (1)
sustainable development strategy that emphasises that everyone involved in the…
- making
-selling
-buying
-handling
…of a product takes responsibility for minimising the environmental impact, at all stages of the life cycle of the design.
Define sustainable consumption (1)
the combination of:
- sustainable design (reducing effects throughout product lifecycle)
- sustainable production (reducing effects from production)
List and distinguish between the consumer attitudes towards sustainability (4)
Eco-warrior- actively demonstrate on environmental issues
Eco-champion- champion environmental issues within organisations
Eco-fans- enthusiastically embrace environmental products
Eco-phobes- actively resent environmental protection
List the advantages of pressure groups (4)
- raise awareness of environmental issues
- advocate for minority groups
- ensure governments/ companies are responsive to needs of community
- push governments/ companies to develop sustainable approaches
List the disadvantages of pressure groups (3)
- may not represent the full wishes of the community (biased)
- manufacturers may face higher costs of products that appease pressure groups
- policies/ legislation may change/ be revoked when different political/ pressure groups take power
Define lifestyle consumerism (1)
Prioritises the purchase of products, and accumulation of “things.” Takes place without regard for environmental impact.
Define ethical consumerism (1)
prioritises the purchase of products that were ethically produced and do not harm the environment or society.
Define take-back legislation (1)
mandates that companies and manufacturers are responsible for the collection, recycling and disposal of their products in an environmentally safe manner.
List Datchefski’s principles of sustainable design (5)
cyclic (creating no waste)
solar (using renewable energy)
safe (ensuring it is harmless)
efficient (using the least energy/ material possible)
social (supporting safe and fair practices/ behaviours)
Outline how top-down strategies function for sustainable innovation (2)
come at the national/ international level, typically involving policies/ legislation
aim to change behaviour via policy
Outline how bottom-up strategies function for sustainable innovation (2)
come at a local/ regional level, typically led by enthusiasts/ consumer groups
aim to change policy via behaviour
