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For practice questions/ppt go to https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bLFhVSEBZNoGsBwK2FqafYS-TSKIHMeKJt9hli3VatU/present?slide=id.g16131a803cc_0_226
What is sustainable development?
Satisfying human needs for resources now and in the future without compromising the carrying capacity of the planet.
What considerations must designers take in order to develop sustainable products?
Balance of aesthetics, cost, social, cultural, energy, health and usability
What is Triple Bottom Line (TBL) sustainability theory?
Instead of one bottom line (economic), there should be three: economic, social and environmental. Companies should focus on social and environmental concerns as much as they do on profits.
What are some examples of environmental, economic and social considerations?
Environmental: natural resource use, environmental management, pollution prevention
Economic: profit, cost savings, economic growth, R&D
Social: standard of living, education, community, equal opportunity
What are some examples of socio-economic, enviro-economic and socio-environmental considerations?
Socio-economic: business ethics, fair trade, workers rights
Enviro-economic: energy efficiency, subsidies for use of natural resources’
Socio-environmental: environmental justice, natural resources stewardship locally and globally
What does TBL sustainability aim to promote?
Using resources more productively and redesigning production, it is technically possible to deliver the same or equivalent goods and resources with lower environmental impact while maintaining social and equity benefits.
Keywords: stability, cultural identity, empowerment, accessibility, equity, growth, productivity, trickle down, biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, carrying capacity
Example question: how could coca cola meet TBL demands?
Social: ensure fair wages are paid, improve living conditions for workers, ensure anti-slavery laws are followed, invest into local communities
Economic: Invest in R&D, expand business globally, expand product line, establish relationships with governments
Environmental: reduce plastic waste, sustainable manufacturing practice, provide clean water to communities, clean water sources, make packaging easily recyclable
What is decoupling?
Disconnecting economic growth and environmental impact so that each no longer depends on the other
What is resource decoupling?
Getting more efficiency from the resources we use, so we can spread out the use of our finite resources over a longer time frame
What is impact decoupling?
Using process that leave a smaller footprint on our ecosystem so that our manufacturing does not harm the environment
Decoupling examples
Technologies can be used to provide economic benefit greater than the environmental cost (solar panels and bio-stoves)
What does international law intend to encourage companies to do?
Focus on something other than shareholder value and financial performance
Transparency of corporate strategy and sustainability assurance
Ensuring businesses and public services have the means to continue in the future
What are the benefits of international law?
Consumer benefits as they are assured company are clearly following guidelines
Benefits governments as they are able to regulate practices
Benefits companies as it leads to brand loyalty, trust, etc
What is a sustainability report, and what is its aim?
A company report that focuses on four aspects of performance: economic, environmental, social and governance.
Vital step towards achieving a sustainable global economy
What are the benefits of sustainability reports to governments and consumers?
Governments: use the info to assess the impact and contribution of businesses to the economy and understand what is being tackled. Creates transparency, helps markets function more efficiently and indicates the health of the economy.
Consumers: builds trust, reveals company’s contributions to a green economy- helps them decide what companies to support based on their environmental and social responsibilities. May also encourage firms to be more innovative, providing the consumer with new and improved products.
What are the benefits of sustainability reports to manufacturers?
Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and increase transparency - boosts reputation
Competitive advantage in markets
Increased sales
Brand loyalty
May receive government subsidies if proven to be effectively sustainable
Example question: Explain the benefits of sustainability reporting for manufacturers
Product stewardship example:
The forest stewardship council (FSC): an international non-profit forest certification and labelling system that certifies responsible management of the world’s forests. Offers an easily recognisable certification that consumers can trust.
What is product stewardship?
All the stakholders involved in a products manufacture take responsibility for minimising environmental and health and safety impact at all stages of the life cycle of a product.
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