Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the widely accepted definition of sustainability?
What is the widely accepted definition of sustainability?
- Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (correct)
- Ensuring economic growth without depleting natural resources
- Minimizing the negative impact of current actions on the environment
- Balancing economic development with environmental and social factors
Who was asked to launch the new World Commission on Environment and Development?
Who was asked to launch the new World Commission on Environment and Development?
- The Norwegian Prime Minister (correct)
- The United Nations
- The Brundtland Commission
- G.H. Brundtland
What are the three pillars that come together when entering into any business relationship?
What are the three pillars that come together when entering into any business relationship?
- Environmental, social, and economic factors (correct)
- Political, economic, and social factors
- Social, economic, and cultural factors
- Technological, environmental, and economic factors
When did the concept of sustainability develop?
When did the concept of sustainability develop?
What was the aim of the Brundtland Commission?
What was the aim of the Brundtland Commission?
What is the ultimate goal of sustainability?
What is the ultimate goal of sustainability?
What is a key reason companies are using sustainability?
What is a key reason companies are using sustainability?
Which industry has companies like Nestle and Coca-Cola leading sustainable practices?
Which industry has companies like Nestle and Coca-Cola leading sustainable practices?
What percentage of lemon does Coca-Cola aim to source sustainably by 2020?
What percentage of lemon does Coca-Cola aim to source sustainably by 2020?
What gives consumer companies significant influence over their suppliers' practices?
What gives consumer companies significant influence over their suppliers' practices?
Which organization collaborates with the automotive industry to provide technical assistance?
Which organization collaborates with the automotive industry to provide technical assistance?
What are small and medium enterprises and NGOs expected to embrace?
What are small and medium enterprises and NGOs expected to embrace?
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
Which company exemplifies sustainability through its commitment to environmental causes and initiatives?
Which company exemplifies sustainability through its commitment to environmental causes and initiatives?
What does the triple bottom line (TBL) measure?
What does the triple bottom line (TBL) measure?
What does economic sustainability seek to achieve?
What does economic sustainability seek to achieve?
What does supply chain sustainability emphasize?
What does supply chain sustainability emphasize?
What is the manifestation of sustainability as a value in organizations and individuals?
What is the manifestation of sustainability as a value in organizations and individuals?
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) include?
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) include?
When did sustainable procurement emerge?
When did sustainable procurement emerge?
What is the basis for sustainable procurement in the private sector?
What is the basis for sustainable procurement in the private sector?
What did a report by Accenture highlight regarding a beverage company's sustainability effort?
What did a report by Accenture highlight regarding a beverage company's sustainability effort?
What do consumers increasingly expect from organizations?
What do consumers increasingly expect from organizations?
What are private sector organizations aiming to achieve when procuring products?
What are private sector organizations aiming to achieve when procuring products?
Which of the following companies has been recognized for Triple Bottom Line (TBL) initiatives?
Which of the following companies has been recognized for Triple Bottom Line (TBL) initiatives?
What is the main focus of the United Nations' sustainable development goals based on the 2030 agenda?
What is the main focus of the United Nations' sustainable development goals based on the 2030 agenda?
What is the UN Global Compact's multi-year strategy aimed at achieving?
What is the UN Global Compact's multi-year strategy aimed at achieving?
What is the concept of shared value in the context of business sustainability?
What is the concept of shared value in the context of business sustainability?
Which of the following is included in the UN Global Compact's ten principles?
Which of the following is included in the UN Global Compact's ten principles?
What does sustainable procurement involve considering alongside financial and economic factors?
What does sustainable procurement involve considering alongside financial and economic factors?
What is the purpose of ISO 20400?
What is the purpose of ISO 20400?
What aspects does ISO 20400 take into account when judging sustainable purchasing?
What aspects does ISO 20400 take into account when judging sustainable purchasing?
Who is encouraged to integrate sustainability into their procurement processes according to ISO 20400?
Who is encouraged to integrate sustainability into their procurement processes according to ISO 20400?
What do many individual organizations such as universities, corporate companies, and NGOs publish?
What do many individual organizations such as universities, corporate companies, and NGOs publish?
What does ISO 20400 aim to improve among all stakeholders?
What does ISO 20400 aim to improve among all stakeholders?
What is the focus of the guidance provided by ISO 20400?
What is the focus of the guidance provided by ISO 20400?
What do the references at the back of the book provide information about?
What do the references at the back of the book provide information about?
What is the purpose of rating sustainability factors for importance in the procurement process?
What is the purpose of rating sustainability factors for importance in the procurement process?
What is a key consideration during negotiation and contracting with a supplier?
What is a key consideration during negotiation and contracting with a supplier?
What is the main focus of supplier management and monitoring in the procurement process?
What is the main focus of supplier management and monitoring in the procurement process?
What does Linde Group emphasize in its sustainability management?
What does Linde Group emphasize in its sustainability management?
What is the World Bank's proposed important element for inclusion in selection criteria for suppliers?
What is the World Bank's proposed important element for inclusion in selection criteria for suppliers?
What is the critical factor that must be confirmed before contracting with a potential supplier?
What is the critical factor that must be confirmed before contracting with a potential supplier?
What is the main emphasis of the United Nations' sustainable development goals based on the 2030 agenda?
What is the main emphasis of the United Nations' sustainable development goals based on the 2030 agenda?
What is the primary aim of the Corporate Responsibility Report 2017 of Linde Group?
What is the primary aim of the Corporate Responsibility Report 2017 of Linde Group?
What is a key factor in establishing the criticality of sustainability factors in the procurement process?
What is a key factor in establishing the criticality of sustainability factors in the procurement process?
What are the main challenges organizations face in implementing sustainable procurement initiatives?
What are the main challenges organizations face in implementing sustainable procurement initiatives?
At which step of the procurement process is sustainability a major focus?
At which step of the procurement process is sustainability a major focus?
What does Step 2 of the procurement process entail?
What does Step 2 of the procurement process entail?
What is the difficulty in changing procurement behavior in both suppliers and employees attributed to?
What is the difficulty in changing procurement behavior in both suppliers and employees attributed to?
What is the perceived barrier to achieving sustainable procurement processes?
What is the perceived barrier to achieving sustainable procurement processes?
What is Step 1 of the procurement process focused on?
What is Step 1 of the procurement process focused on?
What is Step 3 of the procurement process focused on?
What is Step 3 of the procurement process focused on?
What is the purpose of using pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) in the procurement process?
What is the purpose of using pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) in the procurement process?
What is the focus of the Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive?
What is the focus of the Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive?
What are the key factors used to assess bids during the evaluation stage?
What are the key factors used to assess bids during the evaluation stage?
What does the UN Global Compact present an opportunity for organizations to further?
What does the UN Global Compact present an opportunity for organizations to further?
What is the potential impact of including the organization's sustainability policy and questionnaire in the tender document?
What is the potential impact of including the organization's sustainability policy and questionnaire in the tender document?
What is the aim of specifying sustainability requirements in tenders and quotations?
What is the aim of specifying sustainability requirements in tenders and quotations?
What is the potential consequence for potential suppliers that cannot comply with relevant laws and regulations?
What is the potential consequence for potential suppliers that cannot comply with relevant laws and regulations?
What is the main goal of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
What is the main goal of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
Which term is often used interchangeably with corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
Which term is often used interchangeably with corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
What are the broad groupings of topics that corporate social responsibility (CSR) can address?
What are the broad groupings of topics that corporate social responsibility (CSR) can address?
What is the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability?
What is the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability?
What is the primary focus of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with regard to stakeholders?
What is the primary focus of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with regard to stakeholders?
What is the ultimate goal of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
What is the ultimate goal of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
What are some potential consequences of poor stakeholder management?
What are some potential consequences of poor stakeholder management?
What is a focus area of social performance issues in the context of CSR?
What is a focus area of social performance issues in the context of CSR?
What did the US-based Fair Labour Association find in its wage survey?
What did the US-based Fair Labour Association find in its wage survey?
What is a key aspect of Ford's approach to stakeholder prioritization?
What is a key aspect of Ford's approach to stakeholder prioritization?
What is one of the ways Marks & Spencer is engaging with line workers in their factories and those of their suppliers?
What is one of the ways Marks & Spencer is engaging with line workers in their factories and those of their suppliers?
What is a focus of the induction training programme on CSR for new employees at Mitsubishi?
What is a focus of the induction training programme on CSR for new employees at Mitsubishi?
What is the primary focus of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) according to the text?
What is the primary focus of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) according to the text?
Which stakeholder group is NOT mentioned as a part of CSR engagement?
Which stakeholder group is NOT mentioned as a part of CSR engagement?
What role does the United Nations play in promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
What role does the United Nations play in promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
What is a key challenge for companies with CSR programs in relation to stakeholders?
What is a key challenge for companies with CSR programs in relation to stakeholders?
What is the emphasis of the European Commission regarding CSR?
What is the emphasis of the European Commission regarding CSR?
What is the main purpose of stakeholder engagement in the context of CSR?
What is the main purpose of stakeholder engagement in the context of CSR?
What percentage of L'Oreal's strategic suppliers were expected to participate in its sustainability program by 2020?
What percentage of L'Oreal's strategic suppliers were expected to participate in its sustainability program by 2020?
Which organization identified 120 companies on its A list for leadership in climate change and reducing carbon emissions?
Which organization identified 120 companies on its A list for leadership in climate change and reducing carbon emissions?
What percentage of global industrial greenhouse gases since 1988 are linked to 100 active fossil fuel producers according to the Carbon Majors database?
What percentage of global industrial greenhouse gases since 1988 are linked to 100 active fossil fuel producers according to the Carbon Majors database?
What is the focus of L'Oreal's Climate Action and Sustainability Efforts?
What is the focus of L'Oreal's Climate Action and Sustainability Efforts?
Which company partners with Rainforest Alliance to source tea from certified farms?
Which company partners with Rainforest Alliance to source tea from certified farms?
What do beverage manufacturers focus on in the context of water challenges in the developing world?
What do beverage manufacturers focus on in the context of water challenges in the developing world?
What is the primary focus of workplace diversity according to the text?
What is the primary focus of workplace diversity according to the text?
Which country has a target of increasing women in leadership positions to 30% by 2020?
Which country has a target of increasing women in leadership positions to 30% by 2020?
Which industry has seen a rise in the percentage of women in management over the past decade?
Which industry has seen a rise in the percentage of women in management over the past decade?
Which company has invested in forests and wind farms to become more sustainable?
Which company has invested in forests and wind farms to become more sustainable?
What is L'Oreal recognized for in the context of sustainability?
What is L'Oreal recognized for in the context of sustainability?
What is a major emphasis for companies in the fast-moving consumer goods sector according to the text?
What is a major emphasis for companies in the fast-moving consumer goods sector according to the text?
What is the primary focus of diversity initiatives in Japanese companies?
What is the primary focus of diversity initiatives in Japanese companies?
Which industry has visible initiatives to support diversity in Japan?
Which industry has visible initiatives to support diversity in Japan?
What has Ikea invested in to become more sustainable?
What has Ikea invested in to become more sustainable?
Which area is crucial for ecosystem services contributing to human wellbeing?
Which area is crucial for ecosystem services contributing to human wellbeing?
What is L'Oreal recognized for in the context of sustainability?
What is L'Oreal recognized for in the context of sustainability?
In which country is there a target to increase women in leadership positions to 30% by 2020?
In which country is there a target to increase women in leadership positions to 30% by 2020?
What is the historical view of businesses according to Milton Friedman?
What is the historical view of businesses according to Milton Friedman?
What is the system by which companies are directed and controlled called?
What is the system by which companies are directed and controlled called?
What is one of the responsibilities of directors appointed by shareholders?
What is one of the responsibilities of directors appointed by shareholders?
What is the alternative and current view regarding market and social causes?
What is the alternative and current view regarding market and social causes?
What is Microsoft known for in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
What is Microsoft known for in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
What did Milton Friedman suggest about the social responsibility of businesses?
What did Milton Friedman suggest about the social responsibility of businesses?
What is the definition of 'greenwashing'?
What is the definition of 'greenwashing'?
In the context of sustainability, what is the focus of the induction training programme for new employees at Mitsubishi?
In the context of sustainability, what is the focus of the induction training programme for new employees at Mitsubishi?
What is the emphasis of the European Commission regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
What is the emphasis of the European Commission regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
What is the primary goal of corporate social responsibility (CSR) according to the text?
What is the primary goal of corporate social responsibility (CSR) according to the text?
What is the main focus of diversity initiatives in Japanese companies?
What is the main focus of diversity initiatives in Japanese companies?
What is the purpose of rating sustainability factors for importance in the procurement process?
What is the purpose of rating sustainability factors for importance in the procurement process?
What is the primary focus of sustainability reporting?
What is the primary focus of sustainability reporting?
What is the main emphasis of the LEAD Project run by BHP Billiton in Mozambique?
What is the main emphasis of the LEAD Project run by BHP Billiton in Mozambique?
Which company has been recognized for its CSR in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index?
Which company has been recognized for its CSR in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index?
What is the consequence of Barrick Gold Corporation's $2 million investment in education in Tanzania?
What is the consequence of Barrick Gold Corporation's $2 million investment in education in Tanzania?
What is the focus of CSR in the mining sector?
What is the focus of CSR in the mining sector?
What is a key aspect of Amazon's CSR initiatives?
What is a key aspect of Amazon's CSR initiatives?
What is the percentage of global consumers willing to pay more for products from a company that demonstrates corporate social good, according to Nielsen?
What is the percentage of global consumers willing to pay more for products from a company that demonstrates corporate social good, according to Nielsen?
What did Starbucks do in response to US President Donald Trump's executive order in January 2017, showcasing political CSR?
What did Starbucks do in response to US President Donald Trump's executive order in January 2017, showcasing political CSR?
Which company was named the world's most responsible company in 2017?
Which company was named the world's most responsible company in 2017?
What did the CDP's Global Supply Chain Report 2018 reveal about suppliers' identification of climate change risks?
What did the CDP's Global Supply Chain Report 2018 reveal about suppliers' identification of climate change risks?
How many consecutive years has Unilever been ranked as a food industry leader in sustainability indexes?
How many consecutive years has Unilever been ranked as a food industry leader in sustainability indexes?
What is a crucial factor influencing consumers' buying decisions, according to the text?
What is a crucial factor influencing consumers' buying decisions, according to the text?
Which organization publishes annual research on sustainability reporting trends in the USA and Canada?
Which organization publishes annual research on sustainability reporting trends in the USA and Canada?
In which sectors did companies with the highest rankings on CSRHub have better financial performance?
In which sectors did companies with the highest rankings on CSRHub have better financial performance?
What is the primary aim of sustainable procurement?
What is the primary aim of sustainable procurement?
What is the main focus of successful CSR initiatives?
What is the main focus of successful CSR initiatives?
Which organization provides sustainability reporting guidance in addition to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)?
Which organization provides sustainability reporting guidance in addition to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)?
What does sustainability as a holistic approach consider in business relationships?
What does sustainability as a holistic approach consider in business relationships?
What is one of the effects of globalisation mentioned in the text?
What is one of the effects of globalisation mentioned in the text?
What has led to a need for more agricultural land and natural resources?
What has led to a need for more agricultural land and natural resources?
What has globalisation driven organizations to strive for?
What has globalisation driven organizations to strive for?
What has the expansion of world trade caused an increase in?
What has the expansion of world trade caused an increase in?
What is the impact of the expansion of world trade on distribution channels?
What is the impact of the expansion of world trade on distribution channels?
What is the primary cause of the need for more agricultural land and natural resources?
What is the primary cause of the need for more agricultural land and natural resources?
What has enabled companies to expand into new markets?
What has enabled companies to expand into new markets?
What has globalisation allowed for the freer flow of?
What has globalisation allowed for the freer flow of?
What has the impact of globalisation led to an increase in?
What has the impact of globalisation led to an increase in?
What has caused concern due to some of the effects of globalisation?
What has caused concern due to some of the effects of globalisation?
What has the development and expansion of the global economy had a mostly positive effect on?
What has the development and expansion of the global economy had a mostly positive effect on?
What has the impact of globalisation increased awareness of among governments and nonprofit organizations?
What has the impact of globalisation increased awareness of among governments and nonprofit organizations?
What is the primary focus of a circular economy?
What is the primary focus of a circular economy?
What does the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) attribute as the cause of global warming?
What does the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) attribute as the cause of global warming?
What is the difference between 2°C and 1.5°C of global warming according to a recent study?
What is the difference between 2°C and 1.5°C of global warming according to a recent study?
What is Levi Strauss working to establish by 2020?
What is Levi Strauss working to establish by 2020?
What is the biggest issue in the physical environment right now?
What is the biggest issue in the physical environment right now?
What do some scientists from the world of physics, mathematics, and biology disagree on regarding climate change?
What do some scientists from the world of physics, mathematics, and biology disagree on regarding climate change?
What is the general consensus on climate change according to the text?
What is the general consensus on climate change according to the text?
What is the focus of the circular economy vision according to Levi Strauss?
What is the focus of the circular economy vision according to Levi Strauss?
What is the emphasis of the circular economy vision according to Levi Strauss?
What is the emphasis of the circular economy vision according to Levi Strauss?
What is the primary goal of a circular economy?
What is the primary goal of a circular economy?
What is the primary focus of the climate change debate?
What is the primary focus of the climate change debate?
What is the primary concern regarding the difference between 2°C and 1.5°C of global warming according to a recent study?
What is the primary concern regarding the difference between 2°C and 1.5°C of global warming according to a recent study?
What are some man-made sources of air pollution mentioned in the text?
What are some man-made sources of air pollution mentioned in the text?
What are activists opposed to in the context of Heathrow's expansion plans?
What are activists opposed to in the context of Heathrow's expansion plans?
What are environmentalists warning about in relation to Heathrow's expansion?
What are environmentalists warning about in relation to Heathrow's expansion?
What is a significant issue for the public according to the text?
What is a significant issue for the public according to the text?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), what are some outdoor air pollution challenges facing the USA today?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), what are some outdoor air pollution challenges facing the USA today?
What is a key factor in reducing emissions that contribute to poor air quality?
What is a key factor in reducing emissions that contribute to poor air quality?
What is a significant source of air pollution and can affect human and wildlife health?
What is a significant source of air pollution and can affect human and wildlife health?
What is the primary source of marine pollution, damaging biodiversity and posing risks to aquatic life and humans?
What is the primary source of marine pollution, damaging biodiversity and posing risks to aquatic life and humans?
What does the EPA collaborate with various entities to reduce under the Clean Air Act?
What does the EPA collaborate with various entities to reduce under the Clean Air Act?
What does the public express concern about in terms of environmental issues?
What does the public express concern about in terms of environmental issues?
What is a major concern in the safe handling of solid waste?
What is a major concern in the safe handling of solid waste?
What does the Food and Drug Administration in the USA monitor to protect public health?
What does the Food and Drug Administration in the USA monitor to protect public health?
What is the percentage improvement in water efficiency as a result of Nestle's water conservation efforts?
What is the percentage improvement in water efficiency as a result of Nestle's water conservation efforts?
Which company is mentioned for developing 3D software for industrial processes?
Which company is mentioned for developing 3D software for industrial processes?
What is the most acutely toxic class of pesticides?
What is the most acutely toxic class of pesticides?
What is the recommended approach by WWF for forest use in Borneo?
What is the recommended approach by WWF for forest use in Borneo?
Which country is the second largest manufacturer of pesticides in Asia?
Which country is the second largest manufacturer of pesticides in Asia?
What are the external stakeholders mentioned to influence companies' environmental performance?
What are the external stakeholders mentioned to influence companies' environmental performance?
What is the primary reason for the ongoing public exposure to hazardous chemicals from pesticides?
What is the primary reason for the ongoing public exposure to hazardous chemicals from pesticides?
What is one of the potential impacts of proactive environmental initiatives by companies?
What is one of the potential impacts of proactive environmental initiatives by companies?
Which sector faces the highest risk due to direct exposure to pesticides?
Which sector faces the highest risk due to direct exposure to pesticides?
What is the focus of Nestle engineers' developed processes in water conservation efforts?
What is the focus of Nestle engineers' developed processes in water conservation efforts?
What is the estimated number of people with no access to water protected from outside contamination?
What is the estimated number of people with no access to water protected from outside contamination?
What is the main cause of stress on water resources according to the text?
What is the main cause of stress on water resources according to the text?
What is the primary focus of the Clean Ocean Foundation in Australia?
What is the primary focus of the Clean Ocean Foundation in Australia?
What is the main aim of Honda's research into hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles?
What is the main aim of Honda's research into hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles?
What is the role of multi-national companies in spreading best environmental practices across borders?
What is the role of multi-national companies in spreading best environmental practices across borders?
How do responsible businesses aim to attract environmentally conscious customers?
How do responsible businesses aim to attract environmentally conscious customers?
What can local communities do to influence company decisions and practices?
What can local communities do to influence company decisions and practices?
How can media coverage influence companies' environmental practices?
How can media coverage influence companies' environmental practices?
What is one of the primary reasons for the failure of many agreements on environmental issues?
What is one of the primary reasons for the failure of many agreements on environmental issues?
Which factor contributes to the susceptibility of poor countries to powerful corporations ignoring environmental laws and agreements?
Which factor contributes to the susceptibility of poor countries to powerful corporations ignoring environmental laws and agreements?
What is a significant challenge related to global environmental governance, as per the International Institute for Sustainable Development?
What is a significant challenge related to global environmental governance, as per the International Institute for Sustainable Development?
What is a particular industry mentioned as a significant problem in ignoring environmental laws and agreements?
What is a particular industry mentioned as a significant problem in ignoring environmental laws and agreements?
What is a common occurrence after countries sign agreements at international conferences?
What is a common occurrence after countries sign agreements at international conferences?
What is the primary purpose of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as mentioned in the text?
What is the primary purpose of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as mentioned in the text?
What is the focus of the Kyoto Protocol mentioned in the text?
What is the focus of the Kyoto Protocol mentioned in the text?
What is the primary reason for companies to implement policies and processes that they would otherwise not have adopted?
What is the primary reason for companies to implement policies and processes that they would otherwise not have adopted?
What is a significant challenge related to global environmental governance, as per the International Institute for Sustainable Development?
What is a significant challenge related to global environmental governance, as per the International Institute for Sustainable Development?
What is the main focus of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in setting GHG emissions standards for vehicles?
What is the main focus of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in setting GHG emissions standards for vehicles?
What has been the focus of Thailand's pollution department and other agencies in addressing air pollution?
What has been the focus of Thailand's pollution department and other agencies in addressing air pollution?
What has contributed to high levels of air pollution in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok?
What has contributed to high levels of air pollution in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok?
What is the estimated increase in deaths attributable to air pollution in Thailand from 1990 to the present?
What is the estimated increase in deaths attributable to air pollution in Thailand from 1990 to the present?
What is the main aim of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in enforcing regulations on GHG emissions standards for vehicles?
What is the main aim of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in enforcing regulations on GHG emissions standards for vehicles?
What is the primary focus of Thailand's standards in addressing air pollution?
What is the primary focus of Thailand's standards in addressing air pollution?
What has caused dumping issues related to hazardous substances in Thailand?
What has caused dumping issues related to hazardous substances in Thailand?
What is the main goal of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in setting GHG emissions standards for vehicles up to 2027?
What is the main goal of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in setting GHG emissions standards for vehicles up to 2027?
What is the focus of Thailand's pollution department and other agencies in addressing air pollution?
What is the focus of Thailand's pollution department and other agencies in addressing air pollution?
Study Notes
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Business
- Patagonia has quadrupled its profits and revenues since 2014, focusing on social and environmental impact
- Other companies recognized for Triple Bottom Line (TBL) initiatives are DHL, Novo Nordisk, and Nike
- The United Nations (UN) is an influential leader in sustainability, initiating the sustainable development goals based on the 2030 agenda
- The sustainable development goals consist of 17 broad interrelated goals, each with its own targets for countries to achieve
- The UN Global Compact is a multi-year strategy to drive business awareness and action in support of achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030
- Shared value is the idea that a profit-only approach is not sustainable in the long term, with consumers demanding businesses to show care for their impact on people and the planet
- The UN Global Compact has ten principles, including human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption
- Companies' entire supply chain can significantly impact human rights, fair labor practices, environmental progress, and anti-corruption policies
- WorleyParsons, a multinational construction and engineering company, has a comprehensive sustainability statement and policies
- Sustainable procurement is the process of making procurement decisions that benefit both the organization and society as a whole, while minimizing impact on the environment
- Sustainable procurement involves considering social and environmental factors alongside financial and economic factors, as well as looking at the whole life cost and associated risks
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) considers the full financial cost of procurement options, ensuring informed decisions based on best overall value
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Procurement
- Stage 4 of the procurement process involves managing the sourcing or tender process, where sustainability considerations are included in the tender documents.
- The pre-qualification of suppliers is crucial to ensure that they meet the organization's sustainability requirements.
- BP, a leading oil and gas company, emphasizes the importance of selecting suppliers based on merit and their commitment to compliance and ethics.
- The use of pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) helps in establishing whether a supplier has the necessary credentials to proceed in the bidding process.
- The supplier sustainability questionnaire, as shown in Table 1.3, includes questions on sustainability policies, environmental management systems, and fair employment practices.
- The Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive requires countries to maximize separate collection and environmentally friendly processing of electrical items, as demonstrated by E.on's subscription to the directive.
- Step 5 involves the evaluation of bids, where previously agreed criteria and weightings are used to assess bids based on transparency, value for money, and integrity.
- Sustainability requirements specified in tenders and quotations are usually assessed as part of the technical and operational components during bid evaluation.
- The UN Global Compact, with its three themes, presents an opportunity for organizations to further their economic, social, and environmental development.
- Including the organization's sustainability policy and questionnaire in the tender document can increase awareness of sustainability among bidders.
- The document also outlines the organization's preference for local sourcing, minimum requirements for health and safety, and packaging requirements to minimize waste.
- Potential suppliers that cannot comply with relevant laws and regulations could be excluded during the evaluation process.
Promoting Workplace Diversity and Sustainability
- Companies can drive sustainable growth by respecting employees’ individualities and leveraging diversity
- Major areas of focus for diversity include gender, race/ethnicity, culture, ability, sexual orientation, age/generation, and socioeconomic status
- Gender is the most prevalent diversity issue, with companies focusing on gender pay equality and increasing women in management
- Japan is making progress in workplace gender diversity, with a target of increasing women in leadership positions to 30% by 2020
- Japanese companies are required to disclose the number of women in management and set targets to increase those numbers
- Private sector in Japan has seen a rise in the percentage of women in management over the past decade
- Japanese motor companies like Yamaha, Hitachi, Toyota, and Mitsubishi have visible initiatives to support diversity
- Companies, especially in food and pharmaceutical industries, are encouraged to strengthen stewardship efforts and increase transparency
- Ikea has invested in forests and wind farms to become more sustainable and is now investing in a plastic recycling plant
- Many companies are focusing on environmental impact and sustainability, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods sector
- Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem services contributing to human wellbeing, and its integration into CSR programs is taking time
- L'Oreal is recognized for fighting climate change and has set tangible commitments to achieve sustainable production by 2020
Sustainability Reporting and Corporate Social Responsibility
- The use of specific guidelines for reporting adds value, integrity, transparency, and reliability to sustainability reports.
- Most companies use the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines for reporting and can access a template and guidance on the GRI website.
- The suggested outline of a sustainability report includes sections on introduction, management structure, health and safety performance, environmental performance, business continuity, and disaster recovery, among others.
- The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) publishes annual research on sustainability reporting trends in the USA and Canada.
- Companies with the highest rankings on CSRHub had better financial performance than those with lower rankings, especially in sectors such as energy, financial services, food and beverage, and mining.
- Carbon footprint reduction has become a priority for companies with the highest sustainability rankings, with well-stated and measurable goals and targets in their reports.
- Other providers of sustainability reporting guidance include the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Global Compact, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 26000).
- Sustainability is a holistic approach that considers social, environmental, and economic factors together in business relationships.
- Sustainable procurement aims to integrate environmental and social considerations into the procurement process, reducing adverse impacts and benefiting the community.
- Successful CSR initiatives go beyond legislation compliance, emphasizing ethical values and respect for people, communities, and the environment.
- When sourcing products, factors such as price, quality, technical competence, and social factors are considered.
- Environmental issues that could be considered in a CSR project include identifying and addressing sustainability concerns in supply chain processes.
Environmental Impact and Business Stakeholders
- Lean manufacturing processes aim to reduce wasted time and materials to enhance efficiency, and companies are pressured to adopt and commit to firmer environmental policies.
- Environmental failures not only pose economic problems but also affect health, safety, and require significant compensation and clean-up costs.
- External stakeholders such as customers, shareholders, and regulators positively influence companies to improve their environmental performance.
- Environmental pressure groups, including charities, NGOs, and government agencies, exert influence on businesses at international, regional, and country-specific levels.
- The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is the largest conservation organization, active in over 100 countries and supporting numerous environmental projects.
- The Clean Ocean Foundation in Australia focuses on stopping ocean pollution and restoring ocean health by retaining waste on land for proper monitoring.
- Customer demand, from both commercial and end consumers, drives business leaders to align with positive environmental missions to gain economic benefits.
- Multi-national companies play a key role in spreading best environmental practices across borders and influencing subsidiaries in host countries.
- Responsible businesses aim to minimize environmental impact and attract environmentally conscious customers by excluding toxic raw materials from their products.
- Honda has invested in producing fuel-efficient vehicles and is researching hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles, gaining a competitive advantage in the US.
- Local communities can pressure companies through elections, environmental activism, and civil lawsuits, influencing company decisions and practices.
- Media coverage can also influence companies' environmental practices and impact their reputation.
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Description
Test your knowledge of sustainability and corporate social responsibility in business with this quiz. Explore topics such as sustainable development goals, UN Global Compact, shared value, sustainable procurement, and more. Learn about companies leading in Triple Bottom Line (TBL) initiatives and the impact of supply chain on human rights, labor practices, and the environment.
