Managing Sustainability: A Personal Reflection
Introduction
It is quite interesting to go through the Managing Sustainability module, I have received a great amount of inspiration and, at the same time, the number of insights into how people and, their actions affect the environment has increased significantly. This reflective report delves into three significant topics that have particularly captivated my interest, it is therefore important to define what is meant by a circular economy, what the process of carbon footprinting entails, and how sustainable management of supply chains can be achieved.
Circular economy which is antithetical to the conventional linear economy that involves the "take-make-dispose" model, is gradually gaining popularity. It, which has been supported by such icons as Ellen MacArthur and Walter Stahel, aims at providing a framework for developing products that can be easily disassembled to allow for reuse, repair, remanufacturing, or recycling. This topic was rather interesting to me as it presents an entirely new perspective on sustainability that is not just restricted to the recycling step but rather the entire loop of material processing (IPCC, 2018).
Carbon footprinting the other major of the significant topics with which the module is concerned is a process of calculating the totality of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the given lifestyle, organization event, or product. This process is highly relevant because to some extent it will enable them to understand and respond to climate change appropriately. In calculating the carbon footprints, there are methodologies such as the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol that give a scientific approach to computing its carbon footprint and identifying emission reduction targets. I think this was one of the strongest topics of the show because it deals with climate change in a finite way that motivates people to fight global warming.
The third area of interest is sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), which also forms part of my interest. Supply chain sustainability implies the environmental and social aspects of a particular product throughout various stages of the supply chain. Some of them are related to sustainability and social responsibility and the usage and disposal of resources such as materials and energy. Looking at SSCM I understood that supply chains are global and companies are interlinked with the environment they operate in. Based on the literature review, I could draw some information about the challenges and opportunities of SSCM, and Seuring and Mller (2008), emphasized that it is imperative to seek cooperation and new opportunities for the development of this field (UNEP, 2011).
Concerning these topics, I have been urged to evaluate my interpersonal responses and the possible impact on my behaviors while in various capacities. As a consumer, it has allowed me to think about what I buy what kind and how long-lasting they are, or if they can be recycled or upgraded. This shift is not only in the use of circular products but also in the promotion of those companies that are already taking the circular economy step and choosing the regenerative approach.
The main idea of carbon footprinting has helped me as a citizen to understand the environment and its impacts through the evaluation of activity impacts. I have been more actively participating in the steps that lead towards carbon footprint and sustainability measures. This has included advocating for political changes in the generation of clean power and improved methods of waste disposal. It has also provided me with an opportunity to inform other members of my community on how they can minimize their impact on the environment and thus increase awareness (European Commission, 2015).
In terms of job performance, some of the principles of sustainable supply chain management are very important in the completion of tasks. Today, I participate in promoting sustainable procurement in my organization and promoting fair policies in purchasing goods and services that have the least adverse effect on the environment. This has involved initiating some discussions on sustainable buying and defining how Dialog can engage other stakeholders and suppliers in enhancing sustainable practices throughout the chain.
Topics of Interest
1. The Concept of the Circular Economy
The circular economy is a contemporary model of economic development based on a cyclical approach that must replace the linear take-make-dispose model. This concept has been discussed and developed by Ellen MacArthur and scholar Walter Stahel and critical goals include elimination or reduction of waste and pollution, ratcheting up use, biological and technical nutrients, and replenishment of natural systems.
Some of the strengths highlighted by the source include the fact that the circular economy model is special because it addresses two issues, namely resource depletion and waste disposal. While in the linear model, we have a limited amount of budget and resources and end up with a huge amount of waste, the circular economy deals with the idea of designing materials to go through the cycle and come back to where they started, over and over again. This approach not only manages the ecological aspects but also has a pro-economic stability outlook. In this regard, the circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from resource exploitation by adopting strategies like recycling, reusing, remanufacturing, and eco-friendly product development.
This paper has also borrowed from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2013) which has been of immense importance in fostering real-world benefits of circular interventions. The studies of the authors highlight how enterprises can decrease costs mitigate damaging environmental impacts and develop strategies to commercialize the flow of materials and products with emphasis on the life cycle. For example, the adoption of circular economy principles would assist firms in reducing manufacturing costs because any material and components used will be reused instead of using new resources. This not only saves resources but does opens up possibilities for technological advancement and business opportunities in fields such as repair, remodeling, and data recovery.
In addition to this, there is the notion of circular economy whereby there is a different approach towards resources and waste. These theories do not take into account the impacts of the economic activities on the environment in the long run such as extraction costs of natural resources and dumping. However, the circular economy invites altogether more processes into consideration, as it connects economic circularity with the natural environment. It is thus important for one to have a perception that will lead to the development of a fairer and long-lasting society. This means that by valuing the resource more and designing the product for use in its lifetime, we can reduce more on the stresses arising out of worsening environmental issues and climate change (Stahel, 2016).
2. The Process of Carbon Footprinting
Carbon footprinting could be defined as an evaluation process of the extent of the amount of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. This was particularly insightful because it allowed for the assessment and valuing of the impacts of our conduct on climate change. Wiedmann and Minx (2008) pointed out that the kinds of carbon footprinting include the life cycle assessment and the greenhouse gas protocol (World Economic Forum, 2020).
As a result, carbon footprinting is relevant in the development of strategic and integrated plans to combat climate change. Carbon footprinting helps in setting realistic targets for reduction as well as in monitoring the success of the implementation of the targets that have been set since it involves the use of scientific tools to evaluate the emissions within a given period. It can be used by organizations and individuals to know what is contributing most to emissions, be it in operations or routines. For instance, an LCA could reveal that a companys operational life-cycle stage of production has the highest carbon impact and they may choose to focus on improving efficiency in this area and sourcing materials that have low carbon intensity.
Thus, the utility of carbon footprinting lies in the fact that it offers quantifiable approaches and outcomes to a broad category known as climate change. It also contributes to changing the global problem of greenhouse gas emissions into certain quantities that can be addressed globally. This gives accountability and transparency since run cannot afford to give general details or make inflated and woolly-sounding commitments and then be able to report exact emissions data. Transparency is essential for such global climate initiatives as it facilitates monitoring, and comparison of successes and failures, as well as ensuring that non-compliant parties are penalized (GRI, 2011).
Moreover, by using carbon footprinting people and organizations begin to think about what kind of actions are sustainable. It can enhance knowledge among firms and individuals who already use carbon footprinting and can make them less reactive to new rules by taking steps that lessen emissions. This could entail increasing the efficiency of already used techniques, integrating of green power, or even redesigning the products for minimal wastage. For instance, a firm may discover through carbon footprinting that the biggest source of carbon release is through transport. This idea may assist the company in evolving into more sustainable solutions in logistics that might include the use of electric cars or efficient routes.
3. Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), in turn, entails the establishment of environmental and social aspects in the supply chain. This concept was explained by works such as Seuring and Mller (2008), whereby they outlined the issues and advantages of implementing sustainability into the supply chains. SSCM is a concept that covers all aspects of sustainability, maintaining the economic, environmental, and social aspects, where every link in the supply chain system plays a role.
SSCM is required to make certain that sustainability measures are implemented from the time the product is manufactured up to the time when it is disposed of. Some of the important topics covered here include; efficiency in the usage of resources, the right sources to obtain resources from, and the reduction of wastes. When applied to a company, SSCM practices help decrease the negative impact on the environment, support the equality of labor relations between employers and employees, and contribute to the sustainability of resources. This comprehensive approach entails users critically assessing their chains of supply, evaluating challenges, and developing ways of enhancing sustainability.
SSCM, when implemented comes with some benefits. Some of the risks that firms may encounter in operations include environmental regulations, scarcity of resources and ethical violations of the supply chain could be managed by firms. Also, SSCM improves brand value as consumers become more conscious of the companies they are inclined to patronize since they anticipate sustainable manufacturing processes. There is evidence that a high level of commitment to SSCM can provide a competitive advantage when it comes to choosing between multiple similar products, attract like-minded consumers, and encourage them to remain loyal to the company in the long run. For instance, product brands that engage in sustainable production and sourcing receive customer trust and are competitive in the market (McDonough & Braungart, 2002).
Moreover, the use of SSCM can ultimately increase its long-term profitability. Energy-saving measures, effective waste management, and efficient use of resources lead to improved operating costs. Businesses that establish sustainable technologies and processes in their operation might cut down its costs and increase efficiency. However, SSCM can create new market opportunities as organizations and individuals continue to consider more environmentally friendly products and services. This shift makes possible innovations to the creation of new environmentally friendly products and practices that cultivate profitability even further.
SSCM therefore re-emphasizes the idea of global supply chain integration and the common succinct responsibility among organizations. Supply chains in a globalized economy involve several countries and many a time the number of linkages is massive. Such a system involves multiple steps, and to achieve the set sustainability standards, the initiative will have to coordinate at every step. Management must engage suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders in coming up with coherent sustainable measures and strategies. It is only through this collaboration that major issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and social injustice can be effectively dealt with.
Conclusion
Out of all the modules that I have taken, it is the Managing Sustainability module that has had the widest impact on how I understand sustainability and how I approach the challenge of sustaining sustainability on a larger scale. The practices such as circular economy, carbon footprinting, and sustainable supply chain management have changed my way of doing things and I believe sustainability should always be an important aspect to consider when engaging in any undertaking. This module has not only educated me with more information but also inspired a change of behavior in my lifestyle, not only in my working environment.
These topics helped me to come to understand that sustainability is very crucial in any human activity that is being carried out. The circular economy is an innovation from the existing linear model of creating, delivering, using, and disposing of products and services to minimize waste. This concept has helped me have to adapt what I consume and attempt to use products that are; built for the long term and recyclable products. In my role as a consumer, self-reflection has made it easier to make the right choices when it comes to the acquisition of materials that encourage the circular economy.
Through carbon footprinting, climate change is no longer viewed as a daunting issue or challenge but is more of a feasible project. Knowing what makes up greenhouse gases and how they can be quantified helps in determining my environmental footprint and figuring out ways to minimize its negativity. Getting to know this also has been quite insightful as it has instilled responsibility as well it has made me adopt more environmentally conscious approaches to my undertakings. As a citizen, I pledged to support activities that will ensure that carbon emissions among other unfriendly attributes to our environment are eradicated.
SSCM has therefore brought more focus on the importance of global SC connectivity and the obligations of organizations towards the promotion of sustainable SC solutions. I have implemented this idea in my workplace so that acquiring products and services, utilizing resources, or avoiding wastage is done in the right manner. As an employee and perhaps a manager one day, I can now be in a position to support sustainable management practices within the company and ensure that my organization embraces sustainable supply chain management practices.
This is a very different approach from the modules which just supply the learner with some theoretical background; not only did this module inspire me to urge the process of education, but also influenced my personal and occupational development. It has come up with consumers, citizenship, and the employment obligations that one has towards catalyzing change and the role that consumers have to play in correcting the current social and environmental standards. undefined
For the further steps that are expected to be taken, the same steps toward attaining personal and organizational sustainability are recommended. I will always keep myself abreast with issues to do with sustainability, try as much as possible not to inflict my environmental negatives onto others, and encourage more people to consider the same. In my opinion, it is one of the most meaningful modules since it inspired me with the responsibility for nature and its conservation throughout my life.
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