...Environmental Fundamentals ENV/100 Environmental Fundamentals The fundamental principles of environmental science will be discussed in this paper and the definition of environmental science along with the elements and principles related to it will be addressed. The concept of environmental sustainability and the historic patterns surrounding will be describe, along with human values and how it affects the challenges in society. Examples of environmental hazards and how they affect the health of humans will also be provided. There are many environmental issues facing the world today. To try to understand how the natural world functions is not an easy concept to comprehend and definitely not an easy responsibility to put on society. This is why it is important to know and recognize the significance of environmental science. Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of humanity’s relationship with other organisms and the nonliving physical environment. As human population continues to reproduce, as technology progresses and the wants and needs of humans multiply, society’s impacts on the world become harsher, despite the improvement in some areas. Environmental impacts can affect the health of humans and a human’s wellbeing. After reviewing research on the environment, environmental hazards directly affect human health. One major environmental hazard to human health is pesticides. These pesticides...
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...Term Paper #3: Urban Sustainability GEOG330 Due: December 11, 2015 I am analyzing College Park, Maryland. College Park is a city in Prince George’s County, Maryland that is occupied by more than 31,000 residents. (College Park MD, Welcome To College Park Intro Paragraph) Majority of the economy in College Park is fueled by the jobs offered through the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). This university host over 13,000 employees, making them the biggest employer in the city. University of Maryland, University College is the second biggest employer, providing work for 2,790 employees. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Koppen Climate Classification system, College Park has a humid subtropical climate. (Climate, Climate: College Park) I currently live in Lanham, MD, which is about 12 miles away from College Park. As a kid, I always passed by the city and always dreamed about going to the University of Maryland. I attended multiple basketball and football games as a kid, and attended programs that occurred on campus. As a close residing area, College Park is considered home to me. I’ve lived in this area all my life. When my parents moved from Nigeria to the United States, they chose to live in this area because of the lack of extreme weather and excellent higher-level education system provided in the area. I would love to stay here after graduation, but I will go wherever my occupation...
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...Managing for environmental sustainability Jiangsu Zhuhong Forging Co., Ltd. Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Introduction 4 History: 4 Ownership 4 Major Products 4 Market presence 4 Jiangsu Zhuhong Forging Co. Ltd. Key Target Market 5 Product 5 Price 5 Promotions 6 Corporate plan 6 1. Manufacturing strategic plans 6 2. Marketing strategic plans 6 3. Human resource strategic plan 7 Environment related strategic plan 7 Environmental Information gathering system 8 Organizational Response Mechanism 8 Behavioral Audit 9 Energy Consumption 9 Emission Level 10 Sentiments of Stakeholders 10 Manufacturing Efficiency 11 New/ Improved product Developments 11 Waste Management 12 Packaging 12 CEO behavior: 12 Environment Safety Mechanism 13 Recommendations 14 References 16 Executive Summary The report is about the management of environment sustainability of the company Jiangsu Zhuhong Forging Co. Ltd which was prepared after conducting an interview with owner of this company Mr. Mr. Meiyan Yang. The company produces forged rings made of steel for different manufacturing industries like steel, power and cement. These industries are the chief consumers of forged rings are mainly concentrated in the province of China. The environment safety mechanism as well as environmental sustainability management of the company is very poor as they are more focused towards increasing productivity and efficiency whereas the environment...
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...success globally. The four-point business plan consists of the following: Aggressively restructure to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix Accelerate development of new products our customers want and value Finance our plan and improve our balance sheet Work together effectively as one team Building on this plan, ONE Ford encourages focus, teamwork and a single global approach, aligning employee efforts toward a common definition of success. It emphasizes the importance of working together as one team to achieve automotive leadership, which is measured by the satisfaction of our customers, employees and essential business partners, such as our dealers, investors, suppliers, unions/councils and the communities in which we operate. We have defined a set of behaviors that are expected of all employees to support the ONE Ford plan. The goal of ONE Ford is to create an exciting and viable company delivering profitable growth for all. We are focused on building: Great Products, a full family of vehicles – small, medium and large; cars, utilities and trucks – with best-in-class quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart design Strong Business, based on a balanced portfolio of products and global presence; and Better World, accomplished through our sustainability strategy Our aim is to have profitable growth across geographies and product types (see graphics below). As detailed in the Financial Health section, during 2012 Ford continued its turnaround...
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...CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY & HENKEL’S APPROACH There is a growing trend for big companies to use sustainable concepts as core business drivers For decades, many companies have typically responded to sustainability challenges by pursuing incremental operational improvements. But we are beginning to see an interesting new trend – businesses using sustainability as a tactic for long-term offense, rather than just short-term defence. Despite the uncertain economic outlook, leading international companies across diverse sectors are investing heavily in sustainable products and services. Others are making cross-industry partnerships to develop next generation products such as the elusive mass market electric car. Some are even enhancing their business models through mergers and acquisitions that seek to address, and capitalise on, sustainability trends. Drivers of Sustainability A number of factors are driving the adoption of corporate sustainability programmes in the global business community: * Regulatory Mandates: Growing regulatory pressures compel companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, industrial effluents, and other environmental hazards. * Operational Cost Efficiencies: Rising raw materials and energy prices incentivize businesses to invest in waste recycling, waste-to-energy, water conservation and related technologies. * Reputational Risks: Increasing scrutiny of corporate conduct induces managers to engage environmental,...
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...leader for sustainability. In the past decade is has undergone a whole culture shift in the way it does business. But is what Philips doing really sustainable or are they just green washing their products. The report looks at how a sustainable business operates and how Philips’ programs and initiatives line up with those constructs of sustainable business development. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Assessment of Philips Electronics: Is Sense & Simplicity Sustainable 4 Enterprise Thinking 5 Inclusiveness & Value Networks 8 Suppliers 8 Stakeholders 9 Connectedness 10 Social Responsibility 10 Philanthropy 11 Reuse & Recycling 11 Life Cycle Thinking 12 Innovativeness & Leadership 13 Conclusion 14 References 15 Footnotes 16 Figures 19 Assessment of Philips Electronics: Is Sense & Simplicity Sustainable Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., also known as Royal Philips Electronics but commonly known as “Philips”, is an electronics company based in the Netherlands with facilities located across the world. It is one of the largest electronics companies in the world and the largest manufacturer of lighting.1 In 2004 Philips released their brand promise, “Sense and Simplicity” encapsulates our commitment to intimately understand the needs and aspirations of consumers and customers in order to deliver innovative solutions that are advanced and easy to experience.2 With in that promise hides sustainability; a new frontier...
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...the lack of direction. Knowing that change is needed is the easy part of reaching sustainability. Knowing what changes to make is a much more complicated challenge. The idea of sustainability is discussed often, yet broad scope ideas are traded without specific details and applications. Team B Consultants Inc. (TBCI), is the leading consulting firm hired to perform current business practice audits, which they analyze to gain an understanding of the functionality of specific processes, how to implement changes, and which will be most effective. Air Emission Controls Upon review of the Riordan Manufacturing (Riordan) facilities in the United States and China, TBCI has determined the organization has multiple sustainable options for air emission reductions. These reductions will result in improved working conditions for employees, better air quality for the surrounding region, and keep the organization ahead of government standards for emission related issues. The first step in the reduction of emissions is to gather baseline data. After establishing a baseline manufacturers need to establish methods for ongoing air quality measurements. “In the last few years, the increased complexity in regulations in developed countries has been even more accelerated, challenging the chemical process industries (CPI) and their suppliers of air-monitoring equipment to reach new heights. It has been determined that fine particles are...
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...CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY & HENKEL’S APPROACH There is a growing trend for big companies to use sustainable concepts as core business drivers For decades, many companies have typically responded to sustainability challenges by pursuing incremental operational improvements. But we are beginning to see an interesting new trend – businesses using sustainability as a tactic for long-term offense, rather than just short-term defence. Despite the uncertain economic outlook, leading international companies across diverse sectors are investing heavily in sustainable products and services. Others are making cross-industry partnerships to develop next generation products such as the elusive mass market electric car. Some are even enhancing their business models through mergers and acquisitions that seek to address, and capitalise on, sustainability trends. Drivers of Sustainability A number of factors are driving the adoption of corporate sustainability programmes in the global business community: * Regulatory Mandates: Growing regulatory pressures compel companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, industrial effluents, and other environmental hazards. * Operational Cost Efficiencies: Rising raw materials and energy prices incentivize businesses to invest in waste recycling, waste-to-energy, water conservation and related technologies. * Reputational Risks: Increasing scrutiny of corporate conduct induces managers to engage environmental,...
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...about the Corporate Sustainability Reporting. The Sustainability Reporting Framework (G3.1) of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the system oriented theories (Legitimacy Theory, Stakeholder Theory and Institutional Theory) are reviewed in order to explain and support the arguments of the reporting methodology. In addition, the reports of two multinational companies, Apple Inc. and Toyota Motor Corporation are inspected with the theories. It is found that both companies involved in multiple activities in promoting and educating the publics about their operations as well as the ways to protect themselves and the nature. It can be concluded that both companies abide the framework and theories to disclose information to the stakeholders. 1.0 Introduction Corporate Sustainability Reporting is becoming more and more important in research and in practice lately, as the consumers are becoming smarter compare to the eras before. Companies have the responsibility to disclose details in financing and operations in order to gain support and resources from the world at large to survive in the market. There are three important system oriented theories that helps in measuring the degree of importance and explaining the methodology in disclosing informations to all types of stakeholders. Two multinational companies that provides annual report and sustainability report are reviewed to help understanding the reporting method. 2.0 Purpose of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Pursuant...
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...SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. Long-lived and healthy wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable biological systems. For humans, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well-being, which has ecological, economic, political and cultural dimensions. Sustainability requires the reconciliation of environmental, social equity and economic demands - also referred to as the "three pillars" of sustainability or (the 3 Es). Healthy ecosystems and environments are necessary to the survival and flourishing of humans and other organisms. There are a number of major ways of reducing negative human impact. The first of these is environmental management. This approach is based largely on information gained from earth science, environmental science and conservation biology. The second approach is management of human consumption of resources, which is based largely on information gained from economics. A third more recent approach adds cultural and political concerns into the sustainability matrix. Sustainability interfaces with economics through the social and environmental consequences of economic activity. Sustainability economics involves ecological economics where social aspects including cultural, health-related and monetary/financial aspects are integrated. Moving towards sustainability is also a social challenge that entails international...
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...decisions we make that effect our environment around us, it’s our job to maintain and innovate new ideas to sustain environmental health. The principal impediment to a sustainable society is our internal wiring. Put simply, humans evolved in an environment of scarcity and our brains are poorly adapted to restrain our appetites in a climate of abundance even when our ‘executive’ brain warns us that our civilization has overextended the limits of the biosphere. The human mind is not used to dealing with novel global environmental threats such as pollution, plastic, chemicals, nuclear waste and greenhouse gases, because for millions of years these problems were not around. As citizens of the world, each of us is responsible for the health of our planet. Our choices and our actions contribute to the well-being or deterioration of the environment. ? While some countries have chosen to develop national-level strategies, Canada’s federal system of governance required an approach that acknowledged that many of the levers for promoting sustainable development are controlled by different levels of governments (e.g. municipalities, provinces, and territories). The FSDA (Federal Sustainable Development Act) articulates the Government of Canada’s long-term vision, goals, and targets, including its plans for reducing the federal government’s environmental footprint. Environmental sustainability and economic development can be considered contending imperatives. We are now seeing more and more...
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... freshwater shortages, nuclear accidents and failure to mitigate or adapt to climate change. Geopolitical Risks The geopolitical category covers the areas of politics, diplomacy, conflict, crime and global governance. These risks range from terrorism, disputes over resources and war to governance being undermined by corruption, organized crime and illicit trade. Societal Risks The societal category captures risks related to social stability – such as severe income disparities, food crises and dysfunctional cities – and public health, such as pandemics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the rising burden of chronic disease. Technological Risks The technological category covers major risks related to the growing centrality of information and communication technologies to individuals, businesses and governments. These include cyber attacks, infrastructure disruptions and data loss. Ten Global Risks of Highest Concern in 2014 1 Fiscal crises in key economies 2 Structurally high unemployment/underemployment 3 Water crises 4 Severe income disparity 5 Failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation 6 Greater incidence of extreme weather events (e.g. floods, storms, fires) 7 Global governance failure 8 Food crises 9 Failure of a major financial mechanism/institution 10 Profound political and social instability Risks are measured by impact and likelihood Risks...
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...points. Completing the exam in the minimum time, therefore, gives you just over thirteen minutes per answer. You will benefit from taking time to prepare and compose your answers, using course materials. You may complete this exam on your own time before class, or in class during the final exam time. You may type it or hand-write it. Either way, you will need to turn in a paper copy, by hand, during the final exam class time (Monday, May 9, between 1:00 – 2:50 pm). This exam is open-book and open-computer. 1. Identify current and future issues in sustainability for urban locations. There are a lot of major issues as a nation, that we are trying to combat. Firstly, a major problem, that is only getting is high urbanization rates. It is not just causing problems with carbon emissions, its affecting food and water security. As we expand into an ever growing population. We are now trying to encroach into new areas, for our population. An example is Rio De Janiero, they are ever expanding to...
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...2011/2012 GRI Report A companion to the 2011/2012 Sustainability Report This report was released on October 7, 2012 | v1 . 8 About This Report The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is “a network-based organization that produces a comprehensive sustainability reporting framework that is widely used around the world.” This year, in 2012, The Coca-Cola Company has set out to report against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure economic, environmental and social performance. We have done so within the scope of our Company’s wholly owned operations. Where we have reported information on behalf of the Coca-Cola system (The Coca-Cola Company and our bottling partners), we have flagged this information within the body of the text. For 2012, and the 2011/2012 Sustainability Report specifically, our Company has self-declared a grade B against the GRI G3.1 Guidelines. This year’s Sustainability Report has also received verification by a third-party external verification agency, FIRA Sustainability BV. Their verification is evidenced by a “+” sign next to our grade B, which reflects their verification and approval of our tracking systems. Throughout this report, you will find the KPIs that we have addressed, along with additional information regarding our most critical initiatives and programs. While we strive to continuously increase our transparency, some of the information requested in response to additional KPIs could put at risk our ability to compete and therefore...
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...biodegradable. There is an increased focus on environment sustainability. Environmental sustainability is about decision making and taking actions that are in the interest of protecting the natural world, with specific focus on conserving the ability of environment for the human life. At the present time, it is an important topic, as it is being realizing by the people that individuals and businesses have full impact on the environment. Environment sustainability is related closely with making responsible decisions that are objected towards minimizing the negative impact of business on environment. It is not just about reducing the amount of produced waste and use of less energy, but is also associated with processes being developed which will lead to business in the future (Esty et al.,2005). In the present situation, the concerned group claims that these materials are causing an environmental hazard that is seeping from a local landfill into a nearby stream. An environmental group, SafePack Materials Pollute, has sprung up and has launched an Internet campaign geared toward compelling fruit producers to stop purchasing our packing materials. The situation at hand raises environmental issues that relate to the Clean Water Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. The Clean Water Act develops the basic structure to regulate discharge of pollutants into the waters of United States and regulating quality standards for surface water. Under this act, Environmental Protection Agency has...
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