Even if sustainable business practices work on a small scale, can they work for megacorporations with international reach? The surprising truth is that best practices in sustainability can indeed be scalable, as the following case studies demonstrate.
IKEA
The famed Swedish furniture manufacturer has long been committed to sustainable practices in all facets of its operations, from supply chain to point of sale. For example, the company sources almost half the wood for its products from sustainable foresters. IKEA buys 100% of its cotton from companies that meet the Better Cotton guidelines, which set limitations on the use of chemical fertilizers, energy and water. In addition, more than 700,000 solar panels provide electricity for IKEA stores.6
Unilever
Unilever is a megacorporation wholly committed to being a driving force for international positive change. The company has established the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, which sets three main goals:
- Improve the health and well-being of more than one billion people.
- Reduce the environmental impact of the company by half no later than 2030.
- Improve the livelihoods of millions of people.7
The company has set out to accomplish all its goals by promoting opportunities for women, requiring fairness in the workplace and curbing greenhouse gases, water usage, waste and non-sustainable raw material sourcing. In 2015, the CEO was awarded the Champion of the Earth Award by the United Nations for the company’s great strides in improving its sustainability.6
Panasonic
Like other companies geared toward sustainability, Panasonic has set ambitious goals for reducing its energy usage and making sustainable products. Taking things a step further, the company even relocated its American headquarters in the name of sustainability. Its former base in a suburban area of New Jersey required employees to undergo lengthy commutes. To reduce employees' reliance on gas-powered cars, Panasonic moved its headquarters near a central train station in downtown Newark.6
Beyond these actions, Panasonic is partnering with multiple companies to build a Sustainable Smart Town in Fujisawa City, Japan. The goal is to create a completely sustainable community – a model town of the future.8
You can learn from more examples of sustainability in business and prepare to lead companies into the future when you earn your degree online or on-campus at Grand Canyon University. The Colangelo College of Business offers a diverse selection of degree programs, including programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Applied Entrepreneurship, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management. If you already hold an undergraduate degree, consider advancing your career qualifications with an MBA, such as the Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Leadership. Click on Request Info at the top of your screen to find out why GCU could be the perfect path to your academic goals.
Retrieved from:
1 Reuters Events, Ben & Jerry’s – A Bumpy Road for Social Mission Pioneers in March 2021
2 Business Insider, The Fashion Industry Emits More Carbon Than International Flights and Maritime Shipping Combined. Here Are the Biggest Ways it Impacts the Planet. in May 2021
3 Forbes, 10 Slow Fashion Brands Committed To Sustainability in April of 2021
4 Reuters, One Study of Garment Industry Workers in Bengaluru in April 2021
5 International Labor Organization, The Rana Plaza Accident and Its Aftermath in May 2021
6 Virgin.com, 10 Global Companies That Are Environmentally Friendly in March 2021
7 Unilever, Sustainable Living in March 2021
8 Panasonic, Sustainable Smart Town Provides Better Lifestyles as the Entire Town in March 2021