Showing papers on "Social sustainability published in 2014"
TL;DR: In this article, sustainable business models (SBM) incorporate a triple bottom line approach and consider a wide range of stakeholder interests, including environment and society, to drive and implement corporate innovation for sustainability, can help embed sustainability into business purpose and processes, and serve as a key driver of competitive advantage.
2,360 citations
TL;DR: A critical review of the existing body of knowledge of researches related to green building is presented in this article, where the common research themes and methodology were identified, such as the definition and scope of green building, quantification of benefits of green buildings compared to conventional buildings, and various approaches to achieve green buildings.
Abstract: Green building is one of measures been put forward to mitigate significant impacts of the building stock on the environment, society and economy. However, there is lack of a systematic review of this large number of studies that is critical for the future endeavor. The last decades have witnessed rapid growing number of studies on green building. This paper reports a critical review of the existing body of knowledge of researches related to green building. The common research themes and methodology were identified. These common themes are the definition and scope of green building; quantification of benefits of green buildings compared to conventional buildings; and various approaches to achieve green buildings. It is found that the existing studies played predominately focus on the environmental aspect of green building. Other dimensions of sustainability of green building, especially the social sustainability is largely overlooked. Future research opportunities were identified such as effects of climatic conditions on the effectiveness of green building assessment tools, validation of real performance of green buildings, unique demands of specific population, and future proofing.
808 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a cognitive framing perspective on corporate sustainability is developed, which explores how differences between them in cognitive content and structure influence the three stages of the sense-making process, that is, managerial scanning, interpreting, and responding with regard to sustainability issues.
Abstract: Corporate sustainability confronts managers with tensions between complex economic, environmental, and social issues. Drawing on the literature on managerial cognition, corporate sustainability, and strategic paradoxes, we develop a cognitive framing perspective on corporate sustainability. We propose two cognitive frames—a business case frame and a paradoxical frame—and explore how differences between them in cognitive content and structure influence the three stages of the sensemaking process—that is, managerial scanning, interpreting, and responding with regard to sustainability issues. We explain how the two frames lead to differences in the breadth and depth of scanning, differences in issue interpretations in terms of sense of control and issue valence, and different types of responses that managers consider with regard to sustainability issues. By considering alternative cognitive frames, our argument contributes to a better understanding of managerial decision making regarding ambiguous sustainability issues, and it develops the underlying cognitive determinants of the stance that managers adopt on sustainability issues. This argument offers a cognitive explanation for why managers rarely push for radical change when faced with complex and ambiguous issues, such as sustainability, that are characterized by conflicting yet interrelated aspects.
655 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored how resilience thinking, and a stronger focus on social-ecological systems, can contribute to existing studies of sustainability transformations and highlighted promising work that combines insights from different theoretical strands.
Abstract: Scholars and policy makers are becoming increasingly interested in the processes that lead to transformations toward sustainability. We explored how resilience thinking, and a stronger focus on social-ecological systems, can contribute to existing studies of sustainability transformations. First, we responded to two major points of critique: the claim that resilience theory is not useful for addressing sustainability transformations, and that the role of "power" in transformation processes has been underplayed by resilience scholars. Second, we highlighted promising work that combines insights from different theoretical strands, a strategy that strengthens our understanding of sustainability transformations. We elaborated three research areas on which such combined perspectives could focus: innovation and social-ecological-technological systems interactions, patterns of transformation, and agency and transformation.
500 citations
07 Aug 2014
TL;DR: The first book published in Britain to provide an overview of the theory and practice of these issues is as mentioned in this paper, which brings together contributions from environmental educators working in the formal and informal sectors and in continuing education, and provides perspectives on the philosophy, politics and pedagogy of education for sustainability.
Abstract: Now with new Introduction and additional new chapter.
At a time when polls suggest that a majority of young British people believe that the future will offer a worse quality of life than the present, it is becoming imperative that children are introduced to principles of sustainability through the educational system from an early age, and that these principles are regularly reinforced and built upon. The government's own Panel on Sustainable Development has called for a 'comprehensive strategy for environmental and training', and NGOs frequently point to education as a key policy instrument in the transition to sustainable development. This is the first book published in Britain to provide an overview of the theory and practice of these issues. It brings together contributions from environmental educators working in the formal and informal sectors and in continuing education, and provides perspectives on the philosophy, politics and pedagogy of education for sustainability, as well as case studies and pointers towards good practice. Part I establishes some initial perspectives on sustainability, education and the role of NGOs; the potential for education for sustainability in the formal and informal sectors is assessed in Parts II and III; Part IV discusses its development as part of the greening of business and local government; and Part V looks at the way forward.
490 citations
Book•
19 May 2014TL;DR: In this paper, the authors set the context for sustainability accounting and accountability, and mapped the terrain of sustainability and accounting for sustainability, and proposed a conceptual interpretation of accounting for sustainable development.
Abstract: Part I: Setting the context for sustainability accounting and accountability 1. Introduction 2. Mapping the terrain of sustainability and accounting for sustainability 3. Sustainability accounting and education Part II: Accounting techniques and sustainable development 4. Histories, rationales and future prospects for sustainability reporting: CSR, GRI, IIRC and Beyond 5. Independent assurance of sustainability reports 6. Stakeholder perspectives and engagement 7. Developing Silent and Shadow Accounts 8. Environmental and social assessment in sustainable finance 9. Organisational change and sustainability accounting Part III: Accounting for sustainable development in other organizational settings 10. The nature of NGO accountability 11. Sustainability accounting, reporting and management in the public sector Part IV: Accounting and biophysical concerns 12. Accounting and global climate change issues 13. Accounting for water resource use Part V: Conceptual interpretations of accounting for sustainable development 14. Philosophical underpinnings of sustainability and organizational accountability 15. Organisational legitimacy as a motive for sustainability reporting 16. Insights into sustainability reporting from institutional theory 17. Drawing to a close and future horizons
465 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a decision-support framework for assessing and identifying the most sustainable energy options for future electricity supply in Mexico by considering three sustainability dimensions: environmental, economic and social.
464 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework for corporate sustainability management is developed which offers an integrated view on the relevance of sustainability aspects for an individual company and enables the integration of these sustainability aspects on different management levels.
Abstract: Sustainable development can be a source of success, innovation, and profitability for companies. To use this source and to deal with the challenge of sustainability, corporations need a framework they can rely on in order to identify opportunities and threats and to develop, implement, control, and improve corporate sustainability strategies to be both more sustainable (for themselves and the society) and more successful in economic terms. Based on an extensive literature review of strategic management, CSR, and corporate sustainability, a conceptual framework is developed which offers an integrated view on the relevance of sustainability aspects for an individual company and enables the integration of these sustainability aspects on different management levels. Contextual factors are used to identify the relevance of sustainable development and the significant sustainability aspects. Based on this initial step, the relevance of sustainability issues for the different management levels, as well as opportunities and threats related to sustainable development, can be identified. The framework distinguishes three different management levels: normative management, strategic management, and operational management. Questions of vision and mission of a company and of the fit between sustainability engagement and organizational culture are in focus of the normative management level. Developing an effective corporate sustainability strategy is part of the strategic level. The implementation of the sustainability strategy in the different corporate functions is part of the operational level. This framework for corporate sustainability management is supported by instruments which are clustered in different areas like performance measurement, assessment and evaluation, operational management or strategic management. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
463 citations
TL;DR: This paper argued that the omission of time from most strategic management has contributed to short-termism, which is the bane sustainability, and pointed out that sustainability requires the consideration of time.
Abstract: Sustainability is fast becoming fashionable in strategic management, and yet its meaning is often elusive. Some people restrict sustainability to environmental issues, and others use it synonymously with corporate social responsibility. In this essay, we return to the roots of its original meaning and argue that sustainability requires the consideration of time. Sustainability obliges firms to make intertemporal trade-offs to safeguard intergenerational equity. In this essay, we clarify the meaning of sustainability by showing that the notion of ‘time’ discriminates sustainability from responsibility and other similar concepts. We then argue that the omission of time from most strategic management has contributed to short-termism, which is the bane sustainability. We conclude with directions for future research that will integrate sustainability into strategy and contribute to a world in which both business and society can thrive for generations to come.
457 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine links, similarities, and dissimilarities between stakeholder theory and sustainability management and develop a conceptual framework to increase the application of stakeholder theories in sustainability management.
Abstract: This essay examines links, similarities, and dissimilarities between stakeholder theory and sustainability management. Based on the analysis a conceptual framework is developed to increase the appl...
454 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the state-of-the-art of research into the links between Lean Management, Supply Chain Management and Sustainability with a view to: identifying the topic set studied and contributing a criterion for classifying the literature, discussing the empirical evidence and orienting future research.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the limitations of sustainability science research to move the field beyond the analysis of problems in coupled systems to interrogate the social, political and technological dimensions of linking knowledge and action.
Abstract: Over the last decade, sustainability science has been at the leading edge of widespread efforts from the social and natural sciences to produce use-inspired research. Yet, how knowledge generated by sustainability science and allied fields will contribute to transitions toward sustainability remains a critical theoretical and empirical question for basic and applied research. This article explores the limitations of sustainability science research to move the field beyond the analysis of problems in coupled systems to interrogate the social, political and technological dimensions of linking knowledge and action. Over the next decade, sustainability science can strengthen its empirical, theoretical and practical contributions by developing along four research pathways focused on the role of values in science and decision-making for sustainability: how communities at various scales envision and pursue sustainable futures; how socio-technical change can be fostered at multiple scales; the promotion of social and institutional learning for sustainable development.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the scientific discourse on cultural sustainability by analyzing the diverse meanings that are applied to the concept in scientific publications and find that the discourse on culture sustainability is organized around seven storylines: heritage, vitality, economic viability, diversity, locality, eco-culture resilience, and eco-cultural civilization.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that to move beyond the rhetoric and to actually realize sustainable development, it must be considered as a decision-making strategy and demonstrate that sustainability assessment and sustainability indicators can be powerful decision-supporting tools that foster sustainable development by addressing three sustainability decision making challenges: interpretation, information-structuring, and influence.
Abstract: Recognizing the urgent need for sustainability, we argue that to move beyond the rhetoric and to actually realize sustainable development, it must be considered as a decision-making strategy. We demonstrate that sustainability assessment and sustainability indicators can be powerful decision-supporting tools that foster sustainable development by addressing three sustainability decision-making challenges: interpretation, information-structuring, and influence. Particularly, since the 1990s many substantial and often promising sustainability assessment and sustainability indicators efforts are made. However, better practices and a broader shared understanding are still required. We aim to contribute to that objective by adopting a theoretical perspective that frames SA and SI in the context of sustainable development as a decision-making strategy and that introduces both fields along several essential aspects in a structured and comparable manner.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a framework to understand how manufacturing firms adjust their strategy according to the sustainability challenge and which dimensions are affected by these decisions, which can contain initiatives emphasising the adoption of new manufacturing technologies, the development of new, sustainable products or the integration of green practices into the supply chain.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings of a study on relationships among the perceived presence of organisational sustainability policies, green work climate perceptions and employee reports of their green behaviour (EGB).
TL;DR: In this article, a review of quality criteria for sustainability visions and guidelines on how to rigorously craft such visions are scattered over different strands of the literature and some are insufficiently developed.
Abstract: Envisioning how a desirable future might look is a long-standing effort in human evolution and social change. Utopian thought and visions provide direction for actions and behavior; more so, they create identity and community. Accordingly, the discourse on sustainability and sustainable development has recognized that positive visions about our societies’ future are an influential, if not indispensable, stimulus for change. Visioning is, thus, considered a key method in sustainability research and problem solving, for instance, in transformational sustainability science or in planning for urban sustainability. Yet, quality criteria for sustainability visions and guidelines on how to rigorously craft such visions are scattered over different strands of the literature and some are insufficiently developed. The goal of this article is to review and synthesize such quality criteria and design guidelines to inform sustainability visioning methodology. The review provides a concise reference framework for sustainability students, researchers, and professionals on how to enhance their sustainability visioning practices.
TL;DR: In this article, a multi-case study approach is adopted based on four ready made garment (RMG) industry suppliers in Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi buying houses of two large UK retailers.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate why developing country suppliers are adopting socially sustainable practices and how the implementation process is both impeded and enabled. Design/methodology/approach – A multi-case study approach is adopted based on four ready made garment (RMG) industry suppliers in Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi buying houses of two large UK retailers. The primary mode of data collection is exploratory face-to-face interviews with 14 senior representatives. Findings are later interpreted using the transaction cost economics (TCE) theory lens. Findings – One factor motivating implementation is labour retention – a skilled labour shortage means employees will migrate to other factories if suppliers do not improve certain social standards. Barriers to implementation include a misalignment between the requirements of western codes of conduct and the cultural and socio-economic context in Bangladesh. Enablers include a shift from auditing and monitoring to more open di...
TL;DR: In this article, a transdisciplinary approach is proposed to understand how sustainability issues in supply chains materialize as risks for focal firms and develop a conceptualization of sustainability risks which lays the basis for future investigations in this respective field.
Abstract: There is ample anecdotal evidence suggesting that firms can experience serious losses from social, ecological or ethical problems that exist in their supply chains. So far, however, research on supply chain risk management has largely neglected these sustainability issues. Most importantly, little is known about how sustainability issues manifest themselves as risks and how they create losses for focal firms. Without an in-depth understanding of this materialization process, conceptualizations of sustainability risks will remain vague and effective management frameworks cannot be developed. We address this important research gap by means of a transdisciplinary approach and provide a concise description of how sustainability issues in supply chains materialize as risks for focal firms. Building on this mechanism and drawing on stakeholder theory, we develop a conceptualization of sustainability risks which lays the basis for future investigations in this respective field. In addition, we devise a viable management concept for sustainability-related supply chain risks. The proposed concept can help firms to mitigate sustainability issues in global supply chains, thus making them less vulnerable to losses resulting from these risks. Its application will also foster sustainability standards within supply chains.
TL;DR: The authors provide a synthesis and critical assessment of the sustainability marketing literature, from the period 1998-2013, building on a previous assessment from 1971 to 1998, providing a particular call for theoretical and managerial reflections which tackle broader systemic and institutional issues within the discipline.
Abstract: This paper provides a synthesis and critical assessment of the sustainability marketing literature, from the period 1998–2013, building on a previous assessment from 1971 to 1998. It details research within major marketing journals and critically assesses this research in relation to the on-going conversation which focuses on marketing’s relationship with the natural environment. Differences in the content and depth of sustainability coverage in marketing journals are considered. Potential avenues for future sustainability marketing research are proposed, with a particular call for theoretical and managerial reflections which tackle broader systemic and institutional issues within the discipline.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined a case study and provided insight into ten years of MBA education for sustainability management at the Centre for Sustainability Management, Leuphana University Luneburg, Germany.
Book•
19 Sep 2014
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors set the global local scene and confronted a world in crisis, defining the world around us and understanding social life, and developing methods and tools to assess sustainability.
Abstract: Part 1: Setting the Global-Local Scene 1. Confronting a World in Crisis 2. Defining the World around Us Part 2: Understanding Social Life 3. Social Domains 4. Social Mapping 5. Social Meaning Part 3. Developing Methods and Tools 6. Assessing Sustainability 7. Generating an Urban Sustainability Profile 8. Measuring Community Sustainability 9. Conducting a Peer Review 10. Adapting to Climate Change 11. Projecting Alternative Futures 12. Simulating Future Trends Conclusion
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effectiveness of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework for mining sustainability reporting and found that it can mislead decision-makers who are concerned with sustainability, or even camouflage unsustainable practices, particularly at the site level.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an illustrative corporate sustainability framework consisting of elements that are easily understandable and interpretable with respect to tangible corporate sustainability activities and actions, which can assist in the evaluation of sustainability activities, as well as serve as a guide for an organization that aspires to increase the level and sophistication of its sustainability activities.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors aim to contribute to a better understanding of the meanings and interpretations of sustainability concepts while reviving social sustainability in the literature, and this paper aims to contribute.
Abstract: There is a fragmented approach to social sustainability in the literature, and this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the meanings and interpretations of that concept while revi ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight two broad approaches in the sustainability transitions research field: a multi-level perspective that examines sustainability innovation pathways and a social practices approach that illuminates the possibilities (or not) for shifts in normal everyday routines and practices.
Abstract: In the present context of intertwined and intensifying economic, environmental and climate challenges and crisis, we need to enlarge our thinking about food systems change. One way to do so is by considering intersections between our longstanding interdisciplinary interest in food and agriculture and new scholarship and practice centered on transitions to sustainability. The general idea of transition references change in a wide range of fields and contexts, and has gained prominence most recently as a way to discuss and address sustainability challenges. To explore connections to food systems change, I highlight two broad approaches in the sustainability transitions research field. First is a multi-level perspective that examines sustainability innovation pathways and second is a social practices approach that illuminates the possibilities (or not) for shifts in normal everyday routines and practices. Taken together, these approaches offer different and useful ways to think about the dynamics, durability and significance of innovations in food and agriculture, and the part they play in transitions to sustainability. Numerous opportunities exist to forge more productive links between work on food systems change and the broad and growing sustainability transitions field. First, our research and practice insights about the importance of politics, governance, values and ethics in food and agriculture could help to strengthen the sustainability transitions field, which initially underplayed such questions. Second, the sustainability transitions field’s implicit systems sensibility and its futures orientation could help to widen the scope of inquiry and the contribution to policy and planning of research and practice on food systems change.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an exploratory review of how the global hotel industry publicly communicates its approach to sustainability, finding that while there is considerable variation in the information the leading hotel chains provided publicly on their sustainability commitments and achievements, they embrace a wide range of environmental, social and economic issues.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploratory review of how the global hotel industry publicly communicates its approach to sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an outline of the growing importance of sustainability within the hospitality industry and a short discussion of the characteristics of sustainability. The paper draws its empirical material from the most recent information on sustainability posted on the world's leading hotel chains' corporate websites. Findings – The findings reveal that while there is considerable variation in the information the leading hotel chains provided publicly on their sustainability commitments and achievements, they embrace a wide range of environmental, social and economic issues. More critically, the authors argue that these commitments are driven more by the search for efficiency gains, that they are couched within existing business models centred on continuing growth, and that as such the global hotel industry is c...
TL;DR: In their own battles and strategy meetings since the early 1980s, environmental justice organizations and their networks have introduced several concepts to political ecology that have also been taken up by academics and policy makers.
Abstract: In their own battles and strategy meetings since the early 1980s, EJOs (environmental justice organizations) and their networks have introduced several concepts to political ecology that have also been taken up by academics and policy makers. In this paper, we explain the contexts in which such notions have arisen, providing definitions of a wide array of concepts and slogans related to environmental inequities and sustainability, and explore the connections and relations between them. These concepts include: environmental justice, ecological debt, popular epidemiology, environmental racism, climate justice, environmentalism of the poor, water justice, biopiracy, food sovereignty, "green deserts", "peasant agriculture cools downs the Earth", land grabbing, Ogonization and Yasunization, resource caps, corporate accountability, ecocide, and indigenous territorial rights, among others. We examine how activists have coined these notions and built demands around them, and how academic research has in turn further applied them and supplied other related concepts, working in a mutually reinforcing way with EJOs. We argue that these processes and dynamics build an activist-led and co-produced social sustainability science, furthering both academic scholarship and activism on environmental justice. Keywords: Political ecology, environmental justice organizations, environmentalism of the poor, ecological debt, activist knowledge
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore how 16 global corporations from four different industry sectors use social media platforms and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports to communicate about sustainability and find that Green firms are more active than Not Green firms both in addressing sustainability and in general social media activity.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the factors that influence the integration of sustainability into the operations, teaching and research activities of universities in Australia and England, and found that individuals committed to the goal of a more sustainable world played a vital role in the success of integrating environmental sustainability into universities.
Abstract: Universities play a fundamental role in addressing global environmental challenges as their education, research and community involvement can produce long-lasting environmental effects and societal change. By demonstrating best practice in their operations, research and teaching, universities have both multiple and multiplier effects on society. For universities to comprehensively address sustainability, a ‘learning for sustainability’ approach needs to be embedded across every aspect of institutional operations in a synergistic way. Using semi-structured interviews, this research explored the factors that influence the integration of sustainability into the operations, teaching and research activities of universities in Australia and England. The research found that individuals, committed to the goal of a more sustainable world, play a vital role in the success of integrating environmental sustainability into universities. The factors critical to enabling universities to undertake the transformational changes necessary to embed environmental sustainability into all university areas included: a strong policy environment, resourcing of strategies, and encouragement of leaders and environmental sustainability advocates. Educating and building the awareness of university staff of the importance of environmental sustainability to future generations was key to a successful strategy.