Synopses & Reviews
The book can be viewed from the perspective of a medium to large firm's journey towards sustainability. A firm that wants to be sustainable considers the triple bottom line when making decisions, i.e., the firm takes into account economic (profit), environmental (planet), and social (people) impacts when making decisions. By focusing on the triple bottom line (3Ps), the firm ensures a steady supply of inputs such as raw materials and labor indefinitely. The first step towards sustainability is aimed at reducing waste in operations (mainly production), with the help of such tools as lean and six-sigma. The firm then performs a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) for each of its main products and processes. LCA is a methodology designed to assess the environmental impact (e.g., energy consumption) of a product or process, from raw material extraction to production (in its different stages), packaging, distribution, sales, consumer use, and end-of-life disposal. With a better understanding of the major impacts, the firm can then target actions designed to reduce the firm's environmental impact (which in most cases also improves the economic bottom line), that is, the firm aims to be eco-efficient. The final step in the journey towards sustainability, which is the ultimate goal, is to close the loop. To close the loop, the firm starts by designing products for multiple life cycles (as in design for remanufacturing), or products designed according to a "cradle-to-cradle" philosophy that ensures ease of disassembly and 100% recyclability (up-cycling as opposed to down-cycling). A traditional supply chain contains flows of materials, components and products from suppliers (of various tiers), to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to distributors, to retailers, and to customers. A closed-loop supply chain contains flows of products, components and/or materials post-consumer use returned back to manufacturers and suppliers.
Synopsis
This book was written for any company or organization that needs detailed guidance on the journey towards sustainability, starting from zero. And if your firm wants to be sustainable, you know you have to consider the triple bottom line when making decisions: economic (profit), environmental (planet), and social (people). By focusing on the triple bottom line (3Ps), your firm can be assured of a steady supply of inputs such as raw materials and labor. Author Souza carefully explains the first step towards sustainability, which is aimed at reducing waste in operations, with the help of such tools as lean and Six Sigma. He will also help guide your firm through a "life cycle assessment" (LCA) for each of the main products and processes. LCA is a methodology designed to assess the environmental impact (such as energy consumption, and toxicity) of a product or process through its life cycle: raw material extraction, transportation, manufacturing, packaging and distribution, use by consumers, and end-of-life. The final step in the journey towards sustainability is to close the loop. To close the loop, you'll learn about designing efficient packaging, designing products for multiple life cycles (as in design for remanufacturing), or designing products according to a Cradle to Cradle(R) philosophy, which ensures no use of toxic materials, ease of disassembly, and 100% up-cyclability. The book concludes with the "final P" of sustainability-people, with some examples of firms that invest heavily in the social bottom line.
About the Author
Bloomington, IN; Professor; Kelley School of Business