Sustainable consumption and production - Sustainable business and industry

Title

Can we compare the environmental performance of this product to that one? An update on the development of product category rules and future challenges toward alignment

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 24, March 2012, Pages 102–108

Author(s)

Wesley W. Ingwersen, Martha J. Stevenson

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

When used to compare the relative environmental performance of different products, life cycle-based, quantitative environmental claims, such as carbon footprint claims and environmental product declarations require common rules in order for claims to be comparable within a category. Product category rules (PCRs), which are defined in the ISO 14025 standard, specify how life cycle environmental impacts should be estimated and reported for products within a given category. The standard has allowed for the development of multiple program operators in different countries, each with its own set of PCRs. We provide a global update on the development of PCRs, describing progress in existing programs and highlighting emerging efforts. As PCRs have begun to proliferate, challenges have arisen that could potentially undermine comparison of life-cycle-based claims for comparable products. These challenges include the definition of the product category, the lack of common data sources, limited geographic scope, and the format of the claim. We present some recommendations on overcoming these challenges and point out some potential mechanisms to support alignment internationally.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable manufacturing processes

Keywords

PCR; EPD; Product carbon footprint; LCA; Product environmental claims

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611004847
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martha.stevenson@wwfus.org

Title

Comparison of methodologies for estimating the carbon footprint – case study of office paper

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 24, March 2012, Pages 30–35

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Currently there are several methodologies available for estimating the carbon footprint of products. In this study a comparison has been made between the outcomes and the implications of three different methodologies applied to office paper: (1) the ISO 14040/14044 standards limited to the analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the corresponding impact category global warming; (2) the PAS 2050; and (3) the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) framework. The carbon footprint of office paper from cradle-to-costumer is 4.64, 4.74 and 4.29 g CO2eq per A4 sheet according to, respectively, the ISO 14040/14044 standards, the PAS 2050 and the CEPI framework. The ISO 14040/14044 standard methodology allows the quantification of 98% of the total GHG emissions with the smallest effort in data collection. The major hot spots are the stages of eucalypt pulp and office paper production and chemical and fuel production for all methodologies. General methodologies such as those analysed in this study are not enough for the comparison of products. More specific rules, such as Product Category Rules, that limit the degree of freedom in the choice of the functional unit, system boundary, allocation rules, data quality, between others, should be developed.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable manufacturing processes

Keywords

CEPI framework; Global warming potential; ISO 14040/14044; Office paper; PAS 2050; Wood product

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert 

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611004409
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acdias@ua.pt

Title

Reference

DOI:10.1080/09640568.2011.636568

Author(s)

Anders Branth Pedersen, Helle Ørsted Nielsen, Tove Christensen & Berit Hasler

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Economic modelling generally assumes that businesses are profit maximisers. However, behavioural economics holds that businesses pursue multiple objectives and may even sacrifice some profit. This has implications for the effectiveness of incentive-based environmental policies. Using Danish farmers as a case, this paper examines whether non-economic rationales may trump economic ones in farmer decisions, and, unlike previous research, we quantify how widespread non-economic values are compared to more economic values. Data derive from a survey (1164 responses) of Danish conventional farmers' decision rationales regarding their use of pesticides. Using cluster analysis, we show that some farmers are more economically motivated while other farmers are more focused on optimising yield and pay less attention to expenditures and crop prices. Furthermore, we find that the two groups differ in their response to policy instruments; farmers who focus on yield indicate less responsiveness to economic policy instruments. The results imply that it is important to implement a broad array of policy instruments to match different farmer rationales.

Policy theme(s)

Agriculture >> Agricultural management >> Crop management
Environmental information services >> Environmental communication >> Stakeholder/public engagement
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

pesticides, policy instruments, farmers, motivation

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09640568.2011.636568
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apd@dmu.dk

Title

Towards assessing the sustainability of European logging operations

Reference

European Journal of Forest Research
Doi: 10.1007/s10342-011-0561-x
EU funded.

Author(s)

Staffan Berg, Janine Fischbach, Franka Brüchert, Mikael Poissonnet, Stefania Pizzirani, Anne Varet and Udo H. Sauter

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The forest-based sector has been at the forefront in operationally implementing the sustainability concept, its associated principles and indicators for sustainable forest management. Several methods have been developed to study environmental impacts of forestry activities, but none of the existing tools address all the dimensions of sustainability along the whole forest wood chain (FWC) in a balanced way. Consequently, the decision was made to develop a tool for sustainability impact assessment (ToSIA), the modelling framework for sustainability impact assessment of FWCs. The objective of the EU Project Eforwood was to develop ToSIA, a decision support tool. Within ToSIA, a FWC is modelled as a number of interconnected processes. For each process, a range of economic, environmental and social indicators and their respective values are calculated, thus representing the three pillars of sustainability. By this method, the multifunctionality of forests can be assessed and supply chains can be compared with respect to sustainability. Sensitivity analysis and scenario techniques can be applied to learn about the effect of expected changes to the structure of the chain, the material flows and the indicator values. In order to provide the tool with information about forest and logging operations, data were collected at two fundamental levels: (1) a regional level with case studies in Scandinavia, Iberia and Baden-Württemberg and (2) a European level with a case study that reflects conditions in the 27 countries of the European Union. This paper describes and details the harvesting and logging processes for the European countries. The results are displayed for each of the three regional case studies as well as aggregated to five principal areas in Europe: Eastern, Northern, Western, Central and Southwest Europe.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest services >> Forest industries/products
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Sustainability impact assessment; Harvesting; Logging; Economic; Social; Environmental; Decision support

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.springerlink.com/content/uhh20q49p4571654/
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Staffan.berg@skogforsk.se

Title

‘Habitat’ Suitability Index Mapping for Industrial Symbiosis Planning

Reference

Journal of Industrial Ecology DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2011.00438.x

Author(s)

Paul D. Jensen, Lauren Basson, Emma E. Hellawell, Matthew Leach

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

By ‘working with the willing’, the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP) has successfully facilitated industrial symbiosis throughout the United Kingdom and, in the process, delivered significant economic and environmental benefits for both Programme members and the country as a whole. One of the keys to NISP's success is that, unlike failed attempts to plan and construct eco-industrial systems from scratch, the Programme works largely with existing companies who have already settled in, developed, and successfully operate within a given locale. This article argues that existing and mature industrial systems provide the best prospects for identifying opportunities for, and ultimately facilitating, industrial symbiosis. Due to levels of diversification and operational fundamental niches that, in the fullness of time, develop within all industrial systems, industrially mature areas are deemed to be industrial symbiosis ‘conducive environments’. Building on the conservation biology concept of a habitat suitability index, the article presents a methodology for comparing a potential site for eco-industrial development to a known baseline industrial ‘habitat’ already identified as being highly conducive to industrial symbiosis. The suitability index methodology is further developed and applied to a multi-criteria evaluation geographic information system to produce a ‘habitat’ suitability map that allows practitioners to quickly identify potential industrial symbiosis hotspots (the methodology is illustrated for England). The article concludes by providing options for the development of symbiosis suitability indices and how they can be used to support the facilitation of industrial symbiosis and regional resource efficiency.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

eco-industrial development;geographic information systems (GIS);industrial ecology;industrial ecosystem;South Humber Bank;utilities sharing

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.15309290.2011.00438.x/abstract

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P.Jensen@surrey.ac.uk

Title

Reducing mine water requirements

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 21, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 71–82

Author(s)

A.J. Gunson, B. Klein, M. Veiga, S. Dunbar

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Mining is a water intensive activity, and reducing water consumption is a key requirement in moving toward a more sustainable mining industry. This paper identifies mine water reduction, reuse and recycle options, and demonstrates cases where these options have been implemented around the world. A mine water system model is developed and used to show potential water saving strategies through six scenarios. Apart from the base case, these scenarios include the introduction of evaporation reduction strategies, paste tailings disposal, filtered tailings disposal, ore pre-sorting and a combination of the most effective options. The results of the modeling show how an open-pit copper mine with a traditional layout can move from having an average water withdrawal of 0.76 m3/t of ore processed to 0.20 m3/t of ore processed or lower. A key result of the modeling is the discovery that a combination of ore pre-concentration and filtered tailings disposal can reduce water consumption by 74% or more. This finding demonstrates an opportunity to significantly lower water consumption on mine sites.

Policy theme(s)

Resource efficiency >> Water efficiency
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Mine water; Water consumption

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611003283
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ajgunson@interchange.ubc.ca

Title

Reference

Volume 16, Issue 9, 2011 pages 917-936

Author(s)

Robin Curry & Caitriona Maguire

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper builds on and extends previous research to contribute to ongoing discussion on the use of resource and carbon accounting tools in regional policy making. The Northern Visions project has produced the first evidence-based footpath setting out the actions that need to be taken to achieve the step changes in the Ecological and Carbon Footprint of Northern Ireland. A range of policies and strategies were evaluated using the Resources and Energy Analysis Programme. The analysis provided the first regional evidence base that current sustainable development policy commitments would not lead to the necessary reductions in either the Ecological Footprint or carbon dioxide emissions. Building on previous applications of Ecological Footprint analysis in regional policy making, the research has demonstrated that there is a valuable role for Ecological and Carbon Footprint Analysis in policy appraisal. The use of Ecological and Carbon Footprint Analysis in regional policy making has been evaluated and recommendations made on ongoing methodological development. The authors hope that the research can provide insights for the ongoing use Ecological and Carbon Footprint Analysis in regional policy making and help set out the priorities for research to support this important policy area.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Environmental governance and law                   

Keywords

Sustainability; Ecological Footprint; Carbon Footprint; resource accounting; policy development; REAP

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13549839.2011.615306
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r.curry@qub.ac.uk

Title

Solutions for a cultivated planet

Reference

Nature, 2011;
DOI: 10.1038/nature10452

Author(s)

Jonathan A. Foley, Navin Ramankutty, Kate A. Brauman, Emily S. Cassidy, James S. Gerber, Matt Johnston, Nathaniel D. Mueller, Christine O'Connell, Deepak K. Ray, Paul C. West, Christian Balzer, Elena M. Bennett, Stephen R. Carpenter, Jason Hill, Chad Monfreda, Stephen Polasky, Johan Rockström, John Sheehan, Stefan Siebert, David Tilman, David P. M. Zaks

Study type

Peer Review Journal 

Abstract

Increasing population and consumption are placing unprecedented demands on agriculture and natural resources. Today, approximately a billion people are chronically malnourished while our agricultural systems are concurrently degrading land, water, biodiversity and climate on a global scale. To meet the world's future food security and sustainability needs, food production must grow substantially while, at the same time, agriculture's environmental footprint must shrink dramatically. Here we analyse solutions to this dilemma, showing that tremendous progress could be made by halting agricultural expansion, closing 'yield gaps' on underperforming lands, increasing cropping efficiency, shifting diets and reducing waste. Together, these strategies could double food production while greatly reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture.

Policy theme(s)

Agriculture >> Agricultural management >> Food security
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v478/n7369/full/nature10452.html
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jfoley.umn.edu

Title

Industrial symbiosis and the policy instruments of sustainable consumption and production

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issue 16, November 2011, Pages 1865-1875

Author(s)

Suvi Lehtoranta , Ari Nissinen, Tuomas Mattila, Matti Melanen

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Industrial symbioses (ISs) and eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are key concepts of industrial ecology (IE). The aim of ISs and EIPs is to minimise inefficient material and energy use by utilising local by-product and energy flows. Industrial symbioses tend to develop through spontaneous action of economic actors, for gaining of economic benefit, but these systems can be designed and promoted via policy instruments as well. A literature review showed that national programmes for eco-industrial parks can be found in different parts of the world. In the action programmes and other sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policy documents of the EU, on the other hand, industrial symbioses gain less recognition as a path to enhanced sustainable production. In this article, we consider this and also analyse how the evolution and environmental performance of an industrial symbiosis system centred on a Finnish pulp and paper mill have been affected by SCP policy instruments. With regard to the system forming the subject of the case study, and Finnish industrial systems in general, policy instruments have succeeded in reducing emissions but not in systematically encouraging operators toward symbiosis-like activities. All in all, few studies exist on the overall impact of policy instruments promoting design of eco-industrial parks. It is not self-evident that symbiosis-like production systems would be sustainable in every case, as the background assumptions for political promotion of EIPs suggest. We concluded that industrial symbioses should be analysed and developed on a life cycle basis, with documentation of the real environmental benefits due to efficient resource use and decreased emissions in comparison to standalone production. ISs can then bring eco-competitiveness to companies in relation to SCP tools, such as environmental permits, ecolabels, and future product regulation based on the Ecodesign Directive in Europe. Indirect encouragement of symbiosis through land-use regulation and planning, in such a way that material fluxes between companies are possible both in operations and in financial terms, may prove effective. The same holds for waste policies that encourage increased reuse of a company’s waste by other enterprises.

Policy theme(s)

Resource efficiency >> Materials >> Material efficiency
Resource efficiency >> Energy efficiency
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Industrial ecology; Industrial symbiosis; Eco-industrial park; Sustainable consumption and production; Policy instrument; Finland

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611001181
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suvi.lehtoranta@ymparisto.fi

Title

Emerging design strategies in sustainable production and consumption of textiles and clothing

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issue 16, November 2011, Pages 1876-1883

Author(s)

Kirsi Niinimäki, Lotta Hassi

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This study contributes to current knowledge of sustainability in textile and clothing production and consumption. When the textile and clothing industry aims to promote sustainability, the main change factors have been linked to eco-materials and ethical issues in production. At present, however, business models are mainly linked with a large volume of sales and production. Although industrial development has moved toward smaller environmental impact, production as well as consumption has increased to levels where the benefits of technological development are reduced. A change is thus needed to reach a systemic transformation, not only in production but also in consumption. The aim of this paper is to open up the discussion on opportunities for radical change in this industry. The paper presents ways to rethink and redesign business in the textile and clothing field by offering an overview on several design strategies that exist today in niche markets. Furthermore we evaluate how interested consumers are in these design strategies and discuss the opportunities these design approaches offer to sustainable development through new value creation.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Ecodesign
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable manufacturing processes

Keywords

Textile industry; Sustainable design strategies; Value creation; Strategic innovation

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611001569
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kirsiniin@gmail.com

Title

Reviewing the carbon footprint analysis of hotels: Life Cycle Energy Analysis (LCEA) as a holistic method for carbon impact appraisal of tourist accommodation

Reference

Viachaslau Filimonau , Janet Dickinson , Derek Robbins, Mark A.J. Huijbregts

Author(s)

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issues 17-18, November-December 2011, Pages 1917-1930

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This study discusses the potential for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to be utilized for the environmental assessment of tourism accommodation facilities, and their contribution to global carbon footprint. To demonstrate the viability of employing LCA in the hotel sector, its simplified derivative, Life Cycle Energy Analysis (LCEA), is applied to two tourism accommodation facilities in Poole, Dorset (UK) to quantify their CO₂ emissions. The results indicate that the reviewed hotels are less energy and carbon-intense than the tourism accommodation establishments reported in the literature. This may indirectly imply the continuous progress of hotel’s energy efficiency over time. The implications of the current energy use practices in the reviewed hotels are discussed and suggestions are made on how to further improve the energy performance and therefore cut the carbon footprint. Recommendations for hotel management and policy-making are developed to reduce the energy and carbon intensity of the hotel industry. A method for energy and carbon footprint analysis of outsourced laundries and breakfast services is also proposed.

Policy theme(s)

Resource efficiency >> Energy efficiency
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Carbon footprint; Hotel; LCA; Impact assessment

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611002435
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vfilimonau@bournemouth.ac.uk

Title

Carbon footprint of food – approaches from national input–output statistics and a LCA of a food portion

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issue 16, November 2011, Pages 1849-1856

Author(s)

Yrjö Virtanen , Sirpa Kurppa, Merja Saarinen, Juha-Matti Katajajuuri, Kirsi Usva, Ilmo Mäenpää, Johanna Mäkelä, Juha Grönroos, Ari Nissinen

Study type

Peer Review Journal / Report

Abstract

The aim of the study, on which this paper is based, was to provide guidance to consumers to make environmentally responsible choices in their food consumption, to assist food supply chain stakeholders to identify the key areas for environmental improvements, and to provide policy makers with a tool for monitoring the potential impacts on climate change resulting from developments within the food sector. At the macro level, the EIO-LCA model was developed specifically for the Finnish food chain; at the micro level, LCAs were performed on 30 lunch portions. The contribution of the Finnish food chain to climate change was 14%, which comprised 40% CO₂ emissions, 25% CH₄ emissions, and 34% N₂O emissions. The share of impacts from domestic agricultural processes was the highest, at 69%. The impact of a single lunch portion ranged between 0.65 and 3.80 kg of equivalent CO₂. According to the EIO-LCA model, the average impact was 7.7 kg CO₂ eq/person daily. The consumer phase accounted for between 8 and 47% of the climate change impacts for homemade portions. In ready-to-eat portions industry and retail phases were emphasized, representing 25-38% of climate change impacts. We present an approach to steer the Finnish food sector onto an environmentally sustainable path; practical tools for consumers and farmers will especially need to be developed further.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable consumption >> Consumption behaviour
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable manufacturing processes

Keywords

Carbon footprint of food; National food system; Food portion; EIO-LCA approach

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611002423
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yrjo.virtanen@mtt.fi

Title

IT for green and green IT: A proposed typology of eco-innovation

Reference

Ecological Economics
Volume 70, Issue 11, 15 September 2011, Pages 2020-2027

Author(s)

S. Faucheux  and I. Nicolaï

Study type

Peer Review Journal  

Abstract

This article is in support of the development of an ecological economic framework. It discusses, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the increasing use of green IT and their applications (IT for green). IT and sustainable development have had a concomitant rise and reach. The future world emerging from their respective interpretations enables, in both cases, a shift from today's questionable industrial capitalism towards post-industrial capitalism. This paper addresses the following questions: What is known about green IT and IT for green? Are smart solutions (buildings, energy grids, transport) always beneficial to an ecological economy? And, if so, in what ways? In the first part of this article, we analyse the economic, social and environmental impact of IT and argue for the need for green applications of green IT in order to achieve sustainable outcomes. The second part focuses on the managerial dimension of eco-innovation theory and presents one of the distinctive features of green applications of green IT: the collective organisation of innovation. A typology of eco-innovation aimed at reconciling IT development and green growth is then proposed explicitly addressing four kinds of changes towards sustainable development: technological, social, institutional and organisational innovation.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental technologies >> Technology policy >> Ecoinnovation
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy

Keywords

IT; Ecological economics; Eco-innovation; Externalities; Business ecosystem; Collective innovation; Smart grid

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800911002084There is a fee to view this study in full   

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isabelle.nicolai@uvsq.fr

Title

Guide to Corporate Ecosystem Valuation
A framework for improving corporate decision-making

Reference

World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

Author(s)

See above

Study type

Report

Abstract

In April 2011, WBCSD released the Guide to Corporate Ecosystem Valuation (CEV), which is the first of its kind, catering directly for the needs of business. It was developed through an 18-month process of close collaboration with businesses themselves - fourteen members road tested the Guide, working with four partners: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Resources Institute (WRI), ERM (the main author of the Guide) and PwC.
Companies must anticipate that ecosystem valuation will be more consistently incorporated into public policies, regulations, and political decisions. Ecosystem values will also be increasingly considered by the finance sector and business-to-business customers as they assess the biodiversity and ecosystem-related risks and opportunities of investments and supply chains.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp?type=DocDet&ObjectId=Mzk0NjQ
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info@wbcsd.org

Title

Using corporate social responsibility benchmarking framework to identify and assess corporate social responsibility trends of real estate companies owning and developing shopping centres

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issue 13, September 2011, Pages 1486-1493

Author(s)

Idalina Dias Sardinha, Lucas Reijnders and Paula Antunes

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Shopping centres that include retail activities have come in for criticism as to their environmental, architectural and social impacts. However, the sector has been applying corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. In an attempt to identify the best practices regarding CSR and trends therein we developed a CSR benchmarking of companies from the real estate sector owning and developing shopping centres. Based on information from websites, annual, environmental and sustainability reports, and customer services department's information, in 2004 and 2010, a comparative CSR benchmarking was performed on 23 real estate companies with shopping centres based in Europe, China, Australia and the USA. The CRS benchmarking framework focused on reported CSR practices and included categories and sub-categories of evaluation in four domains: (1) external results, (2) internal results, (3) management processes and (4) learning and innovation. The framework was inspired by the sustainability balanced scorecard structure. The United Kingdom real estate sector's companies studied did relatively well when evaluated by the framework used in this study. The highest ranked real estate companies applied sustainable or environmental buildings standards and did show a commitment to transparency and CSR disclosure. The positive evolution of CSR practices in the 23 companies studied in 2004 and 2010 may reflect efforts to improve competitiveness and the reputation of the companies with shopping centres through CSR initiatives.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Construction

Keywords

Corporate social responsibility benchmarking, Real estate sector, Shopping centres

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611001272
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idalinasardinha@iseg.utl.pt

Title

The causes of food waste in the supplier-retailer interface: Evidences from the UK and Spain

Reference

Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume 55, Issue 6, April 2011, Pages 648-658
Environmental Supply Chain Management

Author(s)

Carlos Mena, B. Adenso-Diaz and Oznur Yurt

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Food and drink waste is a significant problem for economic, environmental and food security reasons. Government efforts have focused on diverting waste away from landfill through regulation, taxation and public awareness. However, efforts to understand why waste occurs have been limited, particularly in the interface between retailers and suppliers. This research aims to address this problem by identifying the main root causes of waste in the supplier-retailer interface.
The research is exploratory in nature as there is a paucity of studies focusing on food waste across the supply chain. Data were collected through 43 interviews with managers in food manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing in two countries: the UK (24) and Spain (19). Data from the interviews and supplementary documentation were analyzed using causal maps. This approach helped to identify the main root causes of waste which were categorized into three groups: (1) mega-trends in the marketplace, (2) natural causes related to the products and processes, and (3) management root causes on which practitioners have a direct impact.
The paper discusses the root causes of food waste and good practices identified from the interviews. Differences between the UK and Spain are discussed, presenting potential learning opportunities for practitioners in these countries and highlighting opportunities for further research.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Waste >> Waste reduction

Keywords

Food Waste, Environmental management, Supply chain, Root-cause analysis

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344910002077
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carlos.mena@cranfield.ac.uk

Title

A concept for assessing sustainability impacts of forestry-wood
Chains

Reference

Eur J Forest Res
DOI 10.1007/s10342-010-0446-4

Author(s)

R. Päivinen, M. Lindner, K. Rose'n
M. J. Lexer

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Abstract Due to the emerging importance of sustainable use of natural resources, and policies requiring actions towards sustainable development, there is a demand for methodologies and tools that are able to address these new challenges. In this paper, an approach to assess sustainability impacts of alternative production chains of the forest sector is presented. The approach, which is designed for both public and private decision-makers, describes the forest sector as a set of processes by which forest resources are used to (1) produce biomass which is routed through different value-adding production chains and converted to products and (2) provide other ecosystem services. It is suggested that each production process included in a production chain will be characterised by a set of indicators covering environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable development. The approach is demonstrated by a numerical example, in which the indicator values are determined based on the volume of wood material flowing through the processes. Sustainability impacts of policy scenarios or technological changes result from changing from one production chain to another; the impacts accumulate along the production chains. Combined cost-benefit and multi-criteria analyses are proposed to evaluate overall impacts and to compare alternative chains.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest services >> Forest industries/products
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Sustainable development, Environmental Sustainability, Social sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Forestry-wood chains, Sustainability Indicators, Forest Sector

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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 risto.paivinen@efi.int

Title

The effect of ISO 14001 certification on toxic emissions: an analysis of industrial facilities in the north of Spain

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issues 9-10, June-July 2011, Pages 1091-1095

Author(s)

Alberto Gomez and Monica A. Rodriguez

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

During recent decades, the impact of industrial organisations on the environment has become clearly evident. It has also become more difficult to hide and more expensive. Globally, this has caused many enterprises to put all their efforts into seeking management instruments that allow them to reduce their negative impact on the environment as well as improving their economic efficiency. This environmental interest is either voluntary or forced by customers or by legal pressure. Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) are among the many tools that have appeared to fulfil that goal and that have drawn international researchers' attention. The most popular system and the one most often used is the ISO 14001 standard.
This paper examines empirically the influence that this certification exerts on the company's pollutant emission policy. The analysis was carried out in four regions of Spain: Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and Castilla-Leon and includes 126 industrial organisations. The goal of this paper is to investigate the behaviour of the companies according to their emissions policies once they have achieved the ISO 14001 certification. In the paper the Toxics Release Index of 56 certified companies is compared with the Index of 70 non-certified companies. Through a statistical analysis based on the Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test, it was concluded that ISO 14001 does not represent an environmental proactivity signal clearly enough to result in a reduction of the company's environmental polluting index.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Source of emissions >> Industrial emissions
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

ISO 14001, Toxic emission, Environmental management strategy, Green supply chain management

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611000291
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albertogomez@uniovi.es

Title

Paving the way for the ISO 14006 ecodesign standard: an exploratory study in Spanish companies

Reference

Author(s)

German Arana-Landin and Inaki Heras-Saizarbitoria

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

A Spanish ecodesign standard (the UNE 150301) is being used as a basic reference point in paving the way for the future ISO 14006 ecodesign standard which may foreseeably be passed in 2011. This article aims to analyze the experience regarding adoption of the UNE 150301 in Spain.
Following an analysis of the standard's structure, its objectives and scope, its real implementation process is then analyzed based on an exploratory qualitative study carried out in four Spanish companies that have been pioneers in adopting this environmental standard. The conclusion is drawn in the article that in all the cases analyzed, the greatest source of impact occurs in the phase in which the product is used and is related to energy consumption. Companies appear to be satisfied with the adoption of this standard and, in particular, point out that they have managed to reduce the environmental impact of their products. However, they draw attention to the fact that, to deal with certain instances of impact that increases in cost entail, administrative bodies need to establish mandatory regulations, as environmentally-friendly companies would otherwise lose competitiveness.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Ecodesign
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >>Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Ecodesign, ISO 14006, UNE 150301, Environmental impact, Life cycle

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611000394
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g.arana@ehu.es

Title

The potential for improvements in energy efficiency and CO2 emissions in the EU27 cement industry and the relationship with the capital budgeting decision criteria

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issue 11, July 2011, Pages 1207-1215

Author(s)

José Antonio Moya, Nicolás Pardo and Arnaud Mercier

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper performs a cost-effectiveness analysis of some of the best available technologies (BAT) that can contribute to decreasing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the European Union's (EU27) cement industry. Several capital budgeting decision criteria have been used (the payback period, the net present value and the internal rate of return) to study whether or not an investment should be considered worthwhile. The results show that, independent of the capital budgeting decision criteria used, the number of cost-effective retrofitting possibilities available is large compared to the rate of improvements that the industry undertakes annually. This shows the insensitivity of the industry to financial criteria when it comes to making their investment decisions. The possible thermal energy improvement in the clinker production, if all these BATs were implemented, has been quantified to be around 10%. This achievement would place the cement industry in the upper bound of the benchmark range for clinker manufacture. However considering the delays observed nowadays in terms of diffusion of BATs in the cement industry, it requires a conducive policy environment that combines support for both technology development and to their deployment.

Policy theme(s)

Resource efficiency >> Energy efficiency
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable manufacturing processes

Keywords

Energy efficiency, Best available technological improvements, Cement industry, Capital budgeting decision criteria

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611000795
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jose.moya@ec.europa.eu

Title

Energy efficiency in Spanish wastewater treatment plants: A non-radial DEA approach

Reference

Science of The Total Environment
Volume 409, Issue 14, 15 June 2011, Pages 2693-2699

Author(s)

F. Hernández-Sancho, M. Molinos-Senante a nd R. Sala-Garrido

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Policy theme(s)

Resource efficiency >> Energy efficiency
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Water >> Water quality >> Wastewater treatment

Keywords

Energy efficiency, Non-radial DEA, Wastewater treatment, CO2 emissions,  Energy saving

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969711003755
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Francesc.Hernandez@uv.es

Title

Corporate social responsibility: sustainable water use Critical Perspectives of Sustainable Development Research and Practice - Utrecht 2009

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issue 8, May 2011, Pages 852-866

Author(s)

Tineke Lambooy

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Freshwater scarcity is no longer limited to sub-Saharan developing countries; also in Western society, access to unlimited amounts of freshwater is not assured at all times. It has been argued - and laid down in many national legal systems - that access to freshwater is a basic human right. What if corporate freshwater use threatens to interfere with this human right? The main focus of the article is to explore the role of today’s companies in relation to freshwater. A number of tools have been developed to attend to the necessity to reduce corporate use of freshwater. The article discusses specialised water reporting instruments such as the 2007 Global Water Tool and the ‘water footprint’ calculation method. In addition, attention is paid to a CERES report (2010) revealing that the majority of the 100 world’s leading companies in water-intensive industries still has weak management and disclosures of water-related risks and opportunities. To obtain concrete information about corporate water strategies and practices, an explorative analysis was conducted on 20 Dutch multinational companies. The article highlights various innovative practices. In sum, it is demonstrated that companies are expected to bear responsibility for their impact on water resources, in particular when it influences public access to water in areas with freshwater scarcity and/or weak government. Notwithstanding the critical conclusions of the CERES report, it is interesting to see an evolution in corporate research concerning sustainable water use and the development of greener products and greener ways of production.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production>> Sustainable production>>Sustainable business and industry
Water>>Water consumption>>Water scarcity

Keywords

Corporate water use, Corporate water use measurement, Corporate water use disclosures, Coca-Cola in India, Trafigura, Water scarcity, Water footprint, Corporate social responsibility, CSR

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652610003598
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t.lambooy@nyenrode.nl

Title

Reference

Journal of Consumer Policy
Volume 34, Number 1, 9-23, "Special Issue: Putting Sustainable Consumption into Practice"
DOI: 10.1007/s10603-010-9129-2

Author(s)

Annukka Berg

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The profusion of knowledge about the complexity of promoting sustainable consumption has led to calls to address the issue in a cross-cutting manner. This article discusses pioneering national sustainable consumption and production (SCP) programmes as tools for informed decision making. The analysis is based on a theory of three organizing principles for SCP policy: (1) deliberation, (2) efficiency and (3) sufficiency. These organizing principles protect and enact particular values and can be promoted in either a weak or strong manner. A comparison of three SCP programmes from Finland, Sweden, and the UK shows that different programmes emphasize somewhat different principles: programmes in the UK and Finland emphasize the efficiency principle, whereas the Swedish programme places considerable emphasis on promoting sufficiency, as well. Meanwhile, deliberation is well presented in all the programmes, but the countries apply it somewhat differently. On the whole, government commitment to the programmes is limited, and clear targets, timetables, and resources are mentioned only occasionally. Thus, rather than being credible roadmaps towards SCP, the pioneering programmes take the form of mixed toolboxes. The programmes contain many innovative and potentially effective proposals, but in responding to the challenges acknowledged in the programme documents, individual actors must bear heavy responsibilities. From this perspective, the pioneering SCP programmes also provide false reassurance and a means to outsource the promotion of SCP to non-government actors.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production>>Sustainable consumption>>Consumption behaviour
Sustainable consumption and production>>Sustainable production>>Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Sustainable consumption and production, Policy programmes, Finland,
Sweden, United Kingdom

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.springerlink.com/content/d32470816g364436/
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annukka.berg@helsinki.fi

Title

Environmental regulation and investment: Evidence from European industry data

Reference

Ecological Economics 70 (2011) 759-770

Author(s)

Andrea M. Leiter, Arno Parolini, Hannes Winner

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper contributes to the empirical literature on the relationship between environmental regulation and firm behavior. In particular, we ask whether and how strongly an industry's investment responds to stringency in environmental regulation. Environmental stringency is measured as (i) an industry's total current expenditure on environmental protection, and (ii) a country's revenue from environmental taxes. Focusing on European industry level data between 1995 and 2005, we estimate the di erential impact of environmental stringency on four types of investment: gross investment in tangible goods, in new buildings, in machinery, and in `productive' investment (investment in tangible goods minus investment in abatement technologies). Both environmental variables enter positively, and their quadratic terms exhibit significantly negative parameter estimates. This, in turn, indicates a positive but diminishing impact of environmental regulation on investment.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Environmental governance and law

Keywords

Investment, Environmental regulation, Pollution abatement costs, Europe

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800910004660
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andrea.leiter@uibk.ac.at

Title

Innovating for green growth.

Reference

World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Drivers of private sector RD&D p 1-44

Author(s)

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

Study type

Report

Abstract

By 2050, the world's population will have increased to 9 billion, with most of the growth in developing countries. Increasing urbanization and efforts to combat poverty will lead to rapid energy and infrastructure growth demand in these countries. While this offers a huge growth opportunity for business, it also presents companies with the challenge to address the climate change. Businesses understand that an unsustainable world is not a good place for doing business. The world needs business as a committed solution provider to meet future energy and climate challenges. Business is the main source of innovation, solutions and financing for the growth required, and it must continue to play a strong role in the future climate regime. This requires accelerated innovation, collaboration and implementation of low carbon solutions. It also requires greater collaboration across business sectors and between business, government, academia and civil society. Companies and governments recognize that a 'green race' is underway. This is a race fuelled by concerns for energy security and the need to manage resource scarcity. It reflects the constraints imposed by both climate change and the current economic situation that encourages cost savings through efficiency improvement. Companies want to gain a competitive advantage in future markets and need to anticipate regulatory regimes and demand by consumers. Much has already been done in the absence of price signals and climate regulations, but more can be done with efficient policies.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental technologies >> Technology policy >> Ecoinnovation
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Green economy
Sustainable development and policy assessment >> Sustainable economic development >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.wbcsd.org/includes/getTarget.asp?type=d&id=MzkyMTk
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Contact the study author at:

info@wbcsd.org

Title

Transition to Lead-Free Products in the US Electronics Industry: A Model of Environmental, Technical, and Economic Preferences

Reference

Environmental Modeling and Assessment (2011) 16:107-118
DOI 10.1007/s10666-010-9227-1

Author(s)

Xiaoying Zhou & Hilary Nixon & Oladele A. Ogunseitan & Andrew A. Shapiro & Julie M. Schoenung

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The European Union's Restriction on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (Directive 2002/95/EC) targeted at electronic products took effect in 2006. In contrast, the USA has no comparable national policy on these products. To understand corporate responses to policy differences across jurisdictions, we conducted a structured questionnaire survey of individuals in 109 companies that are representative of the US electronics industry. The results reveal that 70% of these companies have already adopted lead-free solder for electronics with 49% of the total preferring the SnAgCu formulation, despite uncertainties associated with environmental impacts of this alternative alloy. We use a modified life cycle impact assessment method based on endpoint modeling approach to derive weighting factors that represent the respondents' value system for tradeoffs among environmental impacts. We use a modified fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution approach to evaluate technical criteria dominance in declared preferences. A statistical model of corporate behavior is also presented. The results provide the first systematic framework that accounts for environmental impact, technological challenge, and business strategy concurrently toward formulating a comprehensive national policy for materials selection in electronic products.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable manufacturing processes

Keywords

Decision making, Environmental management, E-waste, Integrated assessment, Lead-free solder, Materials selection

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/981vn0x328201586/
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Contact the study author at:

xzhou@dtsc.ca.gov
jmschoenung@ucdavis.edu

Title

Life cycle assessment of building materials: Comparative analysis of energy and environmental impacts and evaluation of the eco-efficiency improvement potential

Reference

Building and Environment
Volume 46, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages 1133-1140

Author(s)

Ignacio Zabalza Bribián, Antonio Valero Capilla and Alfonso Aranda Usón

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The building industry uses great quantities of raw materials that also involve high energy consumption. Choosing materials with high content in embodied energy entails an initial high level of energy consumption in the building production stage but also determines future energy consumption in order to fulfil heating, ventilation and air conditioning demands.
This paper presents the results of an LCA study comparing the most commonly used building materials with some eco-materials using three different impact categories. The aim is to deepen the knowledge of energy and environmental specifications of building materials, analysing their possibilities for improvement and providing guidelines for materials selection in the eco-design of new buildings and rehabilitation of existing buildings.
The study proves that the impact of construction products can be significantly reduced by promoting the use of the best techniques available and eco-innovation in production plants, substituting the use of finite natural resources for waste generated in other production processes, preferably available locally.
This would stimulate competition between manufacturers to launch more eco-efficient products and encourage the use of the Environmental Product Declarations.
This paper has been developed within the framework of the 'LoRe-LCA Project' co-financed by the European Commission's Intelligent Energy for Europe Program and the 'PSE CICLOPE Project' co-financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology and the European Regional Development Fund.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Construction

Keywords

LCA, Building materials, Embodied energy, Eco-efficiency

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132310003549
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zabal@unizar.es