Embedding Sustainability into Manufacturing Organizations

Abstract

While definitions of sustainability and sustainable development vary to a certain extent, manufacturing organizations tend to define sustainability as the triple bottom line - pursuing profitability, environmental integrity, and social equity. This paper will discuss the best practices of organizations that have ingrained sustainable practices throughout their organizations, as well as their experiences balancing the triple bottom line. The paper will examine barriers and opportunities encountered by organizations when considering sustainability programs. Costs and benefits - financial and other - that facilitate and impede sustainability actions will be examined. Existing models and frameworks will be overviewed. Current codes and standards for reporting will be reviewed, also. This paper has an emphasis on smaller manufacturers, and will discuss how large manufacturers can engage the smaller companies within their global supply chains in both energy management and sustainability.