Sustainability And Business Assignment Sample

Introduction Of Sustainability And Business

Unit1

Describing major environmental issue brought by CafePod

The CafePod coffee is aprivately owned coffee firm. The business provides coffee in a number of categories. I well remember the significant environmental problem that an established coffee company, Cafepod, caused while I lived in the UK. The event occurred in my nation and had broad consequences, having a long-lasting effect on the local area and the natural world. The rise in popularity of company's disposable coffee pods served as the catalyst for everything. These useful pods are constructed of plastic and aluminum, are very well-liked by consumers all throughout the country (Isensee, et. al. 2020). But what at first seemed to be a practical method for enjoying a cup of coffee quickly became an environmental disaster.

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When it was discovered that the coffee pods from Cafepod were not being reused correctly, the problem became apparent. The company has failed to establish a productive recycling system to manage the massive amount of pods being eaten. As a result, great deal of these pods was dumped in landfills, adding to the increasing challenge of plastic waste. I vividly recall seeing several abandoned coffee pods strewn around beaches, parks, and even neighborhoods' (Bae, et. al. 2021). This environmental eyesore was ruining the once-immaculate scenery. Wildlife also suffered because little pods were mistaken for food by creatures like marine life, which led to tangle and poisoning.

Besides simple visual pollution, Cafepod's recklessness has detrimental effects. The plastic pods released hazardous substances into the earth and water as they disintegrated across several years. Ecosystems were severely impacted by this pollution, which had an impact on the health of plants, animals, and eventually people. In addition, the materials and energy used to make and discard these disposable coffee pods added to glasshouse gas emissions and global warming. The business's carbon footprint increased as a result of the raw material extraction, manufacturing, and shipping of the pods, worsening the already existing environmental issue.

After Company's unethical practices were made public, there was significant indignation and an appeal for change (Garel and Petit-Romec, 2021). Environmental groups, worried people, and even dedicated company's customers voiced their worries and urged business to act swiftly to resolve the situation. As social networks initiatives, requests, and boycotts gathered pace, the firm was under pressure to act. Fortunately, the occurrence gave Cafepod cause for concern. The company agreed to make major adjustments after succumbing to rising consumer demand and the danger of brand harm. They made research and development investments to provide alternatives that are healthier for their reusable coffee pods.

A new range of biodegradable coffee pods manufactured from plant-based components was announced by Cafepod (Ardoin, et. al. 2020). Because they could be thrown of in composting containers and were made to decompose organically, these pods had a significantly lesser environmental effect. The business additionally began a thorough recycling program, collaborating with nearby recycling companies to ensure that all of the pods were correctly handled. Despite firm's admirable attempts to put things right, the harm was already done. It would require decades, if not generations, to eradicate entirely the buildup of plastic garbage caused by years of unrestrained consumption.

Assessing the implications of this issue along with the measures which company hasTakento prevent it from happening

The environment and the community both were significantly impacted by the environmental issue that Cafepod in the UK had created. Single-use coffee pods were frequently utilized, which led to improper recycling, which had adverse impacts on our environment as well as quality of life. The issue has caused an incredible quantity of plastic pollution. The not non-recyclable coffee pods wound up in landfill or were left as trash throughout the environment, adding to the already dire issue of plastic waste. This not only detracted from the splendour of our surrounding environment, but it also provided a serious threat to animals. Marine life in particular suffered significantly as a result of entanglement and ingestion resulting from animals mistaking the pods for food. The loss of marine life resulted in a balance in the environment that has far-reaching effects on our oceans' general health.

In addition, the inappropriate dumping of coffee pods polluted the land and water. The pods released dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere, endangering the health of individuals, plants, and animals (Taeihagh and Lim, 2019). The health of both animal and human communities may be endangered by the poisons that circulate through water and soil systems since they have the ability to go up the food chain. The issue was made worse by the single-use coffee pods' role in global warming through their manufacturing, transportation, and waste. By increasing the release of glasshouse gases caused by the gathering of raw materials and heavy on energy production procedures, global warming and its accompanying environmental effects were worsened. It is important to acknowledge that Cafepod's reckless business practices directly worsened the difficulties we confront in battling climate change and caused to environmental degradation.

There are various steps Cafepod should have done to avoid such an environmental problem:

• Sustainable Packaging: The organization ought to have made sustainable packaging options its primary objective right away. The usage of compostable or biodegradable substances may have been looked into by Cafepod rather than depending on disposable coffee pods made up of plastic and aluminum. This change would have significantly lessened the impact of their products on the ecosystem.
• Recycling Infrastructure: Establishing an efficient and readily available recycling system for their coffee pods is what Cafepod should have done (Sharma, et. al. 2020). They might have made it simpler for customers to recycle their spent pods and ensured adequate waste management by collaborating with local recycling services.
• Consumer Education: The business ought to have made major expenditures in campaigns to educate consumers about the effects of disposable coffee pods on the environment and the importance of proper disposal. Giving customers clear guidance on how to recycle properly and the advantages of sustainable alternative would have given them the power to make environmentally friendly decisions.
• Supply Chain Responsibilities: Through its supply chain, the firm should have put in place rigors rules and monitoring procedures (Rangachari and L. Woods, 2020). The business might have reduced the environmental effect of the extraction of raw materials, production procedures, and transportation by requiring vendors to comply with ethical and sustainable standards.
• Visibility and Responsibility: Cafepod should have been liable for the whole product lifetime and upfront about its green practices. The company's sustainable pledges and advances might have been tracked by stakeholders with the use of periodic audits, reports, and external verification.
• Innovation and Collaboration: The Company requires to have actively sought out partnerships with environmental organizations, researchers, and authorities. Cafepod might have used collaboration and open communications to explore innovative approaches to environmentally friendly coffee packaging.
• Long-Term Vision: Adopting a long-term strategy that integrated environmental concerns into all facets of its operations was a mistake made by Cafepod. This would have necessitated a dedication to sustainable practices, constant innovation, and realization that pursuing immediate financial gain should notcome at the price of the environment.

In UK, Cafepod's environmental problem has a broad impact on the environment, including plastic waste, wildlife damage, water and soil pollution, and a higher carbon footprint (French, et. al. 2020). The business ought to have prioritized environmentally friendly packaging. In this regard, company developed a productive recycling infrastructure, carried out broad consumer education, ensured the supply chain's responsibility, encouraged cooperation and creativity, and adopted a long-term vision that put the environment ahead of immediate financial gain. These actions would have allowed Cafepod to prevent the detrimental effects of their negligence.

Unit2

Company's overview and its identity

CafePod is a well-known coffee company with British origins. This is a company with an important footprint in the coffee industry, provides a variety of high-quality coffee goods, such as coffee capsules, ground beans, and whole bean coffee (CafePod, 2023). The company takes delight in offering clients outstanding coffee experience while giving sustainability and moral conduct first priority.

• Background: Peter Grainger, an ardent coffee fan who saw the potential to deliver premium, gourmet coffee to households throughout the UK, established CaféPod in 2011. The company was founded as a small business with the goal of offering quick, café-quality espresso in the convenience of one's residence. The business grew considerably over time and became well-known among coffee drinkers across the whole country.
• Vision: The mission of CaféPod is to create amazing taste experience and promote a sustainable coffee culture, revolutionizing the way people consume coffee. The company wants to be on the front edge of innovation so that those who love coffee may enjoy the best coffee while still being mindful of the environment. In the future, according to CaféPod, espresso will make people happy while benefiting the environment and the surrounding areas.
• Mission: The objective of CaféPod is to find the best coffee beans in the planet, meticulously roast them, and then create great coffee products that suit a range of tastes and brew techniques. The company is dedicated to creating flavorful coffee that will let customers have a genuine and meeting coffee experience. In addition, company adopts sustainable practices through the whole production process in an effort to reduce the negative environmental effects.
• Organizational Identity: CaféPod is committed to providing outstanding quality in each cup. The company purchases only the best coffee beans, skillfully roasts them, and makes certain that every product continues to meet the most exacting criteria for flavor and scent. They are aware of and work to reduce its impact on the environment. The business emphasizes environmentally friendly procurement, puts recycling initiatives into place, and actively strives to cut waste. The company strives to protect the environment and improve sustainability in all aspects of its operations. The company promotes innovation and is always looking for new methods to enhance the coffee-drinking experience. CaféPod makes research and development investments to produce distinctive coffee blends, perfect roasting methods, and promote sustainable packaging options.

The business seeks to provide coffee lovers with an extensive range of alternatives to fit their tastes and brewing methods. The company appreciates client input and works diligently to consistently exceed their expectations (World Health Organization, 2022). CaféPod is dedicated to fair trade and sustainable procurement. To make sure that the growers and vendors of coffee are fairly compensated for their labor, the firm collaborates closely with them. The company wants to help coffee-growing communities maintain viable means of subsistence and improve their quality of life.

Discussing the sourcing strategies employed by the organization and recommending sustainable practices which can be incorporated.

As a coffee company, CaféPod recognizes the value of sustainable sourcing practices in ensuring their firm's long-term success while decreasing their environmental effect. Despite the fact that CaféPod has taken effort to priorities sustainability in its operations, there is still need to enhance their procurement strategies in order to be more consistent with sustainable ideals. Treating coffee growers and suppliers ethically is one part of environmentally friendly sourcing. By establishing direct commercial relationships with coffee producers, CaféPod can demonstrate its commitment to equitable trade principles (Dennerlein, et. al. 2020). CaféPod can guarantee that farmers have a variety of resources that encourage sustainable agricultural practices and that people receive adequate compensation for their labor through establishing direct ties with farmers. This strategy not only encourages moral sourcing but also sustains relationships and the economic growth of coffee-growing regions.

The environmental effect of coffee manufacturing is a vital part of sustainable sourcing. With the goal to guarantee that their coffee beans are cultivated using sustainable agricultural techniques, CaféPod can take specific steps. This includes promoting organic agricultural practices that use less synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, reducing the danger of erosion of soil and water contamination (Abdou, et. al. 2020). CaféPod can provide customer's coffee that is free of dangerous chemicals and promotes ecologically responsible farming practices by collaborating with verified organic coffee farms.

Additionally, CaféPod might give priority to acquiring coffee beans from areas recognized for their use of sustainable methods of agriculture. For instance, they could look into collaborations with coffee groups and businesses that follow requirements for certification like Rainforest Alliance or Fair. These certificates guarantee that coffee has been grown in a way that fosters community development, safeguards the rights of employees, and encourages preservation of biodiversity. CaféPod may demonstrate their dedication to sustainability by offering customers the confidence that their coffee was grown in an ethical and responsible manner by procuring from such certified farms.

Incorporating sustainable sourcing methods also means taking into account the carbon impact of transporting coffee. By purchasing coffee beans from areas closer to their manufacturing facilities, CaféPod could attempt to lessen the environmental effect of their supply chain. By doing this, transportation-related glasshouse gas emissions and travel dimensions would be decreased. The company might also look into carbon offset programsas a way to lessen the glasshouse gases produced during transport. CaféPod may offset its ecological impact and support environmental causes by participating in carbon offset schemes.

Transparency and traceability are essential components of sustainable sourcing. CaféPod may put mechanisms in place which render it possible to follow the path of its espresso beans from farm to cup. This openness enables customers to make wise decisions and assures that the beans are supplied ethically. CaféPod could promote a stronger relationship between customers and the people who cultivate their coffee by disclosing information about the source of their coffee beans. This may increase consumer knowledge of and enthusiasm for sustainable sourcing techniques.

CaféPod can:

• Build direct trade partnerships with coffee farmers that ensure fair remuneration and encourage sustainable farming practices.
• Incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their sourcing activities.
• To supply customers with free of chemicals and ecologically friendly coffee, give priority to buying from verified organic coffee farms.
• To ensure responsible and environmentally friendly sourcing, collaborate with coffee farmers and organizations that follow certifications like Rainforest Alliance or Fair-trade.
• By buying coffee beans from nearby locations and looking into offset programs, they may lessen their carbon footprint.
• Put in place traceability processes to increase transparency and increase consumer awareness of ethical sourcing methods.
• Consistently review and examine their sourcing procedures to find opportunities for growth and ensure compliance with changing sustainability requirements.
• Work together with experts, NGOs, and peers in the sector to share efficient procedures and information on sustainable sourcing.

By implementing these suggestions, CaféPod could enhance their dedication to sustainability and improve ethical sourcing across the entire supply chain. Incorporating environmentally friendly practices benefits the environment while also boosting the company's reputation, recruiting customers who care about long-term viability and ensuring the long-term success of their enterprise.

Unit 3

Drafting a strategy to address the employee safety concerns that you think can arise in any one of its subsidiary companies

Every organization understands the value in offering an appropriate working atmosphere for its employees, and Khalid Ali Alturki & Sons (Alturki) recognizes the need of ensuring the security of its workers. As a consultant, I am going to set up a plan to address any potential problems with employee safety at one of Alturki's associated companies. This plan seeks to reduce workplace injuries and accidents, foster a culture of safety, and improve overall worker well-being.

• Perform a Thorough Assessment of present Safety Practices, Policies, and Procedures: The first stage is to thoroughly evaluate the present safety practices, policies, and processes of the subsidiary firm. Visits to the sites, staff interviews, and a review of the safety data should all be part of this assessment. It will assist in locating current security flaws, prospective dangers, and places that require repair.
• Create and execute Extensive Safety Policies and Procedures: Create and execute extensive safety policies and procedures that are specific to the subsidiary firm based on the assessment's results. These rules should abide by regional laws and worldwide security norms. Important factors to think about include:

Risk evaluation and risk identification establish a methodical procedure for detecting workplace hazards, analyzing their risks, and putting in place the necessary controls. To find new risks, periodic risk evaluations should be done. The usage of personal safety gear (PPE), equipment operation, situations of emergency and reporting protocols are all instances of safe work practices that should be developed and well communicated. Hold frequent safety training sessions to staff, emphasizing risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and proper use of safety gear. Through continuing education initiatives and toolbox lectures, foster a culture based on safety. To encourage employees to report near-misses, accidents, and safety issues, set up a discreet and accessible incident reporting system. Establish a thorough investigative process to pinpoint the underlying issues and take corrective measures to stop such accidents in the future.

• Allocate Enough Resources for Safety: Ensuring that the subsidiary business has enough funds set up for safety-related assignments. This includes spending plans for safety gear, training initiatives, consistent checks, and audits. A safety committee or specialised staff should be established to monitor safety procedures and ongoing development.
• Developing employee empowerment and engagement: Involve employees in the creation and execution of security protocols. Get them involved in safety groups, hazard identification programs, and safety improvement initiatives. Give employees the authority to halt their job if they see any harmful situations or procedures.
• Regular Security Inspections and Audits: Perform routine safety audits and inspections to determine whether safety regulations are being followed and to identify areas that need to be improved. All aspects of the subsidiary business's activities, comprising machinery, equipment, work procedures, and structures, should be examined. These inspections should be conducted by trained safety experts.
• Continuous Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Develop safety-related key performance indicators (KPIs), and periodically track and report on these metrics (Omer and Noguchi, 2020). Analyze safety data to spot patterns, problem areas, and areas in which improvements are possible. Constantly evaluate and revise safety rules even practices in light of industry best practices, lessons acquired from mishaps, and near-misses.

Concerns about employee safety must be handled in a proactive and organized manner. The subsidiary firm of Alturki may enhance safety performance, reduce injuries and fatalities, and foster a culture of safety by putting the above-mentioned evaluations into practice. Regular evaluations, thorough regulations and processes, sufficient resources, employee participation, and ongoing efforts to improve will all work together to make the workplace safer for workers and further Alturki's commitment to their well-being.

Developing 5 5-point Sustainable Development Goals for this Organization and stating how the organization can ensure it's on track to achieve these goals.

The United Nations created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a list of international objectives, to solve problems related to society, the economy, and the environment (Sustainable development goals, 2023). Leading investment and development firm Khalid Ali Alturki & Sons (Alturki) may focus its sustainability efforts using the subsequent 5-point Sustainable Development Goal framework:

Goal 7: Relevance

Since Alturki works in the building, infrastructure, and green energy industries, Goal 7 is important for boosting clean energy while decreasing dependency on fossil fuels. It is in line with Alturki's dedication to ethical and sustainable energy practices.

To boost the percentage of green power in its portfolio, Alturki might give priority to investment in renewable energy initiatives like solar and wind farms (Sachs, et. al. 2019). Reduce energy use and carbon footprint throughout all subsidiaries by using energy-efficient technology and procedures. Promote staff engagement in energy-saving attempts and raise their understanding of conserving energy through training programs.

Goal 8: Economic Growth and Decent Work

Goal 8 is extremely pertinent given Alturki's commitment to the building, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. It highlights the significance of supporting entrepreneurship, providing fair working conditions, and promoting equitable and environmentally friendly growth.

To draw and keep talent, you should continually enhance workplace safety regulations, assure ethical hiring procedures, and offer attractive wages and benefits (Grainger-Brown and Malekpour, 2019). To improve skills and offer chances for career progression, fund staff development and training programs. Engage vendors and contractors who uphold moral labour practices and encourage fair working conditions.

Goal 9: Infrastructure, Business, and Innovation Relevance

Goal 9's emphasis on encouraging inclusive and sustainable industrialization, creativity, and infrastructure development is consistent with Alturki's engagement in the construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries.

Set energy-efficient appliances and materials as the primary objective when designing and building buildings to reduce their negative environmental effects (United Nations Development Programme, 2023). To increase efficiency in operations and decrease resource consumption, support scientific and technological projects, embrace technology innovations, and consider creative solutions. Encourage collaborations with NGOs, governments, and various other stakeholders to advance sustainable infrastructure growth and industrialisation.

Goal 11: Communities and Cities Relevance

Since Goal 11 involves with building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, Alturki's participation in the construction and real estate sectors makes it pertinent.

Real estate developments should incorporate environmentally friendly concepts, taking into account things like energy conservation, waste management, green areas, and public transit. Consider the needs and goals of local communities when involving them in the process of preparing and deciding on projects. To promote community well-being, make investments in the construction of social facilities such as education and healthcare facilities.

Goal 17: Collaborations for the Goals Relevance

With the goal of achieving sustainable development, Goal 17 highlights the significance of partnerships and collaborations. Alturki can make an impact by encouraging collaborations with numerous stakeholders to make use of their knowledge and assets.

Engage with academic institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to use their expertise and research towards sustainable development projects (Heras?Saizarbitoria, et. al. 2022). Work collaboratively with other businesses and sectors to encourage information exchange, share best practices, and tackle shared sustainability concerns. Regularly update stakeholders on the current state of sustainability projects to ensure accountability and transparency.

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References

Books and Journals

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Online

• CafePod. 2023. Online. Available through: <https://www.cafepod.com/>.
• Sustainable development goals. 2023. Online. Available through: <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/>.
• United Nations Development Programme. 2023. Online. Available through: <https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals>.