Sustainable Business Practices for Universities

This assignment examines the integration of sustainable business practices within universities. It discusses the benefits of adopting such practices, emphasizing their positive impact on university goodwill and stakeholder trust. The analysis also addresses challenges posed by climate change and resource constraints. Finally, the document provides recommendations for universities to effectively implement sustainable business models and maximize returns.

Sustainable Business
Management report

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK ..............................................................................................................................................1
Overview.....................................................................................................................................1
Recommendations.......................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
EFERENCES...................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Sustainable Business Management refers to the process through which firms manage
their social, environmental and financial risks, opportunities and obligations. It is a future
oriented track that specific knowledge on responsible and sustainable business management,
involving sustainable supply chain, sustainability culture or CSR reporting. It movement mainly
emphasize on ensuring that social, governance and environmental issues have been unified into
strategies and operations of business (Adams, 2017). This report is based on University of
Bedfordshire which is located in England and engaged in sustainability management. This report
covers the way business can influence environment and how it run environmentally sustainable
operations. Apart from this, various threats and opportunities are explored and appropriate
recommendations are made. At last, suggestions are given on how business can engage
strategically with sustainability by its staff and leadership.
TASK
Overview
Sustainable Business refers to the firm that has less negative impact on local or global
environment, economy, society or community – that strives to mitigate triple bottom line
(Cosgrove and Rijsberman, 2014). In today's world, sustainability becomes more important as it
provides real benefits to business when conscientiously integrated in firm's operations. Globally
and locally, sustainability is becoming progressively important to firm's long term strategies, its
stakeholders and customers. From increasing natural resources demand to climate change and
economic disparity, firms are now facing complex array of risks and trade offs across their value
chains. Sustainability can creates various opportunities and values for business. In relation to the
given case study, it has been observe that University of Bedfordshire is using sustainable
business management system named as PSI555 as it is more manageable and provides benefits to
it in terms of increasing productivity, reducing waste etc. For reducing level of carbon emission,
institution provide limited car parking space within campus that can only be used by staff. No
student can use car parking facility of University. They also have roof that absorbs high heat at
the time of winters and repels heat at the time of summers which assists in keeping the
institution's building cool (Doppelt, 2017). University is mainly focuses on reducing carbon
emission by adopting various sustainable business management practices like waste disposal,
rain water harvesting, solar panel etc.
1

Mentioned below are certain environment sustainable practices that are adopted by
university that provides immense opportunities to the firm to attain growth, higher profits and
sustainability in this dynamic business environment:
In house waste disposal: Waste management or waste disposal are the activities and
actions that are undertaken by a firm to manage and treat waste from its origin phase to its final
disposal (Enoch, 2016). It usually deals with all kinds e of waste created in form that are
biological, household, industrial etc. Waste management is subject to a process of collection,
transportation,treatment and disposal of waste along with its proper monitoring and control. In
context to universities of Bedfordshire firm is using waste disposable technique where in
company segregates its campus waste in to types. Recyclable waste compromising bio
degradable wastes such as paper, cardboards, tissues and food wastes. The other types consists of
general waste that requires specific technique high temperature gasification. Thus by treating
this waste university produces electricity that it uses for fulfilling its own electricity
consumption. Also electricity manufactured from general waste is supplied to nations like
Norway, Sweden, Finland that are not self sufficient to produce electricity to fuel up its energy
plants
Solar Panel system: This system consumes solar energy of emitted by sun and convert it
into thermal energy that is used to generate heat and electricity (Evans and et. al., 2017). In
reference to university of Bedfordshire the use of solar panel helps institution to generate
electricity around 24000- 26000 volts that it use in heating boilers, in various appliances and
cooling systems and for genearl light consumption. The most peculiar feature of this system is
that it do emit carbon and thus helps university to reduce down its carbon imprints.
Rain water harvesting System : It refers to the practice of collecting and storing
rainwater for reusing on site rather than allowing to run off and get wasted. It forms one of the
most simplest, traditional and efficient methods of self supply of water for fulfilling the water
consumption requirements. University of Bedfordshire make use of rain water harvesting
technique where in it accumulates around 60000 meter cubic water in a year. This water beside
been used for drinking purpose it utilize in all other activities comprising washing clothe,
flushing toilets, watering plants etc. This has reduced down universities expenses to a
considerable amount as institute is self sufficient to fulfil its water consumption requirements to
an extent (Hesselbarth and Schaltegger, 2014).

Transportation: University of Bedfordshire for attaining its objective of sustainable
business management and to reduce down its carbon emission has also paid critical attention in
its transportation aspects. Following its sustainable environment practice firm has implemented
cycle system for its staff members. Under this its employees are encouraged to use cycle as a
mode of transportation instead of their own vehicles to travel within the campus. Also firm has
no parking areas allotted for students who are provided with university's shuttle facility. Under
this institute encourages its students to take free transportation vehicle facility to travel within
campus. Also university is reducing and replacing its own diesel conveyances from that ones
that operates on electricity.
Innovative technology : By using innovative technique where in university make use of
thermo mask in its building structure that help to absorb heat in winters and repeal it in
summers (Jeston, 2014). This benefits to keep university campus cool in summer season and
warm in intense cold. Thereby, it reduce down the electricity consumption of university for using
various appliances like Ac. Heaters etc.
Mentioned below are some of the major opportunities that university is subject to avail
by adopting these sustainable business practices: Enhance resource efficiency: One of the most likeable opportunities that university will
avail by adopting sustainable business practices is that is will help firm to reduce down
the its waste generated and provide an opportunities to optimum utilized its limitedly
available resources. It is sue to the fact that by adopting waste disposal technique
institute will encourage to reduce, reuse and recycling of its renewable resources such as
paper, water etc. this will ultimately help university to streamline its costs that are
incurred on procurement of these resources that will directly lead to decrease in its
business expenses. Also implementing water and energy efficiency initiatives will help in
protecting bottom line while making sure sustainability of the university (Joyce and
Paquin, 2016). Improved brand image: Adopting sustainable business practices serves to be an
opportunities for the university to improve its goodwill that forms one of the most
valuable assets for a organisation. Also it will help university to gain an edge over its
business rivals by being proactive in adopting a environment friendly system that will
help firm to gain various advantages such as government aids, subsidies, eco friendly
2

certifications etc. that will ultimately help in attracting more and more students,investors
etc. Strengthening stakeholders relations: As stakeholders recognize the value of proactive
anticipation and are concerned about organisation market position and image (Kerzner
and Kerzner, 2017). Thus adoption of sustainable business practices will provide
opportunity to university to formulate and implement a sustainable policy that will
further help institute to attract investors who are concerned about university's long term
growth, sustainable plans that minimise operating risks and costs in near future. Providing a platform for innovation: Social and environment problems proves to
provide various opportunities for an organization that if recognized before hand could
reap many benefits for a firm. Thus for university of Bedfordshire being proactive in
adopting sustainable business practices proves to be a deliver for innovation that could
help institution to been adoptive to emerging business and environment changes and
thereby creating new market for itself by attracting new potential stakeholders
comprising students, employees, stakeholders etc. Staff retention and attraction: People especially generation Y remains highly
enthusiastic to get associated with a company that is ethical, positive, sustainable and
having good market reputation. In today's competitive market where in there is high
awareness among everyone related to environment nobody wants to get linked with a
firm that is engaged in any ecological controversies and social welfare scandals (Lans,
Blok and Wesselink, 2014). Thus for university of Bedfordshire adoption and
implementation of sustainable business management forms to be big opportunities to
attract and retain proficient employees that are having zeal and potential to get indulge
into some meaningful work that demonstrates social values.
 Ensuring business continuity and risk management: sustainability is all about getting
prepared and protecting business from the future uncertainties and business dynamics. It
helps organisation to ensure that it can effectively and efficiently face future challenges
and grab opportunities. Thus, adoption of sustainable business practices proves to be a
source of immense opportunities for university of Bedfordshire to along term outlook
that ensures its longevity and assures its success in near future. Also in recent time there
has been increased efforts of government both state and federal to cope up with issues
3

like climate change decreasing energy resource and other environmental impacts. For
which these agencies are adopting and implementing various regulations on varied
business organizations of all sectors with motive to protect environment. Thus,
university of Bedfordshire is further to gain opportunities to cope up and meeting up
these changing rules in most effective and timely manner (Maas and Reniers, 2014).
Besides various opportunities associated with adopting sustainable business management
practices, there are some threats as well of adopting these practices. Some of these are defined
below:
Climate change: The first and foremost sustainability issue is climate change. If the
weather is freakish and heat waves, then it impacts on business. As the University is using solar
panels for generating electricity, but if there is less sunlight or no sunlight, then they are not able
to generate more electricity. It is one of the threat for University of Bedfordshire as due to this
phenomenon, the institute won't be able to produce enough heat to fulfil its electricity
requirements. Further, it will also proves to be a major loss for the University as these systems
(Solar panel) are subject to high capital investments.
Limited resources: In adopting sustainable practices, high investment is required. In
installing various plants like solar system, rain water harvesting, waste disposal, combi heating
etc., high amount of money is required to invest (Stead and Stead, 2014). University of
Bedfordshire invests large amount of money in installing such plants for the purpose of reducing
carbon emission. But, apart from installation, more maintenance is also required. For maintaining
those plants, University of Bedfordshire requires adequate amount of funds. So, limited financial
resources is also a threat for institution.
Difference in employee perception: Perception of each individual differs from other. In
context to University of Bedfordshire, all of its employees could not have alignment with
institute's main motive of adopting sustainable business management practices. Also, it is
subject to increase their work load. Thus, it could be resist by some of its employees which
becomes a threat for University (Weaver and et. al., 2017).
Employee Motivation: It may not be possible for University of Bedfordshire to motivate
its manpower on day to day basis or keep them aware regarding sustainable practices that they
use. Also, university can't compel its employees to adhere these practices as it ism not the part of
4

their job description. Therefore, it might pose threat for the university as it results employee
demotivation, absenteeism, lack of interest in work etc.
Time consuming: Adopting and implementing any new technology is subject to a large
time constraint . It is as installation and implementation of these techniques such as Solar
plant, rain water harvesting system, waste disposal plant etc. takes a lot of time. Therefore it
poses a threat for University of Bedfordshire as it increases its overall operational costs of
undertaking project, thereby requiring universities to pay more to workers and to engage more
experts for monitoring the project implementation (Welford, 2016).
Cost consuming: Adoption of sustainable business management practices requires a lot
of investment in installing various systems like solar plant, waste disposal plant etc. So, it is a
threat for University of Bedfordshire as they should have adequate amount of finance to provide
proper maintenance to those systems and plants that has installed within university. Also, other
expenses includes costs related to various instruments that are used to regularly monitor the
performance these techniques, hiring of professionals those whose who are having expertise in
using these practices, training cost that is critical to make employees understand and follow
these practice and systems.
Recommendations
University of Bedfordshire is committed towards environmental sustainability. By
working to develop a cleaner environment by community service efforts, implementation of
earth friendly practices and technologies, university will endeavour to work for better future. By
community outreach and education, university will provide knowledge to students regarding
environment sustainable practices and processes. By implementing various practices and
techniques firm can effectively implement and promote environmental sustainability practices.
There are some recommendations for University of Bedfordshire that helps in effectively
adopting sustainable business management practices. Some of these are defined below:
Providing training to employees: In order to effectively implement sustainable business
management practices, it is very essential for University of Bedfordshire to provide proper
training to students regarding how to handle and manage various systems and technologies in an
effective way. By providing this training, employees or students will get an opportunity to
increase their skills and enhance their knowledge about various systems like solar management
plant, waste disposal plant, water harvesting system etc. Training can be provided by
5

demonstration of practices of institution that promotes sustainability involving maximizing use
of renewable resources, energy saving measures and decreasing waste material production.
Providing various educational programmes, community concerning positive practices of
environment and encouraging environmental inquiries are also the ways through which
University of Bedfordshire can provide knowledge to their students regarding sustainable
business management practices.
Good communication: Effective communication of procedures and policies of University
of Bedfordshire is the way through which firm can motivate employees to adopt sustainable
business management practices. University requires to increase their communication efforts so
that they can enable to effectively communicate all the practices among students in more better
and effective manner. It is important for surrounding community and students to understand what
the university is doing to encourage and promote environmental sustainability. In increasing
awareness, a sustainability webpage of university can provide good opportunity to communicate
informations to students to related to recycling programmes, energy conservations, opportunities
for green alternatives etc. By this medium, University of Bedfordshire can communicate
sustainability among students in more better and effective manner. They can use various other
communication tools for promoting environmental sustainability.
Effective leadership: By effective leadership, University of Bedfordshire can effectively
promote environmental sustainability. It is required by leader of institution to motivate students
and staff for adopting sustainable business management processes. This will help them in
providing appropriate knowledge and effectively adapting with environmental sustainability
practices. For instance: Leaders of University of Bedfordshire encourage their students and staff
to use stairs instead of lift. They also encourage and provide appropriate knowledge to staff or
students to use left bin for general waste disposal and right for mixed recyclable waste. They
provide proper knowledge to students regarding waste disposal system.
Make a public commitment to environmental sustainability: It is recommended for
university of Bedfordshire to be a active leader for influencing other institutions,people and
society for taking initiative for establishing local sustainability culture and to motivate them to
apply environmental sustainability on a global scale.
Promote infusion of sustainability principles: It is recommended to university of
Bedfordshire to promote infusion of sustainability principles into appropriate areas of the
6

students curriculum while motivating and assisting in coordination of co curricular activities in
areas of Sustainability. It also involves encouraging staff, students and other employees to adopt
these practices in their personal lives as well so that they can become habitual of living a
sustainable life.
CONCLUSION
The project undertaken concludes that sustainable business management is of high
importance in today's dynamic business environment that helps firm to reduce down its carbon
imprints and to manage its social, environmental and financial risks. The report describes various
sustainable business management practise that are adopted by a university such as rain water
harvesting, solar panel, in-house waste management etc. that helps institute to gain distinctive
position in market. Further several opportunities that is associated with implementation and
adoption of sustainable practices are been discussed that only enhances university's goodwill but
also helps in its various aspects related to gaining stakeholders trust etc. Also,critical issues
related to changing climatic conditions, resource constraints are described. Lastly,
recommendation for university is been provided to effectively apply sustainable business
practices to again maximum returns.
EFERENCES
Books & Journal
7

Adams, C., 2017. Understanding integrated reporting: the concise guide to integrated thinking
and the future of corporate reporting. Routledge.
Cosgrove, W. J. and Rijsberman, F. R., 2014. World water vision: making water everybody's
business. Routledge.
Doppelt, B., 2017. Leading change toward sustainability: A change-management guide for
business, government and civil society. Routledge.
Enoch, M., 2016. Sustainable transport, mobility management and travel plans. Routledge.
Evans, S. and et. al., 2017. Business model innovation for sustainability: Towards a unified
perspective for creation of sustainable business models. Business Strategy and the
Environment. 26(5). pp.597-608.
Hesselbarth, C. and Schaltegger, S., 2014. Educating change agents for sustainability–learnings
from the first sustainability management master of business administration. Journal of
cleaner production. 62. pp.24-36.
Jeston, J., 2014. Business process management. Routledge.
Joyce, A. and Paquin, R. L., 2016. The triple layered business model canvas: A tool to design
more sustainable business models. Journal of Cleaner Production. 135. pp.1474-1486.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H. R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Lans, T., Blok, V. and Wesselink, R., 2014. Learning apart and together: towards an integrated
competence framework for sustainable entrepreneurship in higher education. Journal of
Cleaner Production. 62. pp.37-47.
Maas, S. and Reniers, G., 2014. Development of a CSR model for practice: connecting five
inherent areas of sustainable business. Journal of Cleaner Production. 64. pp.104-114.
Stead, J. G. and Stead, W. E., 2014. Sustainable strategic management. Routledge.
Weaver, P., and et. al., 2017. Sustainable technology development. Routledge.
Welford, R., 2016. Corporate environmental management 1: systems and strategies. Routledge.
Welford, R., 2016. Corporate environmental management 3: Towards sustainable development.
Routledge.
8