Environmental Impact of Operations (AQA A Level Business): Flashcards
Exam code: 7132
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Define environmental sustainability.
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Define environmental sustainability.
Environmental sustainability means running a business in a way that minimises damage to the environment, without compromising the resources future generations will need.
How does environmental sustainability help a business meet stakeholder expectations?
Customers, investors and regulators increasingly favour businesses that operate responsibly, so sustainability is an important factor in purchasing and investment decisions.
True or False?
Becoming more environmentally sustainable can only ever raise a business's costs.
False.
Reduced energy, water and material use can cut ongoing operating expenses over time.
How does environmental sustainability help a business meet legal requirements?
Meeting rules such as emissions limits and waste regulations helps a business avoid fines, legal action and reputational damage.
Sustainability can open access to new _______ and markets, as many large clients and public sector organisations require proof of sustainable practice.
Sustainability can open access to new contracts and markets, as many large clients and public sector organisations require proof of sustainable practice.
How can environmental sustainability improve a business's brand image?
It helps the business stand out from competitors and attracts customers, employees and investors who prioritise environmental values.
How does environmental sustainability help secure a business's future production?
It protects the long-term supply of natural resources the business depends on, which reduces the risk of shortages.
Why can sustainable practices reduce profitability in the short term?
Sustainable raw materials and components may be more expensive, and adapting production processes and machinery may need significant capital investment.
True or False?
Putting short-term profit ahead of sustainability can undermine a business's long-term profitability.
True.
It can lead to resource depletion and environmental damage. This can create legal issues and harm reputation, undermining long-term viability and profitability.
Why are costs a challenge when reducing the environmental impact of operations?
Sustainable technology, equipment and materials need high upfront investment, which smaller businesses may struggle to afford. A long payback period can also create short-term cash flow pressure.
If sustainable materials are not available from existing suppliers, a business may need to switch suppliers or accept slower ______ times.
If sustainable materials are not available from existing suppliers, a business may need to switch suppliers or accept slower delivery times.
How can operational disruption make it harder to reduce environmental impact?
Changing processes may need new equipment or staff retraining, and this transition can temporarily reduce output, efficiency or quality until employees adapt.
Define waste reduction.
Waste reduction means cutting the amount of materials, resources or products discarded during production or operations.
What are three ways a business can reduce waste?
A business can improve production processes, redesign packaging and divert surplus inventory to be donated, resold or repurposed rather than thrown away.
Waste reduction lowers ______ costs, as less waste needs to be collected, transported and processed.
Waste reduction lowers disposal costs, as less waste needs to be collected, transported and processed.
Define resource efficiency.
Resource efficiency means using the minimum amount of inputs, such as water, energy or raw materials, to produce a given level of output.
True or False?
Improving resource efficiency brings immediate savings and puts no pressure on a business's cash flow.
False.
New equipment can be expensive, and savings may take years to outweigh the initial investment, creating short-term cash flow pressure.
How can a business reduce emissions from its operations?
It can switch to cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar or hydroelectric power, and improve vehicle and equipment efficiency. It can also change production methods to use less energy or fewer high-emission materials.
Define carbon footprint.
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by a business's activities, including its supply chain.
How can a business reduce its carbon footprint beyond its own operations?
It can choose lower-carbon suppliers and switch to lower-emission transport, such as rail or electric vehicles instead of diesel lorries or air freight.
Define sustainable sourcing.
Sustainable sourcing means buying from suppliers that meet recognised environmental and social standards, rather than from the cheapest available source.
Buying from suppliers with recognised ____________, such as Fairtrade or FSC, gives a business independent assurance that standards are being met.
Buying from suppliers with recognised certifications, such as Fairtrade or FSC, gives a business independent assurance that standards are being met.
Define circularity.
Circularity (or the circular economy) means designing products and processes so that materials are reused, repaired or recycled at the end of their life, rather than thrown away.
What does product as a service mean in a circular business model?
Businesses provide products as services, such as leasing or renting, which encourages product sharing and extends their lifespan.
Design for _______ means products are designed to have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
Design for longevity means products are designed to have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
True or False?
Recycled or reused materials can be more expensive than newly manufactured alternatives.
True.
Recycled or reused materials are not always the cheaper option. They may be more expensive, or lower quality, than newly manufactured alternatives.
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