QSO 3-2 Discussion: Risks and Benefits of Sustainable Operations Discussion Topic

3-2 Discussion: Risks and Benefits of Sustainable Operations

Although sustainable operations have many benefits for organizations,

consumers, and society, they also come with many business risks. In this

discussion, you will explore sustainability operations of major organizations

to reflect on what they are doing well, the benefits their sustainable

operations may bring, and the potential risks associated with their

sustainable operations. In evaluating the risks and benefits of prioritizing

sustainability, you will also learn the importance of justifying organizational

priorities, which will assist you in completing the first section of your course

project.

First, take some time to explore a few different organizations' sustainable

operations statements on their websites. You may explore organizations you

are familiar with or use the following:

• Starbucks Stories

o Select Social Impact from the navigation bar, then select from the

story topics in the drop-down menu to explore the stories. Be

sure to explore the Sustainability topic.

• L'Oréal Group: Commitments and Responsibilities

• Dixie Cares: An Eye Toward the Future

• Peabody: Sustainability Approach

In your initial post, address the following questions:

• How did the organizations you explored address sustainability concerns

inherent to their industry, if at all?

o For example, a company that manufactures plastic has inherent

environmental risks regarding plastic waste and pollution.

• What other sustainable practices did the organizations you explored

identify as priorities, and what kinds of business risks may they be

taking on to prioritize those sustainable practices?

• Do you think that the business risks the organizations are taking to

prioritize their identified sustainable operations are worthwhile from a

business perspective? Why or why not?