Week 3 Discussions And Required Resources Assignment ✓ Solved

Week 3 Discussions And Required Resourcesassignment This Is A Two Par

This is a two-part assignment. Each part must be at least 200 words unless otherwise noted. Please read all attachments and follow all instructions. To receive full credit, you must include at least two scholarly support citations for each discussion post (i.e., Discussion One - 2 citations, Discussion Two - 2 citations). Citations should be within your post and include (Author, year, page number) if quoting; page number is not required if paraphrasing. Listing references without incorporating them into your post does not count as supported. You may use your textbook as scholarly support and must include a reference for each cited support.

Part 1: Sustainable Shopping Malls

Imagine that you are a developer interested in constructing a shopping mall. However, you wish to develop a "green" mall that has a competitive advantage over other shopping centers. Apply the “eco-advantage mindset” to identify considerations in the design, products, services, and processes of the mall that would enable you to achieve this goal. Consider environmentally sustainable architecture, energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, waste reduction, water conservation, sustainable landscaping, and green certifications. Additionally, evaluate how incorporating renewable energy sources and sustainable supply chain practices could further enhance the mall’s eco-credentials. The goal is to create a mall that not only attracts environmentally conscious consumers but also reduces operational costs and environmental impact, aligning with corporate social responsibility principles while gaining a competitive edge.

Part 2: Life-Cycle Assessment Review

Review the case studies of Wharington and Volvo. In your opinion, which of these two companies benefited the most from conducting a life-cycle assessment (LCA)? Which company's LCA provided the greatest benefit to the environment and/or consumers? Explain your reasoning with supporting arguments. Furthermore, analyze whether a cigarette manufacturing company could benefit from an LCA. Consider how applying LCA might impact the environment and consumers of such a company, and discuss whether it is feasible and beneficial from ethical, environmental, and business perspectives. Support your discussion with scholarly sources and relevant examples.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Part 1: Developing a Green Shopping Mall Using the Eco-Advantage Mindset

Creating a green shopping mall that leverages the eco-advantage mindset entails integrating sustainable principles throughout the design, construction, and operation processes. This approach emphasizes reducing environmental impact while enhancing economic performance and customer appeal. First, sustainable architecture plays a crucial role; designing energy-efficient buildings with natural lighting, effective insulation, and green roofing can reduce energy consumption significantly (Esty & Winston, 2009, p. 145). Using eco-friendly materials such as recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and low-impact finishes can further decrease ecological footprints (O'Sullivan, 2006).

In terms of renewable energy integration, installing solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems can harness clean energy sources, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Esty & Winston, 2009, p. 167). Water conservation technologies, including rainwater harvesting and gray water recycling, can reduce water usage while minimizing strain on local water resources. Waste reduction strategies, such as comprehensive recycling programs and composting, contribute to sustainability objectives (Savitz & Weber, 2007).

Operational processes should prioritize sustainable supply chain management—selecting vendors committed to environmental stewardship and sourcing eco-friendly products. Enhancing transportation logistics to reduce carbon footprints, such as optimized delivery routes, can further align with sustainability goals. The mall can also pursue green certifications such as LEED, which endorse environmentally responsible building practices (Esty & Winston, 2009, p. 170). Finally, promoting eco-conscious consumer behavior through educational campaigns and incentives creates a more sustainable shopping environment. Overall, adopting these considerations attracts environmentally aware consumers, reduces operational costs, and delivers a competitive advantage, aligning profitability with environmental stewardship.

Part 2: Comparing the Benefits of Life-Cycle Assessments and Ethical Considerations for Cigarette Manufacturers

The case studies of Wharington and Volvo highlight the diverse impacts of life-cycle assessments (LCA). Volvo, particularly in developing its electric vehicles and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes, has significantly benefited from LCA by improving environmental performance, reducing emissions, and increasing customer appeal (Esty & Winston, 2009, p. 182). Volvo’s proactive LCA approach provides transparency and enhances brand value, while also promoting eco-innovation. Conversely, Wharington, a manufacturing firm with a focus on process optimization, derived substantial operational insights, but the direct environmental benefits were less pronounced compared to Volvo’s ecological initiatives (Savitz & Weber, 2007).

In my opinion, Volvo benefited the most from LCA because it directly integrated assessment results into its product development and operational strategies, leading to tangible environmental improvements and a competitive market position. Its focus on sustainability for consumer products — notably eco-friendly vehicles — directly benefits consumers by providing cleaner transportation options and aligns corporate practices with eco-conscious expectations (Esty & Winston, 2009, p. 185).

The question of whether a cigarette manufacturing company could benefit from an LCA is complex. Ethically, this sector faces controversy; however, from a business perspective, conducting an LCA could reveal opportunities to reduce resource consumption, minimize waste, and improve product safety (O'Sullivan, 2006). For example, assessing the environmental impacts of tobacco cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution could inform strategies to mitigate environmental damage, such as reducing water use, pesticide application, and waste generation. Additionally, improving product design to include less harmful ingredients and better packaging could result from insights gained through LCA, ultimately benefiting consumers by promoting health awareness and reducing environmental footprints. Nonetheless, the ethical implications remain contentious, and the societal harms associated with tobacco consumption complicate the broader benefits (Savitz & Weber, 2007).

In conclusion, while LCA can offer environmental and operational benefits to manufacturing sectors like tobacco, the inherent societal concerns necessitate careful ethical consideration. For environmentally conscious companies, adopting LCA signifies a commitment to sustainability and responsibility—potentially influencing consumers and stakeholders positively. For cigarette producers, the environmental benefits must be weighed against the societal costs, making this application ethically and practically debated (Esty & Winston, 2009).

References

• Esty, D.C., & Winston, A.S. (2009). Green to gold: How smart companies use environmental strategy to innovate, create value, and build competitive advantage. John Wiley & Sons.
• O'Sullivan, K. (2006). Virtue rewarded: Companies are suddenly discovering the profit potential of social responsibility. CFO Magazine.
• Savitz, A.W., & Weber, K. (2007). The sustainability sweet spot. Environmental Quality Management, 17(2), 17-25.
• National Public Radio. (2011). Mr. Peanut’s ride goes green [Audio file].