Stage 1 Literature Review Updated On 25 October 2023
Stage 1 Literature Review Updated On 25 October 2023
Stage 1 Literature Review Updated On 25 October 2023
Name
ID
i
Table of Contents
References......................................................................................................................................10
ii
Stage 1 – Literature Review
2.1 Chapter Introduction
In the last decade, the obligation of environmental sustainability performance in business
operations has progressed exponentially, with the worldwide community acknowledging the
pressing prerequisite to discuss about environmental challenges. This literature review emphases
on the dominant significance of implying environmental sustainability practices, with a specific
emphasis on their association with the automobile industry. As climate change, environmental
degradation and resource scarcity continue to direct global apprehensions, this review discovers
how organisations, especially those in the dynamic automobile division, are retorting to these
challenges (Akhtar et al., 2017). By investigating recent research and changes in this embryonic
landscape, it purposes to highlight on the indispensable role that environmental sustainability
circulates in shaping modern corporate strategies and operations.
1. Resource Stewardship: This principle focuses on the responsible and competent use of
resources to guarantee their accessibility for extant and upcoming generations. According to
Khan et al. (2021), sustainable agriculture, for example, includes practices that shield soil
quality, minimize chemical inputs and conserve water, thus continuing the efficiency of
farmland while protecting ecosystems. Responsible forestry emphases on harvesting timber
while conserving biodiversity and forest health (Khan, Yu and Farooq, 2022). Water resource
iii
conservation purposes to avert overuse and pollution of water sources, acknowledging their
vigorous importance for human subsistence and ecosystem functioning.
2. Pollution Prevention: Pollution prevention is a fundamental aspect of environmental
sustainability. It comprises strategies to curtail or eradicate pollutants that damage the human
health and environment (Duric and Potocnik Topler, 2021). This comprises plummeting
emissions from industrial operations and transportation, restricting waste through responsible
disposal and recycling, and implementing cleaner technologies and processes. Evangelista
(2014) argued that pollution prevention confirms that pollutants such as air pollutants, waste
products and hazardous chemicals are managed and abridged, reducing their harmful effects
on the environment.
3. Climate Action: While climate change has become a burning global concern, environmental
sustainability demands actions to decrease greenhouse gas discharges, transition to renewable
energy sources and promote energy efficiency (Evangelista and Durst, 2015). These actions
are important for extenuating the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events,
rising global temperatures and sea-level rise. Longoni, Golini and Cagliano (2014) share their
notion that executing climate action strategies not only benefits combat environmental
degradation but also lessens reliance on fossil fuels and their allied economic and
environmental costs.
iv
sustainable packaging materials that lessen waste and lower transportation-related discharges
(Dao, Langella and Carbo, 2011).
2. Circular Economy: Transformation to a circular economy is a prerequisite in sustainability
efforts that features reuse, recycling, refurbishment and waste reduction in the whole process
(Roxas and Chadee, 2016). Promoting product and material reusability is seen in applications
like refillable containers and modular product designs. Recycling can be ensured by
maximizing material recovery from waste products through conserving resources and
efficient recycling processes (Petrini and Pozzebon, 2009). People can extend product
lifespans by refurbishing and upgrading rather than replacing and discarding. Waste
Reduction can be ensured by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste
generation, decreasing environmental impacts across the product lifecycle.
3. Eco-friendly Product Design: Sustainable product design encompasses various strategies
including Recyclability, Lightweight Material, Energy Efficiency, Consumer Appeal. Product
Recyclability can be increased by designing products for easy disassembly and recycling,
reducing resource consumption and waste. Opting for lightweight materials, eco-friendly
materials are used to cut manufacturing energy usage and improve product fuel competence
(Lam and Lai, 2015). Organisations incorporates features for improved energy efficiency,
which lowers carbon emissions and decreases operational energy consumption. Nowadays,
organisations develop products that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers,
enhancing brand status and sales while tapping into increasing sustainability-oriented
markets (Piyathanavong et al., 2019). Sustainable design aligns with a shift in business
landscape centred on environmental responsibility.
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Old-style modelled vehicles which are powered by internal
combustion engines burn fossil fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, which release noteworthy
quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) is a powerful
v
greenhouse gas, and its accretion in the atmosphere is a prime reason of global warming and
climate change (Tang et al., 2022). The significances embrace rising global temperatures,
extreme weather events and melting polar ice. In response to the environmental problems
posed by these emissions, regulatory authorities have strengthened inspection and launched
strict regulations on vehicle emissions to decrease the industry's involvement to global
warming (Martinez et al., 2019).
2. Resource Depletion: The manufacturing of automobiles necessitates substantial funds,
including raw materials like steel, plastics, aluminium and energy for production. The
abstraction and processing of these properties can have undesirable environmental
influences, including habitat destruction, deforestation, and soil and water pollution (Cowan
et al., 2010). The market for these resources creates considerable pressure on their
availability and can lead to the reduction of limited resources. Moreover, the energy-
intensive characteristic of automobile manufacturing results in environmental degradation
and resource scarcity, highlighting the need for sustainable application and resource-efficient
technologies (Moxen and Strachan, 2017).
3. Air and Water Pollution: Findings from Parry (2012) indicates that from the production of
vehicles and the operation and driving of vehicles produce contaminants into the
environment that results in air and water pollution. Tailpipe emissions such as burning of
engines in vehicles release a variety of toxins, including Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Hydrocarbons (HC), and Particulate
Matter (PM) into the air, that create smog formation and pose health risks, particularly
respiratory complications (Annunziata et al., 2018). Additionally, toxic substances from the
release of engines such as Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs) can have detrimental health issues and can cause to the formation of dangerous air
pollutants.
Similarly, pollutants from vehicles can cause water pollution by polluting water sources
through runoff. While driving a vehicle, it results in the accretion of several substances on
road sides, including heavy metals, oil, and rubber particles (Jorsfeldt, Hvolby and Nguyen,
2016). When it rains, these materials are washed into stormwater systems and can ultimately
find their way into lakes, rivers and oceans that contributes water pollution (Fauzi et al.,
2021). In the production process of automobiles, it comprises various industrial procedures
vi
that can pollute water sources. These processes may comprise of painting, metalworking, and
the use of several solvents and chemicals, which can lead to the release of contaminants into
waterways.
This contamination disturbs aquatic ecosystems and can damage both human health and
aquatic life. Addressing these pollution problems is fundamental to environmental
sustainability, as minimizing pollutants and emissions is a prerequisite for a healthier
environment.
4. Urban Congestion: The production of vehicles in city areas can lead to amplified traffic
congestion. This overcrowding of vehicles not only causes polluted air quality but also
generates disorganisations in transportation systems and puts stress on substructure (Azevedo
et al., 2012). Due to traffic congestion, people have to spent more time in traffic jams, more
fuel consumption, and increasing air pollution in cities. Moreover, it increases to
infrastructure maintenance costs and stresses urban planning efforts. Wagner and Svensson
(2020) suggest that sustainable urban transportation systems, including public transport and
the elevation of substitute modes of transportation like cycling and walking, are essential
components of minimizing urban congestion and decreasing the societal and environmental
impacts allied with it.
vii
research and improvements sustainable technologies (Kumar and Christodoulopoulou, 2014).
Manufacturers are gradually capitalising in hybrid and electric vehicles to meet both regulatory
requirements and varying consumer demands for sustainable transportation options. Many
corporations are devoting to the expansion and production of electric vehicles and alternate fuel
automobiles, minimizing the dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas
emissions (Roxas and Chadee, 2016). Several car manufacturers have united hybrid technology
into the product lines and using the technologies such as turbocharging, direct injection, and
lightweight materials.
viii
incentives who purchase green vehicles, increasing even more consumer demand (Cai, Chen and
Bose, 2013). A strong consumer demand and positive brand reputation not only increase sales
but also progress the long-term profitability and viability of automobile manufacturers who are
committed to environmental sustainability.
ix
2.6 Literature Gap
The above developed literature on environmental sustainability in the automobile industry comes
with valuable insights but there are several areas which are unexplored. These gaps comprise the
need for in-depth research that quantifies the environmental and financial influences of
sustainability activities, technology's embryonic role in addressing environmental challenges, an
exploration of the dynamic relationship between regulatory frameworks and industry-led
sustainability efforts and strategies for managing global sustainable supply chains (Robertson,
2021). Bridging these gaps would be helpful to a more comprehensive thoughts of the ever-
evolving role of environmental sustainability in determining business strategies and practices,
particularly within the framework of the automobile industry. Additionally, there are some areas
which are unexplored due to shortage of time, resources and accessibility. Also, it is exploratory
research, so there might be some methodological shortcomings which might be analysed using
other quantitative research methods to get precise and accurate decisions on the topic. There are
some other external factors such as geographical factors, geopolitical factors, economic,
environmental factors in which people have no control and these factors might affect
researcher’s decision (Zikmund, Babin and Griffin, 2013).
The benefits of such practices are multidimensional, with improved operational efficiency, cost
savings and heightened consumer demand and brand reputation standing out as key benefits. Yet,
there are problems to overcome, from regulatory compliance and supply chain complexities to
technological advancements and stakeholder coordination.
Sustainability in business operations is not a choice but an obligation in the present and future.
Implementing environmental responsibility is helpful for the long-term success and relevance of
businesses operations, positioning them with a developing global attention on sustainability and
x
indicating their commitment to the well-being of both the planet and its people. By identifying
these challenges head-on, business organisations can contribute to a greener, more sustainable
world and confirm their stable competitiveness in a fast-changing marketplace.
xi
References
Akhtar, P., Khan, Z., Frynas, J.G., Tse, Y.K. and Rao-Nicholson, R. (2017). Essential Micro-
foundations for Contemporary Business Operations: Top Management Tangible Competencies,
Relationship-based Business Networks and Environmental Sustainability. British Journal of
Management, 29(1), pp.43–62. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.12233.
Annunziata, E., Pucci, T., Frey, M. and Zanni, L. (2018). The role of organizational capabilities
in attaining corporate sustainability practices and economic performance: Evidence from Italian
wine industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 171, pp.1300–1311.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.10.035.
Azevedo, S.G., Carvalho, H., Duarte, S. and Machado, V.C. (2012). Influence of Green and Lean
Upstream Supply Chain Management Practices on Business Sustainability. IEEE Transactions
on Engineering Management, 59(4), pp.753–765. doi:https://doi.org/10.1109/tem.2012.2189108.
Cai, S., Chen, X. and Bose, I. (2013). Exploring the role of IT for environmental sustainability in
China: An empirical analysis. International Journal of Production Economics, 146(2), pp.491–
500. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2013.01.030.
Cowan, D.M., Dopart, P., Ferracini, T., Sahmel, J., Merryman, K., Gaffney, S. and Paustenbach,
D.J. (2010). A cross-sectional analysis of reported corporate environmental sustainability
practices. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 58(3), pp.524–538.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2010.09.004.
Dao, V., Langella, I. and Carbo, J. (2011). From green to sustainability: Information Technology
and an integrated sustainability framework. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 20(1),
pp.63–79. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2011.01.002.
Duric, Z. and Potocnik Topler, J. (2021). The Role of Performance and Environmental
Sustainability Indicators in Hotel Competitiveness. Sustainability, [online] 13(12), p.6574.
doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126574.
xii
Evangelista, P. (2014). Environmental sustainability practices in the transport and logistics
service industry: An exploratory case study investigation. Research in Transportation Business
& Management, 12, pp.63–72. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2014.10.002.
Fauzi, N.S., Johari, N., Zainuddin, A. and Chuweni, N.N. (2021). THE IMPORTANCE OF
SUSTAINABILITY IMPLEMENTATION FOR BUSINESS CORPORATIONS. PLANNING
MALAYSIA, 19(17). doi:https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v19i17.1002.
Jorsfeldt, L.M., Hvolby, H.-H. and Nguyen, V.T. (2016). Implementing environmental
sustainability in logistics operations: a case study. Strategic Outsourcing: An International
Journal, 9(2), pp.98–125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/so-09-2015-0023.
Khan, S.A.R., Razzaq, A., Yu, Z. and Miller, S. (2021). Industry 4.0 and circular economy
practices: A new era business strategies for environmental sustainability. Business Strategy and
the Environment, 30(8). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2853.
Khan, S.A.R., Yu, Z. and Farooq, K. (2022). Green capabilities, green purchasing, and triple
bottom line performance: Leading toward environmental sustainability. Business Strategy and
the Environment, 32(4), pp.2022–2034. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3234.
Khatter, A., White, L., Pyke, J. and McGrath, M. (2021). Barriers and drivers of environmental
sustainability: Australian hotels. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality
Management, 33(5), pp.1830–1849. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-08-2020-0929.
Longoni, A., Golini, R. and Cagliano, R. (2014). The role of New Forms of Work Organization
in developing sustainability strategies in operations. International Journal of Production
Economics, 147, pp.147–160. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2013.09.009.
Martinez, A., Navarro, C., Perez, A.G., Wensley, A. and Gabriel, J. (2019). Knowledge agents as
drivers of environmental sustainability and business performance in the hospitality sector.
Tourism Management, [online] 70(1), pp.381–389.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.08.030.
Moxen, J. and Strachan, P.A. (2017). Managing Green teams Environmental Change in
Organisations and Networks. Routledge.
Parry, S. (2012). Going green: the evolution of micro-business environmental practices. Business
Ethics: A European Review, 21(2), pp.220–237. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-
8608.2011.01651.x.
Petrini, M. and Pozzebon, M. (2009). Managing sustainability with the support of business
intelligence: Integrating socio-environmental indicators and organisational context. The Journal
of Strategic Information Systems, 18(4), pp.178–191.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2009.06.001.
Piyathanavong, V., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Kumar, V., Maldonado-Guzmán, G. and Mangla, S.K.
(2019). The adoption of operational environmental sustainability approaches in the Thai
manufacturing sector. Journal of Cleaner Production, [online] 220, pp.507–528.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.02.093.
xiv
Roxas, B. and Chadee, D. (2016). Knowledge management view of environmental sustainability
in manufacturing SMEs in the Philippines. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 14(4),
pp.514–524. doi:https://doi.org/10.1057/kmrp.2015.30.
Tang, Y.M., Chau, K.Y., Fatima, A. and Waqas, M. (2022). Industry 4.0 technology and circular
economy practices: business management strategies for environmental sustainability.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19081-
6.
Zikmund, W., Babin, B. and Griffin, M. (2013). Business Research Methods. 9th ed. Mason,
Ohio: South-Western.
xv