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Module 3 - Part 2 - I

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26 views6 pages

Module 3 - Part 2 - I

Uploaded by

Musaab Mohamed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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As a case-study, choose a large multi-national company (e.g.

an airline, a clothes
retailer, a supermarket chain, a mining company etc.) that publishes environmental
information in the public domain. If currently in employment – this should be a
different organization to the one you currently work for.

i. Identify six environmental aspects from the case-study. Present these in a format
that would enable the organization to priorities their environmental management
practices. Explain how the significance of each of the aspects has been determined.

Use the below criteria while answering:

 Aspects chosen clearly relate to the case-study organization.


 The answer is prioritized in terms of the significance of the environmental
management practices identified.
 The methodology used for assigning significance is clearly explained and logical
and appropriate to the environmental aspect and reflective on the needs of the
organization for assessing environmental risks.
 Aspects chosen mostly relate to the case-study organization.
 The answer is prioritized in terms of their significance.
 The methodology used for assigning significance has not been clearly explained.
 Significance methodology does not reflect the type of organization and their
needs in assessing environmental risks.
 Aspects chosen do not all clearly relate to the case-study organization.
 Answer has not attempted to priorities these in terms of their significance or
only made limited attempts to do so.
 No explanation on significance scoring.

Answer:

Case Study: Walmart Inc. - a multinational retail corporation

Environmental Aspects Identified for Prioritization:


1. Energy Consumption:

 Significance: Energy consumption at Walmart's stores and distribution centers


has a significant environmental impact due to extensive lighting, heating,
cooling, and refrigeration systems.
 Determining Significance: The energy consumption data is analyzed to quantify
the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity usage and prioritize
investments in energy-efficient technology.

2. Waste Management:

 Significance: Walmart's operations generate large volumes of waste, including


packaging materials and unsold products, leading to landfill burdens and
resource depletion.
 Determining Significance: Waste audits and tracking waste diversion rates help
evaluate the waste generated, recycling efforts, and opportunities for waste
reduction and recycling programs.

3. Water Usage:

 Significance: Water is used in Walmart's operations for various purposes,


including irrigation, cleaning, and cooling. Excessive water use can contribute to
water scarcity and impact local ecosystems.
 Determining Significance: Water consumption data and water risk assessments
help identify water-intensive areas, set water reduction goals, and implement
water-saving measures.

4. Supply Chain Impacts:

 Significance: Walmart's extensive supply chain, including sourcing raw materials,


manufacturing, and transportation, contributes to environmental impacts
globally, such as deforestation, carbon emissions, and biodiversity loss.
 Determining Significance: Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and supply chain audits
help evaluate the environmental footprint of products, identify critical impact
areas, and drive sustainable sourcing and transportation decisions.

5. Carbon Emissions:

 Significance: Greenhouse gas emissions from Walmart's operations,


transportation, and supply chain activities contribute to climate change and air
pollution.
 Determining Significance: Carbon footprint assessments, emissions tracking,
and setting reduction targets enable Walmart to measure progress, mitigate
emissions, and align with climate goals.

6. Sustainable Sourcing:

 Significance: Walmart's sourcing practices impact ecosystems, biodiversity, and


local communities. Sustainable sourcing promotes ethical production, supports
conservation, and ensures supply chain resilience.
 Determining Significance: Supplier assessments, certifications (e.g., Forest
Stewardship Council), and sustainability standards help identify environmentally
responsible suppliers, prioritize sustainable sourcing, and reduce environmental
impacts in the supply chain.

By prioritizing environmental aspects like energy consumption, waste management,


water usage, supply chain impacts, carbon emissions, and sustainable sourcing,
Walmart can focus its environmental management practices effectively, address key
environmental risks, minimize impacts, enhance sustainability performance, and
drive positive change across its operations and supply chain.
Case Study: Tesco - Environmental Aspects and
Prioritization
Introduction
Tesco, a large multinational supermarket chain, publishes
comprehensive environmental information. As a major retailer,
Tesco's operations have significant environmental impacts across
various areas.
Identifying and prioritizing these aspects is crucial for effective
environmental management. Here, I will identify six environmental
aspects relevant to Tesco and present a methodology for
determining their significance.

Six Environmental Aspects and Prioritization

1. Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions


2. Waste Management
3. Water Usage
4. Sustainable Sourcing
5. Packaging
6. Transport and Logistics

Methodology for Determining Significance


The significance of each environmental aspect has been determined
using a weighted scoring system based on three criteria:
Environmental Impact, Regulatory Compliance, and Stakeholder
Concern. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being
the highest significance. The total score helps
prioritize the aspects.

1. Environmental Impact: Assesses the potential environmental


damage or benefit associated with the aspect.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Considers the extent to which the


aspect is regulated and the consequences of non-compliance.

3. Stakeholder Concern: Reflects the level of interest and concern


from stakeholders, including customers, investors, and the
community.

Prioritized Environmental Aspects


1. Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Environmental Impact (5): High impact due to contributions to


climate change from energy use in stores, distribution centers, and
offices.
Regulatory Compliance (4): Subject to stringent regulations and
international agreements on reducing emissions.

Stakeholder Concern (5): High concern from stakeholders for


sustainable energy use and carbon footprint reduction.

Total Score: 14

2. Waste Management

Environmental Impact (4): Significant impact due to waste


generation from packaging, food waste, and other operational
waste.

Regulatory Compliance (4): Regulated by local and national


waste management laws, with increasing pressure to reduce landfill
use.

Stakeholder Concern (4): High concern from stakeholders for


reducing waste and promoting recycling.

Total Score: 12

3. Sustainable Sourcing

Environmental Impact (4): Impact on biodiversity, deforestation,


and water usage from sourcing products like palm oil, seafood, and
agricultural goods.

Regulatory Compliance (3): Compliance with sourcing standards


and certifications (e.g., Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance).

Stakeholder Concern (4): Growing concern from consumers and


NGOs for ethically and sustainably sourced products.

Total Score: 11

4. Packaging

Environmental Impact (3): Impact from plastic pollution and


resource use for packaging materials.

Regulatory Compliance (3): Increasing regulations on plastic use


and packaging waste.

Stakeholder Concern (4): High concern for reducing plastic use


and increasing recyclable packaging.

Total Score: 10
5. Transport and Logistics

Environmental Impact (3): Emissions from transportation of


goods and logistics operations.

Regulatory Compliance (3): Subject to fuel efficiency standards


and emissions regulations.

Stakeholder Concern (3): Concern for reducing carbon footprint


from transportation.

Total Score: 9

6. Water Usage

Environmental Impact (3): Impact on water resources from


operations, particularly in waterscarce regions.

Regulatory Compliance (2): Local water use regulations and


water conservation requirements.

Stakeholder Concern (2): Moderate concern for water usage and


conservation.

Total Score: 7

Conclusion
The prioritization of environmental aspects for Tesco has been
determined using a weighted scoring system based on
environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder
concern. Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are
the top priority due to their significant impact on climate change
and high stakeholder concern. Waste management and sustainable
sourcing follow closely due to their substantial environmental
impact and regulatory requirements. Packaging, transport and
logistics, and water usage, while still important, have relatively
lower scores but remain critical areas for Tesco's environmental
management practices. By focusing on these prioritized aspects,
Tesco can effectively address its most significant environmental
impacts and enhance its sustainability performance.

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