Sustainable Pathways : Aligning Business with the SDGs / Preksha Yadav and Jain Mathew.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Yadav, Preksha, author.

Mathew, Jain, author.

Series:

Organization, Business and Management Series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sustainable development.

Social responsibility of business.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (0 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Nova Science Publishers, Inc., [2025]

Summary:

"This book is an essential resource for students, researchers, scholars, businesses, and professionals looking to integrate sustainability into business practices. It explores the critical role businesses play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offers actionable strategies to help organizations navigate global challenges like climate change, inequality, and resource management. This book breaks down complex sustainability concepts into practical insights, covering key topics such as aligning business strategies with the SDGs, adopting circular economy models, responsible sourcing, and the impact of renewable energy. Through real-world case studies and best practices, readers gain valuable knowledge on how to make sustainability a core part of business operations, driving both societal progress and long-term profitability. Whether you are studying sustainability, leading corporate social responsibility initiatives, or developing innovative business models, this book provides a roadmap for building a sustainable, resilient, and thriving organization. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and transparency, this book shows how businesses can lead the charge toward a more equitable and sustainable future. Ideal for academics, business leaders, and sustainability practitioners, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to making meaningful progress toward the SDGs, offering both inspiration and practical tools in creating a positive impact on the world"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Preface

About the Authors

Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Importance of Businesses Aligning with the SDGs

Ethical Responsibility and Long-Term Viability

Market Opportunities and Competitive Advantage

Risk Management and Impact Compensation

Purpose and Scope of the Book

A Practical Guide for Beginners

Structure and Content

References

Chapter 2

Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals

Background and History of the SDGs

Evolution from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to SDGs

Key Milestones and the Global Framework

Overview of the 17 SDGs and Their Targets

A Brief Description of Each SDG and Their Targets

Interconnections Among the Goals

Significance of the SDGs for Businesses

How SDGs Influence Business Strategies and Operations

The Business Case for Adopting SDGs

Chapter 3

The Case for Sustainable Business

Benefits of Sustainable Business Practices

Economic, Environmental, and Social Benefits

Competitive Advantage and Stakeholder Engagement

The Role of Businesses in Achieving the SDGs

Contributions to Global Goals and Local Communities

Strategic Alignment with SDGs

Innovations and Technologies

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Social Impact and Community Engagement

Partnerships and Collaborations

Reporting and Transparency

Long-Term Value Creation

Examples of Business Impact on SDGs

Patagonia: Championing Environmental and Social Responsibility

Unilever: Integrating Sustainability into Core Business Strategy

Tesla: Driving Innovation for Sustainable Transportation

Starbucks: Promoting Ethical Sourcing and Community Engagement

Interface: Leading the Charge for Sustainable Manufacturing.

Microsoft: Advancing Technology for Sustainability

Novo Nordisk: Improving Health Outcomes

Business Imperative for Sustainability

Market Pressures and Regulatory Requirements

Long-Term Viability and Risk Management

Chapter 4

Principles of Sustainable Business

Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit

Practical Examples of TBL Implementation

Ethical Considerations in Business Operations

Ethical Sourcing, Fair Trade, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Case Studies of Ethical Business Practices

The Body Shop

Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade

Background

Ethical Sourcing

Fair Trade

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Impact

TOMS

Patagonia

Ethical Sourcing and Corporate Social Responsibility

Starbucks

Integrating Sustainability into Business Culture

Strategies for Fostering a Sustainability-Oriented Culture

Leadership and Employee Engagement

Examples of Integrating Sustainability

Chapter 5

Aligning Business Strategies with the SDGs

Mapping Business Activities to SDG Targets

Tools and Methods for Alignment

Examples of SDG Mapping

Setting SDG-Aligned Goals and Objectives

SMART Criteria and Goal-Setting Frameworks

Integrating SDGs into Strategic Planning

Examples of SDG-Aligned Goals and Objectives

Developing a Sustainable Business Model

Key Components and Design Principles

Case Studies of Sustainable Business Models

Interface

Ecolab

Tesla

References.

Chapter 6

Sustainable Business Practices

Best Practices in Sourcing and Logistics

Sustainable Procurement Policies

Supplier Collaboration

Logistics Optimization

Examples of Sustainable Supply Chain Initiatives

IKEA

Unilever

Renewable Energy Adoption and Energy Efficiency

Benefits and Strategies for Energy Transition

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Energy Efficiency Measures

Renewable Energy Certificates

Sustainable Energy Management

Case Studies of Successful Energy Management

Google

Apple

Siemens

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Principles

Techniques for Reducing Waste and Promoting Recycling

Waste Minimization

Recycling Programs

Closed-Loop Systems

Circular Economy Business Models and Benefits

Product-as-a-Service

Circular Supply Chains

Upcycling and Repurposing

Chapter 7

Measuring Impact and Reporting

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Sustainable Business

Common KPIs and How to Track Them

Environmental KPIs

Social KPIs

Economic KPIs

Examples of KPIs Related to the SDGs

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Sustainability Reporting Frameworks

Overview of Major Frameworks

How to Choose and Implement a Framework

Communicating Impact to Stakeholders

Effective Communication Strategies and Tools

Examples of Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement

Salesforce

Microsoft

Chapter 8

Overcoming Challenges and Barriers

Common Challenges in Implementing Sustainable Business Practices

Internal and External Obstacles

Internal Challenges

External Challenges

Strategies for Overcoming Resistance to Change.

Change Management Techniques and Success Stories

Effective Communication

Engagement and Training

Incentives and Recognition

Building a Business Case for Sustainability

Policy and Regulatory Considerations

Overview of Relevant Policies and Regulations

International Agreements

National Regulations

Local and Industry-Specific Regulations

How to Navigate Regulatory Landscapes

Stay Informed

Engage with Regulators

Implement Compliance Management Systems

Adapt and Innovate

Chapter 9

Case Studies: Best Practices in Sustainable Business

Examples of Businesses Successfully Aligning with the SDGs

Unilever: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development

Overview

Initiatives

Lessons Learned

IKEA: Pioneering A Circular Economy and Renewable Energy

Patagonia: Leading with Environmental Activism and Ethical Practices

Danone: Integrating Health, Nutrition, and Sustainability

Google: Technology for a Sustainable Future

Lessons Learned and Insights from the Case Studies

Integration into Core Strategy

Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency

Innovation and Adaptability

Long-Term Commitment and Vision

Measuring and Communicating Impact

Chapter 10

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging Trends in Sustainable Business

Opportunities for Innovation and Collaboration

The Role of Technology in Advancing Sustainable Development

Chapter 11

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Summary of Key Insights

Understanding the SDGs

Principles of Sustainable Business.

Aligning Business Strategies with the SDGs

Case Studies of Best Practices

Call to Action for Businesses to Align with the SDGs

Commit to a Sustainable Vision

Foster Innovation and Collaboration

Enhance Transparency and Accountability

Invest in People and Communities

Advocate for Supportive Policies and Regulations

Looking Ahead: Creating a Sustainable Future

Accelerating the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy

Advancing Social Equity and Inclusion

Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Development

Building Resilience and Adaptability

Engaging and Empowering Stakeholders

Chapter 12

Appendix: Resources for Sustainable Businesses

Tools, Frameworks, and Resources for Sustainable Business Practices

Sustainable Business Tools

Circular Economy Resources

Energy and Resource Management Tools

Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain Management

Environmental and Social Impact Measurement

Additional Reading and References

Books

Articles

Reports

References Cited Throughout the Book

Index

Blank Page.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9798895304877