Final answer:
A company can best address sustainability by focusing on energy efficiency, developing greener products, and reducing the overall environmental impact of its operations. Notable examples include Amazon, Samsung, and Inditex's Zara. Sustainable development aligns with long-term societal and environmental goals, ensuring resources are conserved for future generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strategies for Addressing Sustainability in Business
A company taking a strategic and customer-centered point of view can best address sustainability by implementing various key practices aimed at improving environmental and social as well as economic performance. These strategies include:
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives to measure and reduce emissions, coupled with advocacy for sound energy policy.
- Developing greener, more efficient products that last longer and are free of hazardous substances.
- Reducing environmental impacts throughout their operations which includes the selection of eco-friendly production materials, energy sources, and establishing global take-back programs for old products.
Companies like Amazon, Samsung, and Dell are noted for their effective and forward-thinking programs. Notable moves in the sustainability field also include actions taken by the fashion industry, such as Inditex's commitment to use sustainable or recycled materials and the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action aimed at achieving net zero emissions.
Sustainable development is defined as the reconciliation of societal developmental goals with environmental limits over the long term. It is embraced by various stakeholders including engineers, conservation biologists, agricultural scientists, and indigenous peoples to ensure that resource use today does not compromise future generations' needs.