Problem 1. Many businesses must comply with government regulations related to pollution and energy usage. Businesses may also voluntarily engage in other sustainable business practices. What is a business leader's motivation to engage in sustainable business practices? Why might a business leader resist implementing voluntary business practices? What are other ways besides regulations that the government or local community encourages businesses to become more sustainable?
Problem 2. Select two of the following Web sites:
- US Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org
- Global Reporting Initiative: www.globalreporting.org
- Purdue University Clean Manufacturing Technology Institute: www.ecn.purdue.edu/CMTI
- US EPA: https://www.epa.gov/https://www.epa.gov/
- Indiana Department of Environmental Management: https://www.in.gov/idem/https://www.in.gov/idem/
Read and consider the major differences and similarities among the two organizations and answer the following questions:
- Are these practices widely applicable or better suited to a specific industry?
- Do they contain mandatory or voluntary targets? How are they used?
- What additional resources do they offer?
- What benefits would a business gain from using one?