Question 1

In general,it is better for firms to measure and report both ________ and ________ measures of performance in order to capture improvement.

Accepted Answer

Measuring and reporting both relative and absolute measures of performance helps firms to capture improvement as both measures have their advantages. Relative measures such as market share or return on investment (ROI) allow firms to evaluate their performance in comparison to competitors and industry standards. Absolute measures such as profits or revenue growth provide an accurate picture of the firm's financial health and progress over time. Using both types of measures will help firms to identify areas for improvement and track their progress towards achieving their goals.

Question 2

Walmart has worked to convert ________ at its stores from a cost to a profit generator.

Accepted Answer

Walmart has focused on waste generation by implementing recycling and waste reduction strategies, turning what was once a cost into a profit generator through the sale of recyclable materials and other waste management initiatives.

Question 3

In the context of greenhouse gas emission,the GHG protocol initiative defines levels of scope.This level refers to the inclusion of other indirect emissions coming from sources such as the production of purchased materials,outsourced activities,contractor owned vehicles,waste disposal,and employee business travel.

Accepted Answer

Scope 3 encompasses indirect emissions from sources not owned or controlled by the reporting company, including those in the supply chain such as purchased materials, outsourced activities, waste disposal, and employee business travel. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company, and Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam. There is no Scope 4 in the GHG Protocol Initiative.

Question 4

Which of these is a relative measurement?

Accepted Answer

Parts per million is a relative measurement because it expresses the proportion of one substance in relation to another substance. For example, if a sample has 1000 parts per million of a certain substance, it means that there are 1000 units of that substance for every 1 million units of the sample. Tons, kilowatt-hours, and Kelvin are absolute measurements that do not depend on any other variables for interpretation.

Question 5

Which of these approaches to solving the tragedy of the commons is considered a market approach?

Accepted Answer

The emissions tax is considered a market approach because it uses economic incentives to encourage individuals or companies to reduce their pollution levels. By taxing emissions, the government creates a financial penalty for polluting, which can motivate individuals and organizations to reduce their emissions to avoid paying the tax. This approach is based on the idea that by putting a price on pollution, businesses and individuals will consider the cost of their actions on the environment, and make decisions that are more environmentally responsible.

Question 6

In the context of greenhouse gas emission,the GHG protocol initiative defines levels of scope.This level refers to emissions from GHG sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity.

Accepted Answer

Scope 1 emissions refer to the emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity. These could include emissions from combustion of fuels in boilers, furnaces, vehicles, or any other equipment owned or controlled by the entity.

Question 7

In the context of greenhouse gas emission,the GHG protocol initiative defines three levels of scope.The following scope is referred to as direct emissions.

Accepted Answer

Direct emissions are emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity. This includes emissions from sources such as boilers, furnaces, and vehicle fleets owned and operated by the company.

Question 8

Arguably,the most significant waste in any supply chain occurs when

Accepted Answer

The answer of Arguably,the most significant waste in any supply...

Question 9

In the context of greenhouse gas emission,direct emissions

Accepted Answer

Direct emissions are also known as Scope 1 emissions and are emitted from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity. These can include emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and emissions from vehicles owned by the reporting entity.

Question 10

Which is an example of balancing peak load demand?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is an example of balancing peak...

Question 11

In general,it is better for firms to measure and report their performance using

Accepted Answer

It is best for firms to measure and report their performance using both absolute and relative measurements. Absolute measurements provide a clear understanding of the firm's performance in terms of specific metrics such as revenue or profit, while relative measurements allow for comparison with competitors or industry standards. Using both types of measurements provides a more comprehensive view of the firm's performance and enables better decision-making. Descriptive prose rather than numbers may provide qualitative insights, but it lacks the precision and objectivity of numerical measurements.

Question 12

The disadvantage of using a(n)________ measure is that a drop in supply chain sales and production (for example in a downturn)will show an improved absolute measure of energy consumption even though the company may not have changed anything.

Accepted Answer

The given scenario requires a comparison of energy consumption, and an absolute measure only considers the total amount of energy used, irrespective of any external factors such as sales and production levels. Hence, a drop in sales and production would impact relative and statistical measures but not an absolute measure. This limitation of absolute measure makes it less effective in identifying energy efficiency improvements accurately.

Question 13

A(n)________ measure of performance is more effective at capturing sustainability improvement.

Accepted Answer

A relative measure of performance is more effective at capturing sustainability improvement because it allows for comparison over time or against benchmarks, showing progress or changes relative to a baseline or standard.

Question 14

In the textbook,a detailed analysis by Abbott indicated that their indirect emissions were about ________ times their direct emissions.

Accepted Answer

According to the given information, Abbott's indirect emissions were about 6 to 14 times their direct emissions. Therefore, option B is the correct choice.

Question 15

In the context of greenhouse gas emission,the GHG protocol initiative defines levels of scope.This level refers to indirect emissions from grid-sourced electricity and other utility services of heat,steam and cooling.

Accepted Answer

Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from grid-sourced electricity and other utility services of heat, steam, and cooling. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the organization, while Scope 3 refers to all other indirect emissions from sources outside of the organization's control such as employee commuting, upstream and downstream transportation of goods, and waste disposal. Scope 4 is not a recognized level of scope within the GHG protocol initiative.

Question 16

According to its 2011 CSR report,________ has designed and opened a viable store prototype that is up to 25 to 30 percent more energy efficient and produces up to 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2005 baseline.

Accepted Answer

The 2011 CSR report mentioned in the question is likely referring to Walmart, as they are known for their sustainability efforts and have emphasized reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in their stores. The other options, Starbucks, TJ Maxx, and Kmart, are not as well-known for their sustainability efforts in their stores.

Question 17

Walmart reported that in California,over ________ percent of waste has been diverted from landfills and made into something else that produces revenue.

Accepted Answer

Walmart has reported that in California, over 80 percent of waste has been diverted from landfills and transformed into something else that generates revenue, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and waste reduction.

Question 18

Which of these is an absolute measurement?

Accepted Answer

Kilowatt-hours is an absolute measurement, as it represents a fixed quantity of energy. The other options are ratios or proportions that can vary depending on the context or scale of measurement.

Question 19

________ tend to be significant consumers of energy and water and emitters of waste and greenhouse gases and thus offer significant opportunities for profitable improvement.

Accepted Answer

Facilities tend to have a large environmental impact in terms of energy and water consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, improving the efficiency and sustainability of facilities can offer significant opportunities for cost savings and environmental benefits.

Question 20

Metrics that would typically be in corporate social responsibility (CSR)reports would contain

Accepted Answer

Metrics included in CSR reports typically focus on the social and environmental impact of the company's operations. These can include things like greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, employee diversity and hiring practices, and community engagement initiatives. While revenue may be mentioned in passing, it is not a primary focus of CSR reporting.

Quiz 17: Sustainability and the Supply Chain

In general,it is better for firms to measure and report both and measures of performance in order to capture improvement.