BSB Final List of Exam Qs

What is the Dow Jones Sustainability Index?

Based on the analysis of the company's economic, environmental and social performance, DJSI evaluates issues such as corporate governance, risk management, branding, mitigation of climate change, supply chain standards and labour practices. The trend is to reject companies that do not operate in a sustainable and ethical manner.

Explain briefly the Gini-coefficient, knowing that Scandinavia has a score of 0.24-0.29 and Brazil 0.52-0.65.

The Gini-Coefficient, sometimes called the Gini-Index or Gini ratio, is a measure of statistical dispersion intended to represent the income inequality or wealth inequality within a nation or any other group of people. It was developed by the Italian statistician and sociologist Corrado Gini and published in his 1912 paper Variability and Mutability.

What is BlackRock and what was the core message of Lary Fink in his letter to CEO's?

BlackRock is an American multinational investment firm that favours companies that invest in companies with sustainable goals that monitor their exploitation and waste of production. The core message of Lary Fink's CEO letter was: "In today's globally interconnected world, a company must create value for and be valued by its full range of stakeholders in order to deliver long-term value for its shareholders. It is through effective stakeholder capitalism that capital is efficiently allocated, companies achieve durable profitability, and value is created and sustained over the long-term."

What is Rethinking Economics and what is its purpose?

Change the economic narrative we have today to an economy that serves humanity and all forms of life.

What is meant with "Cradle to Cradle" or Waste=Food? What does it mean for the biosphere and the techno sphere?

Cradle-to-Cradle is a design philosophy that aims to eliminate waste from the production, use and disposal of a product. It centres on products which are made to be made again. Inventors of the concept: German chemist, Michael Braungart and American architect & designer William McDonough Basic Principle: Waste = Food means that the waste that you produce needs to be eatable by living species like micro organism that decompose trash. Materials that decompose go into the biosphere Materials that do not decompose go into the techno sphere - e.g. laptops, steal

Where does EFQM stand for and what are the three components of the model?

EFQM stands for European Foundation for Quality Management. It's a not-for-profit membership foundation in Brussels. The foundation has created the EFQM model, which contains three components: Direction, Execution, and Results. Direction: Why does this company exist? Execution: How does it intend to deliver on its purpose and its strategy? Results: What has it actually achieved to date? What does it intend to achieve tomorrow?

Entrepreneurship + ..... = sustainable business according to Michel Bauwens. Fill in the dots and what does it mean?

Entrepreneurship + Entredonneurship = Sustainable Business More and more entrepreneurs are being questioned about how they conduct their businesses. A successful sustainable business incorporates 'Entrepreneurship' which undertakes from the people and environment and 'Entredonneurship' which gives back to the people and planet. It is concept that if we take, we must give back. Think of it as extractive, vs generative.

What does Jeremy Rifkin mean with the empathic civilization?

He is talking about the ability of humans to show solidarity with everything in our biosphere. The word he uses is mirroring. We are acting as a mirror, and we can show solidarity. If someone is in pain and you can see it, you can also feel it. He means with the empathic civilization that, we have to build openness and connection towards all and extend our empathy to everything alive on this planet, everything in our biosphere.

The furniture company Herman Miller shows with two different cases that C2C is also financially worthwhile. Explain.

Herman Miller is best known for being one of the 100 best companies in furniture design. He shows C2C is financially worthwhile in a variety of ways. Firstly, he built an office space known as greenhouse - where daylight dominates. The building respects the people inside it - therefore people want to come to work, and visitors enjoy coming over. More importantly, he shows how he was able to make his chairs C2C - easily disassembled, and materials evaluated, nothing takes more than 15 sec to come apart This saves money to disassemble, and they can later reuse products for reassembly - enabling a better and more effective product which reduces costs.

What does Ray Anderson mean when he talks about intergenerational tyranny and how can you link it with the definition of Sustainable Development?

Intergenerational tyranny represents taxation without representation from future generations. The Sustainable Development definition states that our consumption meets our current needs without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs. In this sense, we think about the needs of the future generations as if they're our own. We do not steal from them.

What is the criticism on the triple bottom line of John Elkington?

John Elkington recalled his sustainability model the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) in a 2018 article in the Harvard Business Review. He explained that the criticism is of how early business managers started to adopt the TBL as a trade-off system. For example, if we do something for society, we can damage the planet. This way of thinking is unsustainable for Elkington, so he recalled his model. " But the TBL wasn't designed to be just an accounting tool. It was supposed to provoke deeper thinking about capitalism and its future, but many early adopters understood the concept as a balancing act, adopting a trade-off mentality." (from Harvard Business Review article) " Thousands of TBL reports are now produced annually, though it is far from clear that the resulting data are being aggregated and analyzed in ways that genuinely help decision-takers and policy-makers to track, understand, and manage the systemic effects of human activity. Fundamentally, we have a hard-wired cultural problem in business, finance and markets. Whereas CEOs, CFOs, and other corporate leaders move heaven and earth to ensure that they hit their profit targets, the same is very rarely true of their people and planet targets. Clearly, the Triple Bottom Line has failed to bury the single bottom line paradigm." (from Harvard Business Review article)

Explain briefly the concept of the Doughnut Economics and who wrote the book?

Kate Raworth tells us that humanity's 21st-century challenge is to meet the needs of all within the means of the planet. In other words, to ensure that no one falls short on life's essentials (from food and housing to healthcare and political voice) while ensuring that collectively we do not overshoot our pressure on Earth's life-supporting systems, on which we fundamentally depend: such as a stable climate, fertile soils, and a protective ozone layer. The Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries is a playfully serious approach to framing that challenge, and it acts as a compass for human progress this century.

In the Story of Stuff Annie Leonard spoke about the role of the government. What did she say and what is the link with sustainability?

Leonard argues that governments have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainability and protecting the natural environment, and that they must take a proactive approach in order to create a more sustainable future. The government is created for the people, by the people. The government should be of the people, by the people, for the people. It is their job to watch out for us. She explained how the corporation is bigger than the government. As the corporation has grown, in size and power we have seen the government change to be more concerned with the corporation than us. It is up to the government to look after the people and the planet and put in regulations and laws to live by what they are meant to stand for.

What was the message of Severn Suzuki when she spoke to the United Nations in Rio in 1992? And who spoke in Katowice in 2018 to the UN Climate Plenary (COP 24) and what was her message?

Severn Suzuki spoke during the UN's Earth Top Conference in Rio in 1992. Her message stated that adults must change their ways. She enumerated climate and world problems, such as child hunger, animal & plant extinction, and the holes in the ozone to spark action from the part of the adults. She asked that we stop the destruction of the world's resources so that we can have a livable environment for future generations. Greta Thunberg made a speech during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice in 2018. Her message was regarding climate justice and the living planet. She encouraged countries to act and change their ways, their systems and wants them to have equality.

Which of the SDG's is very much criticized and why?

The most criticized SDG is number 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth. The criticism comes from the fact that constant economic growth requires constant exploitation of natural resources and people. It fosters consumerism, and it goes against other SDGs, such as: - 3. Good Health and Well-Being, - 10. Reduce Inequalities, - 12. Responsible Consumption and Production - 13. Climate Action, to name just a few

What is the difference between the real and the financial economy?

The real economy is the world around us, for example our house, the supermarket, the school etc, and the financial economy is the banks and other financial institutions such as insurances companies. They were created to support and sustain the real sector by managing payments, savings investments and risk distributions.

Draw Malthus theory on population and how was this theory picked up in the seventies?

Thomas Malthus developed the Malthusian theory of population growth in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It says that the population growth rate will eventually outstrip the rate of food production, leading to widespread famine and other negative consequences.In the 1970s, the Malthusian theory gained renewed attention as the world's population grew rapidly and concerns about overpopulation and resource scarcity became more prominent. Many people were worried that the earth's resources would be unable to support the growing population, and some even feared that the world was headed for a "Malthusian catastrophe." (when population growth outpaces agricultural production, causing famine or war, resulting in poverty and depopulation.)

What is the definition of Sustainable Development, in which report was it first published and when?

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" The definition is first stated in 1987, in the Brundtland Report and then printed in the book "Our Common Future"

Name at least three reasons how sustainability drives financial results (from the article how to talk to your CFO about sustainability).

1. It can spark Innovation 2. It can increase operational efficiency by reducing waste 3. It can drive brand awareness, and in return, sales 4. It can produce customer loyalty 5. It can decrease sustainability-related risks

In the speech of Ray Anderson about Sustainability he mentions "externalities". What is this and what is the link with sustainability?

An externality is a cost or benefit caused by a producer that is not financially incurred or received by that producer. In other words, let someone else pay for it. For example, the production of goods and services may generate externalities such as pollution and waste, which can negatively impact human health and the natural environment.

Explain briefly the Universal Basic Income and why does Rutger Bregman believe we all should have it?

An unconditional basic monthly payment to every single citizen. A centuries old idea favored by philosophers, social reformers, civil leaders that could help us meet our needs today. It provides a platform to smooth the transitions millions of us will face in the coming year such as the aging population, including changed that may come from technology. Rutger believes it could be one of the biggest ideas of the 21st century. It unites politicians from the left to the right and fixes the broken social security situation. It can give dignity to millions of people, allows us to eradicate poverty. He calls it free money, for everyone. He believes free money results in lower inequality, lower poverty but it also results in less infant mortality, lower healthcare costs, lower crime rates, higher completed studies, less truancy, higher economic growth and many more positive social outcomes.

What does "Biocapacity" mean and how is it linked with Ecological Footprint?

Biocapacity refers to the capacity of a given biologically productive area to generate an on-going supply of renewable resources and to absorb its spillover wastes. Unsustainability occurs if the area's ecological footprint exceeds its biocapacity.

In the speech of Ray Anderson about Sustainability he calls CEO's "plunderers". What are CEO's and why does he call them like that? What is he proposing as a solution?

CEO refers to Chief Executive Officer. In the video, Ray Anderson refers to CEO's as "plunders" of the earth because they steal raw materials from earth which is a common resource.

What is the difference between 'recycling', 'downcycling' and 'upcycling', who explained these words in which context?

Recycling is reusing material for other products while maintaining the same value. Downcycling: When products are recycled, they lose quality. Upcycling: When you recycle a product, you improve it. In the context of his book Cardle to Cardle, William McDonough explained it.

What is Michael Braungart's view on sustainability?

Sustainability is not enough. Sustainability is just a minimum - it is maintenance - from here it starts - less bad is not good - to destroy a little less doesn't protect anything. He believes we should go one step further, which is thrive-ability. People must become native to the planet - produce things that generate more life, rather than things that are less bad. To protect little less, does not protect anything. For him is waste=food.

What are the Sustainable Development goals? Developed by whom? Name three goals.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries - poor, rich and middle-income - to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. The goals were developed by United Nation. 3 of them are: - No Poverty - Zero Hunger - Quality Education

What are the two major challenges our society faces in the 21st century (linked to sustainability)? Explain briefly. What are possible solutions?

1. Population growth - if our population continues to grow, it could go beyond what the planet can support, which leads to sustainability. Possible solutions to population growth are: - To empower poverty-stuck women who are less likely to use birth control - To promote family planning by educating people on contraception - Make education entertaining to reach women in third-world countries - Government incentives such as responsible parenthood, which says subsidies should be limited to the first two children unless living in poverty 2. Consumption / production society, which leads to all sorts of unsustainable concerns, from environmental degradation to the exploitation of resources to increase carbon emissions. Possible solutions are; - Conscious consuming, - Reducing wastage, - Changing our intrinsic values, - Shifting our food patterns - Repairing instead or repurchasing.

What is a business' future role in moving towards a sustainable society (3 domains)?

1. Economic Responsibility and Opportunity • Economic growth engine • Innovator • Global trade 2. Social Responsibility and Opportunity • Livelihoods and benefits • Participant in democratic processes 3. Environmental Responsibility and Opportunity • Consumer and polluter of shared natural resources • Innovative and economic capacity to restore, and save natural resources. • Creativity of capitalism to create the path to sustainability.

What are the 5 P's of Sustainable Development of the UN and explain briefly.

1. Prosperity: ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social, and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. 2. Partnership: a spirit of strengthened global solidarity. Problems that cross geographies and sectors require collaboration. 3. People: to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. 4. Peace: There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. Therefore, UN set out goals to foster peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. 5. Planet: so it can support the needs of the present and future generations. Nearly every day we are seeing just how connected - and fundamental - climate change is to global development.

"Aiming for sustainability without restructuring our money system is doomed to failure", said by Bernard Lietaer. So what does he suggest we do? Explain.

Bernard Lietaer is a civil engineer and economist who studied monetary systems and promoted the idea that the problems of monetary instability and scarcity can be eliminated by fundamentally restructuring the money system by complementing the prevailing monetary monopoly with a 'monetary ecosystem.' Different kinds of currencies can motivate people in different ways and thus shape society. In times of crises in the official monetary system, complementary currencies can soften the shock because they can take over part of the activities. Moreover, they are in a better position to meet certain societal needs.

Explain this graph

Biocapacity is the number of hectares divided by the number of living people on the planet. As you can see in this graph, the biocapacity keeps decreasing. This is because of the ever-increasing population. The problem lies in where our ecological footprint exceeds the biocapacity. This means we are using up more resources than we produce and would need another earth if everyone continued to live like this.

What are the characteristics of a sustainable enterprise?

Characteristics: - seeks to create societal benefits; - meets human aspirations beyond basic needs; - meets or exceeds the ecological conditions of sustainability; - develops markets in concert with these values; - makes a profit.

The Chinese government believes only a circular economy is the solution for the ecological challenges it faces. Explain.

China was facing issues of population growth, huge consumption, pollution, huge wastage and not enough resources. The only way to keep their country together was to move to a circular economy. One of their solutions is to make bricks using compressed sand, as the concrete sector was one of the biggest industries emitting CO2. These alternative materials help to reduce emissions in China and now entire cities there can live with everything they produce - reducing wastage.

What does ESG officially stand for and what's the criticism of Ralph Thurm on it (his meaning for the three letters)?

ESG stands for Environmental, social and corporate governance. It's used by capital markets and investors to evaluate corporate behaviour and to determine the future financial performance of companies. Ralph Thurm calls the focus of ESG, an "illusion" of sustainability or EGS LaLaLand. For him, E stands for Exploitation, S -Slavery + Child Labor and G - more gain. EGS LaLaLand is based on exploitation for personal gain that doesn't help the planet to get healthier.

Give three examples to increase the eco-efficiency of a product. What is the difference between eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness?

Eco-efficiency is achieved by the delivery of competitively priced goods and services that satisfy human needs and bring quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impacts and resource intensity throughout the life-cycle to a level at least in line with the Earth's estimated carrying capacity." In short, eco-efficiency is concerned with creating more value with less impact. (WBCSD) This is done by (ex: 100% plant-based plastic bottles; utensils): · Putting less materials in a product · Using less toxic chemicals · Increasing the life-cycle of the products Eco-efficiency is extremely important in leading to a more healthy and sustainable environment, however it is just the 'less bad' solution - this is not the full picture. Seen doing the things right, or a short-term performance. To be eco-effective is to eliminate fossil fuels completely, striving to find a better solution for a more healthier and more sustainable environment. Seen as doing things right, long-term planning question. An example of this is making 100% plant-based plastic bottles

What is eco-efficiency? Give three methods to increase it. What is the difference between eco-efficiency and eco-effective?

Eco-efficiency is concerned with bringing customers excellent quality of products and services with as less as possible impact on the earth. 3 methods to increase it: 1. More recyclable materials 2. Lower spread of toxic materials 3. Longer live-cycle of products Eco-efficiency is part of the solution, but doesn't solve the problem. We need a Net Zero approach. To be eco-effective is to eliminate fossil fuels completely, striving to find a better solution for a healthier and more sustainable environment. Seen as doing things right, long-term planning question.

In the speech of Ray Anderson about Sustainability he mentions ZERO ecological footprint. What is this? How to achieve this?

The ZERO ecological footprint is on the top of the symbolical "Mount Sustainability" where we as humans will not "plunder" the natural resources of Earth and will be mindful of how we live on it. It is to be achieved by stopping extraction of natural resources, reuse of resource and using only renewable energy.

Nike developed a special shoe. What is so special about it? What concept of a German chemist and an American architect we saw in class is linked to it?

Nike's new line is called "Nike considered". What is special in this shoe is that they want to use as few as possible toxic materials and more natural, recyclable materials. There is almost no glue in the shoe and the shoe is build out of one piece of leather. And also you can take the different parts of the shoe apart so they can be re-used in the making of a new shoe. The concept this new shoe is linked to is the Cradle-to-Cradle concept by Michael Braungart and William McDonough. This new shoes not only exemplifies what a recycled product should look like but take into account every unsustainable process in the whole cradle-to-cradle cycle.

Choose one example of the new business ideas we discussed in the lecture about entrepreneurship. Explain it and what makes it sustainable?

One example that caught my attention was Gabriele Diamanti's Solar Water Distiller, which made it possible to transform salt water from seas and oceans into potable water. The product is called Eliodomestico, and the desalination is made by leaving the saltwater in a large pot with direct sunlight. The compartment with salt water is heated during the day, and the steam escapes the saltwater compartment from a pipe that leads to a bowl. Once the steam hits the cooler pipe, the steam turns to water, and the freshwater is a product of the condensation process. No maintenance is needed. You only have to fill the container with salt water, and by the end of the day, you'll have 5L of potable water. It's a great tool for developing countries that don't have access to the freshwater supply.

What is Peak-Oil? Explain using a drawing.

Peak oil is a point in time when the amount of oil being produced is at an all-time high, and it will only go down from here on out.

What is meant with shortfall and overshoot in the Doughnut Economics of Kate Raworth? Draw the doughnut and explain briefly.

Shortfall is when we don't reach the social foundations of a society. For example when our health care system is falling short to provide the needed care for the citizens Overshoot is when we surpass the ecological ceiling. For example, when we overuse / abuse the natural resources of the planet.

Who said "TINA is dead, long live TAPAS" and explain.

TINA: There Is No Alternative TAPAS: There Are Plenty of Alternative Systems Michel Bauwens said TINA is dead, meaning that the way of having no options doesn't exist anymore. We need to look toward a new perspective - TAPAS. we have to have more jobs we have to grow the economy otherwise the system will fail and collapse. So that is why Bauwens said that TINA is dead, long live TAPAS, There Are Plenty Alternatives Systems.

Explain this graph. What is the meaning of the black box?

X: United Nations Human Development Index Y: Hectare Used Human Development Index is a UN comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education and standards of living for countries worldwide. Within the blue square are these countries which comply to the UN living standards and who reach these standards within an acceptable ecological footprint.

Why should business transform from 'sustainable' to ' regenerative' business?

"Sustainable" businesses are just doing the minimum to keep the planet healthy. In order to regenerate the losses of past exploitation, we need to build "regenerative" businesses. If "sustainable" businesses are build upon reducing the carbon footprint, the "regenerative" businesses work to restore the health of people, places and the planet. We try to go from DO LESS HARM to DO MORE GOOD.

What are the three components of the Sustainable Monetary System (SuMSy) proposed by Stef Kuypers? Explain briefly.

1. Universal guaranteed income - Everybody receives a minimum amount of income to guarantee the protection of everyone's basic needs (unconditionally) - Demurrage 2. When money in the bank reaches a certain amount of money you have to pay negative interest to the bank which will go to common good projects 3. Projects for the common good - Money from negative interest and generated money from the national banks go to common good projects

Draw a map of stakeholders of a company and explain how a company is stakeholder in many shared societal processes.

A company is a stakeholder in many shared societal processes because it is a part of society and its actions and decisions can have an impact on many different stakeholders and the wider community. For example, a company's operations may have an impact on the environment, the local community, and the economy. The company may also be affected by societal issues such as laws, regulations, and societal expectations.

Explain LCA and apply this concept on the product of your new business idea (if you offered a service, apply it on a coffee machine).

A life cycle assessment (LCA, also known as life cycle analysis, eco-balance, and cradle-to-grave analysis) is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from cradle to grave (i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling). The raw materials used in the production of a coffee machine include metal, plastic, and electronic components such as circuit boards and sensors. These materials are sourced from a variety of locations around the world and often require transportation to the manufacturing facility. During the manufacturing process, the raw materials are transformed into a functional coffee machine through a series of steps including casting, welding, assembly, and testing. Energy is used during this process to power machinery and provide lighting and heating in the factory. Water and other resources may also be used in the manufacturing process. Once the coffee machine is manufactured, it is then shipped to distribution centers or directly to retailers or consumers. This can involve transportation by truck, train, or plane, which consumes energy and generates emissions. Usage: When a consumer uses the coffee machine, energy is consumed to heat water and power the machine. Water and coffee beans are also consumed during this process. Recycling: At the end of its life cycle, the coffee machine can be recycled to reclaim the raw materials used in its production. This process involves breaking down the machine into its individual components and separating out the metal, plastic, and electronic components. Energy is required to power the recycling process. Landfill: If the coffee machine is not recycled, it may be sent to a landfill where it will take up space and potentially release harmful chemicals into the environment.

According to Annie Leonard our production and consumption system is "a system in crisis". Explain this using the below scheme.

A system in crisis refers to the concept of living on a linear system in a finite planet. You cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely because the resources get exhausted. The little person above the big box-mart refers to the government and the big guy refers to the corporation which is bigger than the government. Government is more concerned with those guys than us. The first symbol refers to trashing the planet through extraction - chopping down trees, blowing up mountains, using up the water and wiping out the animals. The first limit is running out of resources by using too much stuff - we are using more than we need. Third world countries are being ruined by big corporation - in this system if you don't own or buy stuff you do not have value. Next we have means of production - this is where we use energy to combine the materials with toxic chemicals to make toxic products. There are over 100,000 synthetic chemicals being used in commerce today and only a handful of them have been tested for health impacts - none have been tested for synergistic health impacts (which means when they interact with other chemicals we are exposed to everyday). Toxics in and toxics out - as long as we keep putting toxins into our production systems, we are going to continue to bring toxins home to our bodies. Next part means distribution - meaning selling all the toxic contaminated junk as quick as possible - keep prices down, people buying and inventory moving. Here they externalize costs - not paying for the stuff we buy. People in first picture pay with loss of environment, people working in toxic factories pay with increases in cancer. Golden arrow of consumption - heart of the system - engine that drives it all. Protecting arrow is top priority for government and corporation. 99% of the stuff we run through the system is trash within six months. After consuming, from the household to the garbage. The last part represents the way we dispose of garbage - which is sometimes incinerated, but always dumped in a landfill; Polluting the air, land; water and changing the environment. Burning the garbage releases the toxins into the air, making super toxins like dioxin. The most toxic man made substance known to man - by stopping burning the trash.

What were the problems Rohner faced to keep its production in Switzerland in the early nineties (movie CtC)? How did they solve it?

A textile company was faced with the choice to either move or come up with a solution for making their textile waste non toxic. The CEO applied the concept Waste = Food, so he worked to make the textile fully biodegradable which will eliminate the toxic component from it. This was achieved with the help of Greenpeace activist (ecological chemists) and dye chemical manufacturers who created dyes from nature, making the toxic dyes a thing of the past. They were able to create 16 harmless dyes from which any colour can be derived. With that change in dyes, water going out of the process was cleaner than the water going in. What wasn't used of the dyes, was used as fertilizer. Also the CEO decided to use cotton and ramie plant fibre as a replacement for previously used unsustainable materials.

Explain "Earth = Spaceship"

According to Kenneth Boulding, Earth=Spaceship means we use what is available for us, if we use more than available, we will have an issue. We live in a planet with limited resources, so we have to be careful. For example, we can build ecosystem to regenerate stuff. Ex: If you go on a space journey, you will take limited recourses; if your recourses are finished, there will be nothing to eat.

What is Annie Leonard pleading for in her short movie 'The Story of Solutions' and what does the abbreviation GOAL stand for?

Annie Leonard compares our current economy with a game where producing more is the winning prize. She would like to change the goal of our economy and reward better production. Our economy is striving for a GDP growth no matter the costs of for the environment and the people. Her solution to change the GOAL: G-more power to the people, get power back from corporations and build democracy O-Opens people's eyes to the truth that once basic needs are met, happiness and wellbeing doesn't come from buying more stuff but from communities, our heath and sense of purpose A-accounts for all costs it creates including the toll it takes on the planet and on the people. It internalizes costs instead of externalizing them as most business do today. L-lessens the enormous wealth gab between those who can't even meet the basic needs and those how consume more than their fair share. Recycle and share with each other.

Explain the key issues of CSR of your business idea.

As a business, our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is a key concern for us. Some of the key issues we aim to address through our CSR efforts include: 1. Environmental sustainability: We recognize the impact our business has on the environment and strive to minimize our carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices and the use of sustainable materials in our products. 2. Ethical sourcing: We are committed to sourcing our raw materials and products from responsible and ethical sources, ensuring that all suppliers adhere to fair labour and environmental standards. 3. Community engagement: We believe in giving back to the communities in which we operate and are actively involved in local initiatives to support education, job training, and other community development efforts. 4. Employee well-being: We prioritize the well-being of our employees and offer a range of benefits and support programs to ensure their physical and mental health is supported. By addressing these issues, we aim to not only meet the expectations of our stakeholders but also to make a positive impact on society and the environment.

What is meant by the concept of "overshoot day"? What factors cause overshoot? What can you do to solve it? What day was the overshoot day in 2018 for our planet? And what was the impact of Corona on the overshoot day?

Earth Overshoot Day is the calendar date on which humanity's resource consumption for the year exceeds earth's capacity to regenerate those resources last year. The factors that cause overshoot are population, consumption per person, resource & waste intensity (Ecological footprint), and Biocapacity. In 2022, the Earth Overshoot day was on July 28. In 2020, it was on August 22. This difference of days was due to the Corona crisis which causes a halt in the economic development of many countries. To solve the problem, we need to increase Biocapacity.

Define Ecological Footprint and what can you do to lower yours?

Ecological Footprint is the amount of biologically productive land and sea area needed to regenerate the resources a human population consumes and to absorb and render harmless the corresponding waste. To lower your ecological footprint you can do things like: 1. Get rid of single-use plastic 2. Use renewable energy 3. Conserve energy such as using energy efficient light bulbs 4. Eat less meat and more plant based foods 5. Drive less and travel sustainably 6. Use less water 7. Buy locally 8. Buy used goods 9. Recycle what you can 10. Repair instead of replace

The pressure of our environment is measured in ton CO². What are the different possibilities we have to lower the pressure?

Energy efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of homes, buildings, and transportation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy: Transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Transportation: Changing transportation habits can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can include using public transportation, carpooling, walking or biking instead of driving, and choosing electric or hybrid vehicles. Agriculture and land use: Changing agricultural practices and land use can also have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This can include reducing food waste, using sustainable farming practices, and preserving forests and other natural habitats. Consumer choices: Individuals can also make a difference by choosing products that have been made with fewer greenhouse gas emissions and by supporting companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations.

What makes somebody happy and what is the National Happiness Index?

Happiness does not come from one singular place. 50% comes genetically, 30% from the people who surround you and 20% from your own activities. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan decided to measure its progress as a country by the happiness of its citizens. This concept caught the attention of economic and political leaders resulting in the National Happiness Index: the level of happiness in the population of each country in the world. "Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product".

According to McDonough a building must be as a tree. What does he mean with that?

He believes a building should imitate nature - producing more energy than it needs to operate. A building should make oxygen and distill carbon, it should change color like the seasons.

What did president Bush advice the American public to do, immediately after the attack on the WTC in 2001, and how can you link it with the quote from Victor Lebow in the Journal of Retailing in 1955 (Story of Stuff)?

Protecting the golden arrow is one of the top priorities of governments and corporations. That's why Bush said to go shopping after 9/11. The government needs the economy to keep running. If people continue to consume and buy, jobs will be available in the service and good industry. Subsequently the employees in these jobs will spend money and consume too. So we need to consume stuff at an ever-increasing rate to keep the economy growing and not fall into a recession.

Which one of the BBC series 'blood, sweat and takeaways' did you watch? What's the link with globalization and what did you learn from it?

I watched the 4th episode, which was on Tuna production in Indonesia. The episode followed a group of young people who had to work either in the tuna factory or go on the boat with fishermen and fish all day, every day. The factory working conditions were hard to handle for the Westerners. It was too hot, and the workers had to work fast and efficiently to meet their quotas. As for the fishermen, they slept on the fishing boat, fished, delivered the fish to the shores and went back into the sea. Some didn't see their families for weeks. Globalization comes into play when the tuna is sourced and packaged in one country and distributed worldwide for the people. The price we pay to buy our tuna does include poor living and working conditions for the Indonesian tuna industry's workers. We should be aware that our choices impact them and their lifestyle. Buying cheap in terms of money can be expensive regarding equality and fair trade.

Explain the LCA concept and apply it on a McDonald hamburger.

Life Cycle Analysis also known as eco balance and cradle-to-grave analysis, is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from cradle-to-grave. 1. Material Extraction: the growth of wheat and the slaughtering of animas for the burger. 2. Manufacturing: Pre-cooking the burger patty and buns. 3. Packaging: Using paper wraps and box to wrap the burger. 4. Transport: Using other companies to deliver it to your door (UberEats) or pick it up from restaurant. 5. Useful Life: the digestion process in the stomach 6. End of Life: - Disposal: the organic products are consumed - Recycle: wraps and boxes can be recycled

What is meant with "moving from a linear to a circular system" and illustrate with an example.

Linear economy refers to an economy that traditionally follows the "take-make-dispose" step-by-step plan. This means that raw materials are collected, then transformed into products that are used until they are finally discarded as waste. Value is created in this system by producing and selling as many products as possible. The goal is to move from this linear system to a circular system, which aims at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. Circular systems employ recycling, reuse remanufacturing and refurbishment to create a closed system.

What does Gunter Pauli mean with the Blue Economy?

Over the last decade, many new ideas emerged for green technologies, renewable energies and alternative production methods and materials. Unfortunately, in most cases, the focus has only been on a single advantage, and the effects on whole systems were ignored. For example, using palm oil to produce biodegradable soaps in Europe led to the destruction of primary rainforests in Indonesia. The Green Economy is a step in the right direction but is it also a practicable alternative to the dominant business model? Finally, solving a problem in one place while creating problems elsewhere is no option if we aim at harmonizing our relationship with the planet. The Blue Economy tackles issues that cause environmental problems in new ways by connecting environmental problems with open-source scientific solutions. Nature can easily decompose all materials and transform them at low temperatures and pressure. Water is the all-around solvent, and carbon materials can be reused in a never-ending series of life cycles. That is just one example of why instead of using much chemistry, most of the technologies and methods in the Blue Economy are based on physical processes that are spread widely throughout the natural world. As indicated by all-natural systems, Pauli's models cover a number of very different processes and smoothly weave them together in production systems that can restore the environment, provide many jobs, enhance skills and produce high-quality and cheap products. The Blue Economy creatively works with what is available and aims at catalyzing a shift from scarcity to abundance.

What is meant in the Story of Stuff with "perceived and planned obsolescence"?

Planned Obsolescence is when a manufacturer designs their product to have limited use or not function after a specific time. Planned Obsolescence leads to a frustrated consumer. Perceived Obsolescence is when a person is persuaded into replacing a product before the old one has lost its functionality.

The World Economic Forum video on inequality (SDG no. 10) OXFAM says governments should take three steps to tackle inequality in this world. Which one's?

Some recommendations are: Universal Basic Income: 1. Social security for all, which would guarantee a starting salary that is above the poverty line for the rest of your life, is experiencing a revival., 2. Redistribution (share more of the world's wealth, or face the populist consequences), 3. Doughnut Economics ( radical overhaul of our traditional economic models), etc. 4. The Sustainable Development Goals call on poor countries, rich people and middle-income countries to take action to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that poverty eradication must go hand-in-hand with strategies to build economic growth and meet a range of social needs (including education, health, social protection and employment opportunities), while addressing climate change and environmental protection. These goals are more important than ever and provide a critical framework for the recovery from COVID-19. And they have 17 goals for that. United Nations created them.

Draw the 4 pillars of Sustainable Development and explain what may happen with a negative setback.

The 4 pillars of Sustainable Development are: Participation, Planet, People and Prosperity. Those pillars are expressed negatively when Participation is ruled by Dictatorship. The privatization of monopolistic government leads to the Destruction of Ecosystems and Poverty. Indirectly the the Destruction of the Ecosystem leads to Economic Stagnation, once the natural resources are depleted. Increase of inequality. Water privatized (Nestle case) Exclusion—exclude people And we overuse natural resources. We have repression and function loss of the ecosystem that gives water and air.

What is a Bristol Pound and why was it created?

The Bristol Pound (£B) is a form of local, complementary, and/or community currency and it was created to encourage people to spend their money with local, independent businesses in Bristol. Gives a service to everyone no matter their income. Bristol pound was created in 2012 (paper money). - Promote spending in the same place. A way to reclaim money. - Strengthens the local economy - Can also be used for paying taxes and salaries - Money stays in the community, is stable no matter financial crisis in the world.

Explain the concept "Economy of the Common Good" of Christian Felber and what is the purpose of the "Common Good Matrix" - name thee 4x5 components of the matrix.

The Common Good Matrix is a model for the development and evaluation of both entrepreneurial and charitable activities. It evaluates and ranks the contribution to the common good. The values depicted in the columns promote successful relationships and fulfilling life. The rows represent the five stakeholders with whom an organization has the most contact. Twenty common good themes describe and evaluate an organization's contribution to the common good at the intersections of values and stakeholder groups. The goal of this evaluation is to demonstrate the impact of corporate activities on the public good. During the evaluation process, the organization ranks itself based on how developed each value is. As a result, creating the report promotes the organization's future development in a value-oriented manner. Columns: 1. Human Dignity 2. Solidarity & Social Justice 3. Environmental Sustainability 4. Transparency & Co-determination Rows: A: Suppliers B: Owners, Equity & Financial Service Providers C: Employees D: Customers & Business Partners E: Social Environment

What is the Seed Vault that featured in the pictures of the guest lecture of Christian Clauwers? Name one characteristic you need to have according to Christian to reach your professional goals? Which picture did you like most and why?

The Global Seed Vault is a large facility that contains crops and seeds from majority of the countries in the world. The vault is protecting the world's agriculture genetic diversity and our future food supply in case of a catastrophe. The vault contains 4 million different crops and has the capacity to house 2.5 billion seeds. The permafrost has a natural temperature of -5 degree C, which will help preserve the seeds if the artificial cooling system fails. The value of the Seed Vault lies in the fact that it's a backup plan for gene banks across the world. For example, in 2008 when Aleppo's gene bank was destroyed because of armed conflict, the country was able to get a copy of their stored crops and seeds from the Global Seed Vault and reseeds the biodiversity of the country. Christian Clauwers had emphasis perseverance as a good characteristic to have in a professional environment. Thanks to his perseverance, he was able to access the Global Seed Vault, after months of emails and following up with the coordinators of the facility. I really liked the picture from the cabin in the Arctic, where the objects there dated from the 1800s. See such an environment is like being in a time machine.

The Rouge Center of Ford is not only an example of CtC, it also wants to measure sustainability. How?

The Rouge Center has been converted into an industrial nature park. The wastewater from the entire site is naturally purified, solar energy is used, and there are many windows to allow light in. The roof, a large meadow piece of grassland, provides a new home for birds. The green roof will double its useful life while saving money. It absorbs and filters water naturally. They also used the CtC concept in the design of a car.

Explain the Triple Bottom Line of John Elkington for assessing performance and why did he recall it in 2018?

The Triple Bottom Line consists of three elements: People: This refers to the impact a company has on its employees, customers, and the wider community. This includes working conditions, employee welfare, and community development. Planet: This refers to the environmental impact of a company's operations. This includes carbon emissions, resource use, and waste generation. Profit: This refers to a company's financial performance, including measures such as revenue, profits, and shareholder value. In 2018, Elkington recalled the Triple Bottom Line in an article published in the Guardian, stating that it had become "reduced to a slogan" and had been "hijacked by greenwashers and fraudsters." He argued that the concept had become too broad and had lost its focus on sustainability. A new framework was needed to address the increasingly complex and interconnected global issues today.

Who are the YESMEN and explain briefly their Bhopal/Dow action.

The Yes Men are a culture jamming activist duo and network of supporters created by Jacques Servin and Igor Vamos.[1] Through various actions, the Yes Men primarily aim to raise awareness about problematic social and political issues. To date, the duo have produced three films. In these films, they impersonate entities that they dislike, a practice that they call "identity correction". The Yes Men operate under the mission statement that lies can expose truth. They create and maintain fake websites similar to ones they intend to spoof, which have led to numerous interview, conference, and TV talk show invitations. They espouse the belief that corporations and governmental organizations often act in dehumanizing ways toward the public. Elaborate props are sometimes part of the ruse (e.g. Survivaball), as shown in their 2003 DVD release The Yes Men. The Yes Men have collaborated with other groups of similar interest, including Improv Everywhere, Andrew Boyd and Steve Lambert. Bhopal was a disaster caused by Dow Chemical company. There was a chemical explosion which left lots of toxic materials behind. This chemical where never cleared after the explosion. This until today has caused much harm to the habitant of the village who never received any payment for the damage. The two men, impersonated the chiefs of the company and declared to take full responsibility for the catastrophe and pay the victims 12 billion. They were even invited to at the BBC for an interview. Even though the payment was something for a good cause, the moment investors heard about this they pulled out and sold their share. The company went bankrupt.

What was the added value of the LOOP cards in establishing your business idea and what did you learn of the presentation of Mr. Miel Van Opstal or Mrs. Era Hajdari depending who you had in your lecture?

The added value of the LOOP cards was that it prompted us to look at how we can implement the LOOP cards suggestions in our own business ideas. It was good to have the cards and see if all possible sustainable solutions were considered while we were building our business plan. We looked at the presentation of Mr. Miel Van Opstal. His insight on the business world of Microsoft was very interesting. His previous job title of "Technology Evangelist" was quite funny. However, what I enjoyed is how he talked about his work being fun with the organization of different Microsoft events that had the objective of inspiring influencers and business representatives to use the services of Microsoft. Moreover, his experience as a business owner and unreliable partner is a good cautionary tale of all of us who start businesses. I still remember his advice to have everything outlined in the business contract before getting into business with someone.

What was the purpose of the campaign of the ACE bank and what conclusions can we draw from it for our own personal financial investments?

The bank wanted to specialize in dubious investments in areas such as arms and oil production, as well as child labour. It claimed to be ethical and transparent because, in contrast to other banks, it did not try to hide what it invested in. On the contrary, it exclusively invested in these areas to provide the best possible interest rates to its customers. Conclusions: make sure to know what investments and areas your bank is holding.

What is the current economic paradigm and what is Daly's criticism on it?

The current economic paradigm is that economic growth is desirable and possible. However, there's a shortage of resources, so unsatisfying material desires are unsustainable in the long run. Daly said that economic growth is not desirable and impossible because nature is limited, technology may help but we still have economic resources, material prosperity and for ethics we have happiness, selfrealization.

What caused the financial crises in 2008 and how did most of the world respond to it? And what did Iceland do?

The financial crises in 2008 were caused by the freely given mortgages by banks in the United States. Mortgage brokers were hunting to sell properties to people who didn't have the financial security or possibility to afford a house. The brokers earned a commission on each sale. The banks consolidated many mortgages into CDO packages (Collateralized debt obligations), which are then sold to investors worldwide. The crisis happened because people weren't able to pay their monthly mortgage payments, and the value of the house wasn't enough to cover the mortgage price. The government had to bail out banks without punishing them for the created situation. On the other hand, Iceland's government didn't bail out their banks and let them go bankrupt. That way, they acknowledge that a mistake was made and punish the responsible party by sending them to jail.

Draw the 4 pillars from Sustainable Development and explain what we are aiming to achieve with SD (positive outcome)?

The four pillars of Sustainable Development are: Participation, Planet, People, Prosperity. Participation aims to achieve Democracy, where every person participates equality. Planet aims to achieve Environmental Sustainability, where we consume only as much as we need. People aim to achieve a Social circle of collaboration. And Prosperity aims to achieve a stable and prosperous Economy.

How would you calculate the ecological footprint of your mobile phone?

You would calculate the ecological footprint of your phone by conducting a life cycle analysis. This is done by understanding the components used to create the phone, such as casing, screen, green board, keypad, microphone and speaker, battery and charger and the manufacturing, distribution, maintenance, disposal or recycling of the phone. The calculation is done by distinguishing the resource and waste intensity of the product. How much biologically productive area is required to produce the resource required, and how much it takes to absorb humanity's carbon dioxide emissions?

What are the key messages in the movie "The Story of Stuff"?

The key messages in the movie "The Story of Stuff" are: 1. We are in a system in crisis, that is bumping up against limits from changing climate, to declining happiness, it is just not working. 2. There are points of intervention to solve this problem, such as saving forests, fair trade, conscious consuming, blocking landfills and taking back our government so that it really is by the people, for the people. 3. It highlights how the current linear system can be transformed into a circular economy. People created the old way, so people can also change it to a new way. 4. Current system is: Stuff moves through a system from extraction to production to distribution to disposal = materials of economy. It's a system in crisis because it is a linear system and you cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely.

Give three bottlenecks on our path to move towards a more sustainable society.

The market rules and the government follow. 1. Inadequate protection for "global commons." 2. Scale and speed outstrip control power. 3. Untrustworthy international organizations (UN, WHO, IMF, Worldbank)

What was criticized in the movie "The Light Bulb Conspiracy"?

The movie criticizes how planned obsolescence has shaped our lives and economy since the 1920's, when manufacturers deliberately started shortening the life of consumer products to increase demand. This had led to our consumer society of today. The Light Bulb Conspiracy also looks at modern examples of planned obsolescence, including computer printers and the controversy over the inability to replace iPod batteries.

What's the peer-to-peer movement? What does Michel Bauwens mean when he says that P2P will change the world?

The peer-to-peer movement is about researchers working in open collaboration in the exploration of peer production, governance, and property. More and more entrepreneurs are being questioned about how they conduct their businesses. A successful sustainable business incorporates 'Entrepreneurship' which undertakes from the people and environment and 'Entredonneurship' which gives back to the people and planet. It is concept that if we take, we must give back. Think of it as extractive, vs generative.

What is the final goal of Sustainable Development and what are three essential things we must do to reach it?

The ultimate goal of sustainable development is to create a world where people can live fulfilling, healthy, and prosperous lives while respecting the limits of the planet's natural resources and ecosystems. This means finding ways to meet the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To achieve this goal, we need to take a holistic approach that addresses economic, social, and environmental issues in a balanced and integrated way. This involves making choices and taking actions that consider the long-term impacts on people and the planet, rather than focusing solely on short-term gains.

Explain "blood coltan".

The west is driving the demand for coltan, which is used in electronic devices such as computers, televisions, and mobile phones; the demand for coltan is driving the war in the Congo between rebel militia and children as young as ten who work the mines hunting for this precious metal.

What made the companies you selected good or bad in CSR?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a company's reputation in terms of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Some of the key factors that can make a company good or bad in CSR include: 1. Environmental sustainability: Companies that prioritize environmental sustainability and take steps to minimize their impact on the environment are often seen as good in CSR. This can include using renewable energy sources, reducing waste and emissions, and using sustainable materials in their products. 2. Ethical sourcing: Companies that source their raw materials and products from responsible and ethical sources, and ensure that all of their suppliers adhere to fair labor and environmental standards, are often seen as good in CSR. 3. Community engagement: Companies that are actively involved in local initiatives and give back to the communities in which they operate are often seen as good in CSR. 4. Employee well-being: Companies that prioritize the well-being of their employees and offer a range of benefits and support programs to ensure their physical and mental health is supported are often seen as good in CSR. On the other hand, companies that neglect environmental sustainability, engage in unethical practices such as exploiting workers or violating environmental regulations, and do not give back to their communities or support their employees may be seen as bad in CSR.

Why is important to choose your bank? And what are "just" banks?

We must understand that banks are not big safes where you can deposit your money. Their business model is taking your money and investing it in different projects, companies and financial products. It is really important to choose your bank because they are the biggest investors in the world, so they actually decide which kind of businesses and projects get developed on our planet. Just banks are those who are transparent on what they are investing on, and usually they support projects that are going to benefit our common future such as clean energy, education, hospitals, etc; instead of supporting weapons, petrol... "Just Banks" address social and environmental challenges with their finances. The primary goal is to achieve social, economic and environmental well-being. Impact: Poverty reduction, reduced carbon emission, increased affordable housing stock, local, sustainable food system, providing banking services for an underserved market. Transparent. They decided what