Business Studies Debate

Argument: Businesses have a social responsibility towards the

environment and this can benefit them too
To be sustainable is to meet the needs of the present without
compromising the needs of the future
For a business to continue in an ethical manner, it must respect the planet by limiting its impact on the
environment as much as possible. With the vast resources and influential reach of businesses, they have the
capacity to make a real difference in the promotion and practice of environmental awareness. Businesses have
a responsibility that extends beyond meeting the needs of customers. Sustainability in the business world
means ensuring environmental, economic and social wellbeing for both current and future customers. This
means considering the needs of the people and society without compromising the success or wellbeing of
future generations.

Points:

 Using scarce natural resources such as rainforest timber raises the costs of the
businesses and leaves less for future generations.

 Unsustainable business activities such as the use of non-renewable resources like the
burning of fossil fuels can damage the environment permanently.

 If a business damages the environment, then pressure groups can take action that
could lead to a loss in sales and reputation.

 The continued use of unsustainable business practices can cause: greenhouse gases,
which include carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, cause global warming, ozone
depletion and acid rain. They also ruin air quality which is linked to poor quality of
health.

 If businesses do not commit to executing their activities in a more sustainable and

environmentally friendly manner, the supply of important metals and minerals will
become less secure. These materials are crucial to many aspects of the economy and
this poses an extra risk to businesses specifically as there will be increasing
competition for resources. (INCREASED COMPETITION FOR RESOURCES)

Benefits to Businesses
 By aligning itself with strong values relating to environmental protection, companies
will also strengthen their brand image and acquire more opportunities to market
their business

 Resource efficiency is seen as an opportunity to achieve environmental benefits

while also strengthening business resilience and decreasing costs
 It also has the potential to contribute substantially towards government targets to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

 Enhanced brand image and increased competitive advantage

 Increased productivity and reduced costs

 Better financial and investment opportunities

 Increased preparedness for future legislation and costs

 Improved recruitment and retention of employees

 Healthier work environment for employees

 In some countries, if you are an environmentally sustainable business, you would

have these tax advantages which include tax breaks, rebates (partial refund of the
cost of an item) and other monetary enticements

 There are a number of grants, subsidies and financing programs available as well for
the company or entrepreneur who seeks to be eco-friendlier.

 By being more resource friendly, the business will be able to become more efficient
and cost effective, meaning greater productivity

 If a business applies for the green certificate, it is more likely to promote marketing
as the demand for more sustainable goods have increased. This will retain existing
customers as well as bring in new ones.

 A green certificate also known as sustainability certification.

Earning the certification seal will help your green marketing
and promote your achievements to your employees and
customers. Is a tradable asset which proves that electricity has
been generated by a renewable (green) energy source.

 Improves their reputation and provides a competitive edge in

a society in which awareness and the importance of
environmental impacts are ever increasing

 Employees who work for an eco friendly business generally take pride in what they
do and this helps them be more motivated which in turn makes them more
productive and this will help the business grow.