SCI 225 NLU Module 9 environmental Science Research Checkpoint

Throughout this course you have explored the multi-faceted topic of sustainability and learned about the three dimensions (pillars) of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental.  In this assignment, you will be applying your knowledge of these concepts to a business scenario. Imagine that you are a corporate sustainability consultant who works with companies to make their businesses more sustainable.  You have been tasked with creating a presentation that will persuade a potential client to make sustainable changes to their current business practices.

This week you will complete and submit the Research Checkpoint.

Directions: For this checkpoint, do the following to prepare for the presentation due in Module 9:

1. Define sustainable development and discuss each of the three dimensions/pillars.
   1. What does it mean to be economically sustainable?
   2. What does it mean to be socially sustainable?
   3. What does it mean to be environmentally sustainable?
2. Conduct research to identify companies that already implement sustainable business practices.  You will use these companies as examples in your presentation.
3. Compile a list of website resources as you conduct your research on your chosen companies and on sustainable business practices. There is no set number of sites to use.
4. Create a list of 10 sustainable business practices/activities/policies that you have found in your research.
5. Select three sustainable practices from your list in number 4 above.  For each practice, identify and describe how it addresses the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainable development.
   1. Economic: How does this practice allow the business to be profitable? Does this practice bring in a new revenue stream?  Does this practice increase sales?
   2. Social: How does this practice benefit the people of the company, community, or world?  
   3. Environmental: How does this practice protect the Earth? Does this practice reduce waste, pollution, or habitat destruction? Does this practice mitigate damage to the environment or aid in conservation efforts? Explain your answer.