ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 is the second chapter of three in this part of the book concerned with primary value chain activities. Similar to the previous chapter (8) on supply chain management, a key issue is what businesses take, make and waste. Following a brief overview of operations management, the impact of the function on the environment and the reverse are covered, thus making the business case for greening it. Sustainable operations management is introduced, including the concepts of extended producer responsibility and product stewardship. As much of a company and product’s environmental impact is decided at product development stage, emphasis is placed on design for environment (eco-design) and its underlying principles, such as biomimicry and cradle-to-cradle thinking. Cleaner production is covered, including lean and green manufacturing based on example pollution prevention and waste minimisation. Waste management is briefly touched upon before highlighting the role of technology and innovation. Circular economy, closed-loop systems, industrial ecology and life cycle analysis are then discussed. Examples and practices are provided before closing the chapter emphasising the shifts necessary for more sustainable operations (e.g. from linear to circular, from provision of product ownership to provision of service and functionality). Suggested questions and activities are provided.
