Design Model for the Sustainability Management of Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

This paper presents a design model that supports the systematic steering and operationalization of sustainability in manufacturing industry at all corporate levels. Studies show (e.g. Ramboll Group, Smurfit Kappa) that companies are aware of both the need for and the opportunities of corporate sustainability. Corporate sustainability means improving environmental and social effects as well as conditions, while operating profitably in the long term. However, companies face the challenge of resolving the complexity of corporate sustainability. Due to this challenge, the sustainability management model presented in this paper provides a holistic framework that addresses the relevant elements, fields of action and interrelationships of sustainability management in manufacturing companies. A top-down approach enables the management of sustainability at several corporate levels. In addition, various design elements enable the integration of sub-models through which a further concretization and operationalization of corporate sustainability can be realized.