Conceptual Framework for Evaluating the Environmental Awareness and Eco-efficiency of SMEs

Jenifer Vásquez, Giulia Bruno, Luca Settineri, Santiago Aguirre

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Environmental problems are increasingly impacting society and nature. For this reason, companies are expected to become aware of the importance of seeking strategies and measures to mitigate and prevent environmental impacts. The growing concern about the availability of natural resources for future generations and their survival has been the premise for decision making in the industrial sector to improve the quality of life and preserve the environment. In this domain, important concepts such as sustainable development and eco-efficiency have been developed. They represent the trend to achieve a balanced use of resources and a reduction of environmental pollution by preventing waste and establishing economic returns. The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for evaluating the eco-efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) through four main factors: analysis, identification and evaluation, integration, and an action plan. As a result of the analysis, sustainability strategies are proposed to decrease the negative impact and increase the cost-effectiveness and the competitiveness of the SMEs.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication6th CIRP Global Web Conference, CIRPe 2018
Subtitle of host publicationEnvisaging the Future Manufacturing, Design, Technologies and Systems in Innovation Era
EditorsAlessandro Simeone, Paolo C. Priarone
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages347-352
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781510875692
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event6th CIRP Global Web Conference, CIRPe 2018 -
Duration: 23 Oct 201825 Oct 2018

Publication series

NameProcedia CIRP
Volume78
ISSN (Print)2212-8271

Conference

Conference6th CIRP Global Web Conference, CIRPe 2018
Period23/10/1825/10/18

Keywords

  • Sustainable development
  • eco-efficiency
  • environmental monitoring

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