How to Effectively Implement Continuous Improvement for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Continuous improvement refers to day-to-day activities in an organization to improve its ability to meet customer needs. However, the organization must also consider the environment and create ways to sustain it. When continuous improvement models are enacted, companies with efficient environmental performance and high-sustainability policies create more value to stakeholders and shareholders. Such companies develop a strong competitive advantage because they maintain and attract more employees and customers. Unfortunately, in many cases, organizations focus on corporate responsibilities, some of which exclude environmental issues. As it is revealed in this research, the environment must be sustained so consumers of the manufactured products can enjoy the products in a safe environment. This research focuses on how continuous improvement can be used for environmental sustainability. Apart from highlighting difficulties in using continuous improvement for sustainability, the research presents other approaches and tools to incorporate CI principles into a sustainability program.