Economics of Sustainabilty in Business

Identify an existing or proposed government policy (regulation, fee, tax, incentive, etc.), or a program of a large corporation, which is intended to improve the sustainability of a business, an industry, or society in general. Prepare a short written paper that analyzes the feasibility and effectiveness of the program. What problem is it attempting to solve, and what externalities does it address? What incentives or disincentives does it create? Discuss the potential effects of your chosen policy or program on People, Planet and Profit.

The assignment should contain:
• Executive Summary: Type of program or policy and its objectives
• Market Information: Regulated industry/community or target consumers.
• Description and Analysis: How is the policy or program intended to work? Do you think the policy or program is effective in reaching its goals? Provide evidence and argue your position.

Consider:
• Systems necessary to implement or manage the policy or program.
• Incentives and disincentives to encourage participation and/or compliance.
• Social, environmental, and economic impacts of the policy or program; potential opportunity costs of its implementation.

Potential topics include:
• Agriculture – animal welfare, factory farming, pesticides, organic farming, antibiotics and growth hormones
• Consumerism – over consumption, conspicuous consumption, planned obsolescence, sharing economy, servicization, dematerialization, eco-labeling, dietary choices
• Energy – renewable vs. non-renewable, energy efficiency/conservation, demand management, smart-grid
• Fishing/Aquaculture – over-fishing, fish farms, by-catch, seafood eco-labeling, fishing regulation and marine reserves
• Waste – waste or pollution reduction, landfilling, incineration, recycling, circular economy
• Water – water scarcity, water conservation, water rights, equitable access to clean drinking water
• Worker and Community Welfare – labor rights, working conditions, Fair Trade, corruption, host community impacts, indigenous people’s rights

Your summary of the article should provide basic information about the policy or program, describe its economic, social and environmental impacts, and relate the activities reported in the article to terms and concepts that have been covered in readings and in class. Cite the source and date of the article and any other sources you use in your analysis of sustainability impacts.

The main body of the paper should be no more than three pages in length, single-spaced, 12-point type, 1-inch margins. The references should be on a separate page.