Lindsey Helmick
MGT-320: Business Sustainability
6:2 Final Project Milestone Three: Sustainable Businesses and Leaders
Dr. Carmen Jones
February 10, 2023
Publicly Traded Companies (Social Responsibility):
The two triple-bottom-line companies I've selected are Southwest Airlines and VF Corporation. Most are very familiar with Southwest Airlines; however, VF Corporation may be unfamiliar to some initially. That is because VF Corporation owns several clothing brands, most of which. society is familiar with such as The North Face, Timberland, Vans, and Dickies to name a few. As major corporations, both companies realize they have a responsibility to corporate citizenship. At Southwest their purpose is to, "connect People to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel, and our Vision of being the world's most loved. most efficient, and most profitable airline" (Southwest, n.d.). While VF Corporations sole
and our planet" (VF Corporation, n.d.).
When it comes to globalization, VF Corporation has several apparel brands that support consumers active lifestyles with a far reach in markets both domestic and international. Moreover, their products can be found "in over 170 countries worldwide" (Forrest 500, 2022). While Southwest's roots started here in the United States, they continue to add new hubs domestically as well as internationally. As more recently they've added international stops to their network in countries such as Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Grand Cayman (Southwest, n.d.).
Research of Southwest Airlines and VF Corporation shows both are doing their part to leave the world a little better than they found it. One of the main goals of Southwest Airlines is to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2050. To make this goal possible, they've also drafted a 10-year sustainability plan to assist them in their efforts along the way (Southwest, n.d.). VF Corporation has many brands in their family of companies, and all are committed to utilizing sustainable materials and packaging as well as instituting circularity within their operations. The actions of both companies solidify their commitment to sustainability.
Goals:
When considering goals of companies who are committed to sustainability there is a common theme. "In summary, sustainable innovation has three defining characteristics. It contributes to sustainable well-being, it is systemic, and it is inclusive" (Oksanen & Hautamaki, 2015). Therefore, when setting goals towards sustainable practices corporations should be cognizant of those who stand to benefit and ensure the outcome is beneficial for all.
It is no secret that air travel is a contributor to the global warming issues at hand. Southwest also realizes this and has set goals to dimmish their impact. For instance, as part of their 10-year sustainability plan, they've set goals to "replace 10% of their total jet fuel consumption with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030, modernize their fleet by adding the more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and accelerating 737-700 retirements, and electrifying their ground services equipment that are eligible for electrification, like baggage-tugs, belt-loaders, pushbacks, and power stows" (Southwest, n.d.). Southwest has also found a way to decrease waste sent to landfills. They recently