Co-designing workshops on sustainable consumption and production in Southeast Asia: application of idea cards and structuring methods

Structural model for sustainable consumption and production adoption—A grey-DEMATEL based approach

Since 2015, the international policy community has started to agree on international agreements with ambitious middle-term and long-term goals, highly relevant to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) such as those seen in the Paris Agreement, SDGs, and the plastic-related agreements at the G7 and G20 processes. Along with this trend, there has been growing attention given to socio-technical system change or “transition”. Policy debate is putting more focus on the need to change consumption and production patterns and deal with various ecological consequences within planetary boundaries such as decarbonization, absolute reduction in material throughput, or creation of a plastic-free society. This paper examines the expansion of the policy domain of SCP in three phases; SCP focusing on pollution control and cleaner production (SCP 1.0), SCP from the perspective of product lifecycle (SCP 2.0), and SCP focusing on systematic changes in socio-technical systems driving consumption and production (SCP 3.0). The potential impact of a wider SCP policy domain can be comparable to the historical shift in discourse related to ecological modernization theory from pollution prevention to efficiency. This emerging trend corresponds to the need for a fresh approach to policy design which can facilitate transition to sustainability.

This paper argues that sustainable consumption and production (SCP) should play a prominent role in the formulation and implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and discusses how this could be practically done. Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production have been declared the primary cause of environmental deterioration. This was clearly recognized already at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (or the Rio Summit) in 1992; and this recognition has been reconfirmed in all high-level sustainability meetings since then. SCP aims to change these patterns; it is a policy agenda for addressing the root causes of our ecological predicament, while, at the same time, providing for human wellbeing and prosperity. Drawing from international agreements, practical policy experience and research from a range of disciplines, the paper provides a clarifying framework for scientifically robust, policy-relevant and practical goal-setting for SCP within the SDGs. Special attention is given to how SCP in the SDGs can create synergies with other international policy initiatives. The paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of two possible options for reflecting SCP in the SDGs framework: (i) SCP as a stand-alone goal; and (ii) SCP as a cross-cutting objective, embedded within relevant goals. While these two options are not necessarily mutually exclusive, given the competing number of issues for prioritization and the fact that a 10-Year Framework of Programs on SCP has also recently been established, it is hardly foreseeable that both options can be realized. The paper further proposes a set of basic principles for SCP at the global level and makes recommendations towards the formulation of indicators supporting SCP objectives in the SDGs.

In the framework of the European Union’s Sustainable Development Policy, the promotion of sustainable consumption and production patterns has been a key issue. The explanation is given by their capacity to address social and economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. The EU has established an extensive range of proposals on sustainable consumption and production (SCP), which include an energy- and resource-efficient economy, circular economy, waste prevention and recycling, among others. This paper contributes, by using both factorial and regression analysis, to the identification of fundamental constructs that define SCP in the EU-28, their links with resource productivity and the role of governments and enterprises in its improvement by means of investment in research, development and innovation over the period 2001–2018. Some recommendations to policy-makers are proposed in the paper in order to take actions directly on SCP, such as promoting the use of recycled raw materials in public works, or imposing the need for Ecolabel certification to contract with public administration.

The rising problem of severe resource scarcity, environmental pollution and ecological degradation has become a great constraint on economic development in China. Sustainable consumption and production (SCP), as a primary way to decouple economic development from environmental degradation, has been undertaken via various energy-saving and environmental protection policies in China. The main practices for SCP in China, including the adjustment of the industry structure, the promotion of a circular economy and cleaner production, the Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Project, green procurement, and progress in waste management are discussed. Though China has made some achievements in SCP, it is still facing serious challenges. The extensive economic growth model, strengthened by local governments with the incentive of the expectation of promotion and financial reward, aggravates the problems of resources and the environment. The imbalanced development in China, including uneven development among regions, imbalanced expenditure structure between consumption and investment, and the rising inequality in income resulting in imbalanced consumption with insufficient consumption accompanied by overconsumption, is challenging the coordination of development and protection. The weak capacity for scientific and technological innovation and the underdevelopment of non-governmental organizations in China leave the government as the main player in SCP, and this is inefficient for the development of SCP. It is suggested that SCP should be put forward as a development strategy and be conducted more systematically using existing policies in China so as to promote SCP more efficiently. China’s further reform is expected to lift the institutional barriers to SCP and promote economic transformation, balanced development and social equity. In addition, the long-term capacity for SCP calls for the improvement of independent technical innovation in enterprises and extensive social participation.

This review paper examines the past, present, and future of sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The history of the Sustainable Development Goal No. 12 (i.e., to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns) is presented and analyzed. A definition of the sustainable consumption is given and the role of education is explained. The present status and existing trends of SCP are introduced by analyzing unsustainable behavior and the existing dilemma, namely sustainable growth or degrowth. A very broad range of methods is used for measuring and evaluating SCP within sustainable development. To forecast the future of SCP, important trends are presented. The future development of SCP will follow several megatrends and it will require reduced personal and collective consumption (degrowth). Energy usage in buildings, renewable energy sources, and energy storage will be important in that respect. Transportation emissions will continue to be lowered. Waste, especially food waste, shall be reduced, and consumer products shall become more durable. All waste must be collected and separated to be reused. SPC is elaborated in view of the two approaches—Industry 4.0 (smart factory), and the “Sixth Wave” evolution. Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency, and zero waste will be at the forefront of future activities. A circular economy requires extension of product lifetimes, and the reuse and recycling of products. Reducing emissions, pollution and specific energy, water, and raw material usage (especially critical raw materials), as well as the role of digitalization, will be important.

Achieving sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns is crucial for realizing sustainable development, aligning with the sustainable development goals 2030. However, the absence of comprehensive and unified metrics detailing SCP strategies poses a challenge, and current literature often lacks SCP-specific dimensions, merging them with broader sustainability concepts. Furthermore, existing sustainability models lack clarity on responsible actors and their role in balancing these dimensions. This research addresses these gaps by scrutinizing current sustainability and sustainable development models. It introduces the ‘womb approach,’ proposing distinct dimensions for sustainable development and SCP patterns. The study also formulates a unified strategy list adaptable to organizations of varying sizes and types, facilitating SCP pattern implementation.

The footwear industry needs a sustainable business environment due to its remarkable contributions to the economic growth of a country. Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices in the footwear industry can act as a pivotal driving factor for sustainable development in footwear sector of Bangladesh. The implementation of SCP practices is not an easy task for the footwear industry since there are numerous challenges in the existing supply chain. Meanwhile, the literature reveals that the lack of studies on relevant industry motivates to carry out this research. Therefore, this research focuses on the state-of-the-art literature by identifying and finding interactions among challenges to SCP practices in the footwear supply chain. Five experts from five reputed and export-oriented footwear industries were assigned to find out the challenges regarding the SCP implementation and the most important 10 challenges were identified based on experts’ feedback. To assess the cause–effect relationship among challenges, a decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique, a powerful decision-making tool which can find the interactions among factors, was employed. In this study, results showed that five challenges were identified as causal group challenges and remaining five identified as effect group challenges. The causal challenges are lack of top management commitment, absence of market information of green products, inadequate training facility on SCP, motivational gap among consumers, and lack of rules and regulations on SCP practices. Those challenges have net positive influence on effect group challenges such as poor compliance practices, lack of latest technological facility, lack of acceptance on green products, lack of reverse logistics facility, and poor linkage and coordination among lead firms. These results will assist decision-makers to make strategic policy regarding implementing SCP in the footwear supply chain. This study is the first one which deals with the importance of SCP practices in the context of footwear industry, and it is also important for the sustainable development of footwear sector of Bangladesh.

Goal 12 of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the Open Working Group (OWG) of the General Assembly of the United Nations is aiming at ensuring sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns. Why is this an imperative for sustainable development?

Prioritizing the barriers to achieve sustainable consumption and production trends in supply chains using fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process

Bottom-up participation in sustainability is challenging for improving socio-economic and environmental securities. This research was thus aimed to present evidence-based evaluation of implementing sustainable consumption and production (SCP) for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottle in Thailand, with emphasis on performances of the producers and the consumers in production and consumption life cycle management (LCM). Resource efficiency and impact reduction were the key indicators for evaluating producers’ performances in sustainable production (SP) and consumers’ performances in sustainable consumption (SC). The SP involved bottling system whereas use of the bottle, coupled with disposing of post-used bottle was assigned for the SC. Plant observations and in-depth interviews with survey transcript were conducted for two groups of producer: top brand and house brand, whereas a set of questionnaire was prepared for consumer samples. The top brands’ and house brands’ performances in four categories: corporate social responsibility (CSR), eco-design, 3 R and LCM, were examined to justify the SP. The analytical statistics of one-way ANOVA was used to interpret the SC variables consisting of demographic data, drinking water consumption and consumer’s agreement to the SC practice. The SP and SC results were transformed to a five-point scale for rating the SCP success. Three most prominent findings are that both producers and consumers moderately account for the SP and the SC, are likely to favor the resource efficiency over the impact reduction, and that the production and consumption LCM are highly potential for the SCP success. The research also reveals that the top brands consider CSR more important for the SP. Producers are challenging for improving water efficiency due to the lost-filled water in the open loop with adapting to the closed loop. On SC side, the consumers agree to fulfill the consumption efficiency by drinking up a whole bottle of water and reduce the impact by accompanying post-used bottle for solely disposing of them in a trash bin. The achieving outcomes are listing as (1) Matrix model bottom-up participation in SCP implementation, (2) Evidence-based case of sustainability in both environment and socio-economic development and (3) Good practice for LCM development. Finally, a bottom-up participation in SCP implementation shall be largely developed to ensure sustainability success in Thai context.

This chapter considers the contribution of business to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the way in which this contribution may be advanced through recognising both the experiences and the drivers of current approaches. It puts forth proposals for innovation and business models contributing to SCP. The chapter grows out of a research strand that I led on business and SCP as part of the EC funded Framework 6 Programme entitled 'Sustainable Consumption Research Exchange' (SCORE), of which I was a coordinating partner. SCORE surveyed the 'state of the art' in SCP through a diverse network of sustainability researchers and expertise from across Europe. A core team of researchers, myself included, brought together understanding from business, design, consumer behaviour and systems innovation policy in the key consumption areas of mobility, food and agriculture, and energy use and housing — responsible for 70% of the life-cycle environmental impacts of Western societies — with the aim of stimulating, fostering or forcing change to SCP theory and practice. The project research was disseminated through the publication of System Innovation for Sustainability, Vols. 1–4. In addition to this chapter, I co-authored the introduction, conclusion and a chapter entitled 'Energy Use in Houses and Buildings and Sustainable Consumption' in System Innovation for Sustainability 4: Case studies in Sustainable Consumption and Production (ed. S. Lahlou, Greenleaf Publishing, 2011).

In 2015 the Agenda 2030 was introduced, framed of 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) with 169 targets, which were adopted by the United Nations Member States and should bring prosperity and growth to the global society. In this paper a focus is given to the SDG 12 Sustainable consumption and production from the e-mobility perspective. SDG 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns – it is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all. Many stakeholders from public and private sector are investing a lot of effort to identify consumer behaviour for future improvements in development of their green products and strategies Because sustainable mobility and consequently low emission vehicles (LEV) are closely related with sustainable consumption within the personal mobility this paper focuses on consumer segmentation of potential LEV buyers and their willingness to buy LEV. Results have revealed that the segment of potential alternative fuel vehicles buyers is much larger than we initially anticipated. Such vehicles are, surprisingly, also more attractive for the older population, according to our results.

The Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Goals focus on minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing socio-economic benefits. The shift toward SCP, therefore, has been promoted after the pandemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nevertheless, LMICs are far behind in the race. Since the majority of Asian countries are LMICs, of which 13 countries are low-income countries, the shift toward SCP would be tremendously significant. One of the most effective methods to achieve SCP would be the Processes and Production Methods (PPMs) which is also a crucial issue in the relationship between trade and the environment. The paper will analyze the importance of PPMs in the shift toward SCP. Recently, numerous PPMs-related issues have been witnessed in Asia, such as the issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) products approval as the greater demand for food sources in the most crowded countries–China and India) and the most recent hotly-debated law case between European Union and Indonesia about biofuels. The paper will scrutinize the legality of trade-related PPMs measures in the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, Oct. 30, 1947, 61 Stat. A-11, 55 U.N.T.S. 194 [hereinafter GATT 1994]. (the GATT 1994), the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (The SPS Agreement), and the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (the TBT Agreement) to shed light on obstacles Asian developing countries are facing in practicing PPMs in the pathway toward SCP patterns. Finally, the paper will propose some recommendations on how to produce sound PPMs measures for Asian developing countries, such as promulgating consultation with other stakeholders before implementing PPMs, enhancing technical aid and fund from developed countries, and setting regional PPMs-related standards.

At the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg 2002 all countries committed themselves to promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns, with developed countries taking the lead (United Nations 2005a). As a follow-up to the World Summit, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is pursuing the development of a ten-year framework of programmes on SCP, in support of regional and national initiatives (UNEP 2006). The promotion of SCP signifies a shift in environmental policies, which for many years have been focused on the production side. However, despite cleaner production and higher eco-efficiency of end-use appliances, overall environmental impact is still growing. That is why the consumption side has become an important issue in environmental policies as well. Both sides have to be addressed to reduce the overall environmental impact, particularly in industrialised countries. The promotion of SCP is a common task of governments, civil society organisations and the private sector (United Nations 2005a). This chapter deals with the role of business in SCP. It focuses on marketing as a business function that occupies a pivotal position between producers and consumers (Charter 2006). So far, marketing has not been involved or engaged in the SCP debate. The natural environment has hardly been considered by marketing theory and practice. As the natural environment changes as a result of increasing human pressure, the environment will become a key factor for marketing in the future (Belz 2006).