A Case Study in Sustainability: Can We Afford to Be Green

From APEC HRDWG Wiki

Most people, including those in APEC economies, are in favor of protecting the environment, or being “green.” In theory, it’s easy to be green. In practice, however, people, families, companies, and communities struggle with it. Being green is often expensive. It also takes awareness, courage, vision, planning, and sacrifice. In addition, we often lack a common understanding of how to talk about the economics of stainable growth. This teaching tip explores two case studies designed to stimulate awareness and discussion of key decision points and economic factors in regard to sustainability.

Content Objectives

• To introduce key terms and concepts related to sustainability.
• To provide opportunities for individual reflection and group discussion related to sustainable growth.
• To address the reporting of economic news and the costs and benefits of different business options with a critical eye.

Language Objectives

• To talk about past, present, and future scenarios
• To write a mission statement

Activity

1. Introduce one of the following case studies, including the background material provided and key vocabulary that will be new for the students.
2. Help provide examples and additional explanation, as needed, for the class as a whole.
3. Provide opportunities for students to answer the discussion questions for the case study in small groups or in pairs.
4. Lead additional discussion with the class as a whole, sharing the best ideas from all the groups.
5. Review and summarize key concepts learned during the lesson.

Materials

Background reading
Computers with Internet

Category

Sustainable growth (green business): Short-term vs. long-term benefits/perspectives; green solutions vs. costs

Learning Theme

Learning to do; problem solving

Resources

City of Kitakyushu, Japan. (2006). Retrieved from www.city.kitakyushu.jp on13 October 2010. 

United Nations Environment Programme. (2010). Retrieved from www.unep.org on13 October 2010.

North American Association for Environmental Education EE-Link. (2010). Retrieved from eelink.net on13 October 2010.

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Also see Keep It Green