Final Paper

PAPER INTRODUCTION

This final paper is in place of a final exam for this class. It is an individual assignment.

Follow the link https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/reports/fy22-nike-inc-impact-report to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report of an American Fortune 500 company. Your assignment is to read all the sections that focus on various aspects of the company’s sustainability results, plans, and goals. Make sure to use critical thinking as you read.

Write a 2–3 pages (single-space) report following the requirements below. Your goal is to analyze their sustainability claims, making sure to cover the items listed below. You may have to follow links that are embedded in the report to find data. You may also do outside research to support your statements and thoughts. Cite all sources.

Please review and edit your paper so that it is organized, easy to follow and accurate. The quality of the writing will be a part of the grade.

 

REQUIREMENTS

1. Write a brief introduction about the company’s Sustainability Plans and goals. Explain any unfamiliar terminology that they use.

2. Find examples for a minimum of 3 of the sustainability analysis and measurement methods that we discussed in class. Explain how the examples fit the chosen sustainability topics. Here’s a list of the topics we covered in class. Please cite the examples with page numbers from the CSR report.

  • Circular Economy
  • Carbon Footprint
  • GHGs
  • Global Warming Potential/Environmental Impact Categories
  • Life Cycle Analysis
  • Pollution and Environmental Damage
  • Green Design Principles (specify which ones)
  • Carbon neutral, Net Zero Emissions and Carbon Negative

3. Which of the following areas does the CSR report address? Make the connection between what the CSR report says and what you know about the sustainability issues in these areas.

  • Energy
  • Water
  • Waste and E-Waste
  • Manufacturing/Supply Chain
  • Activities needed to reach Carbon Neutrality, Net Zero Emissions, etc.
  • Sustainable Development

4. Do an engineering analysis of your findings. Address topics:

  • Did you find any examples of greenwashing? Which type of greenwashing?
  • Was the data/information presented in the report valid and reasonable? Any misleading or specious data?
  • Are the company’s sustainability goals and plans realistic?

DELIVERABLES

A 2-3 pages (single spaced) paper. You may use charts, figures, and images to help illustrate your ideas, but they should not be used as a replacement for well-written explanations. Referenced or quoted materials should be cited in the paper. Any sign of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for this assignment.