Smart technologies for sustainable enterprise resource management: an illustration of progress and prospects

Abstract

Business organizations across the world are increasingly articulating their commitment to build sustainable enterprises. Environmental stewardship, conscious and responsible consumption of natural resources required for day-to-day operations, is integral to this agenda. In this paper, we illustrate how a multinational enterprise has made significant strides in monitoring, conserving and improving materially relevant resources including energy, emissions, water, and waste through innovative use of various technologies. A campus that is fully powered by solar energy, reduction in per capita energy and fresh water consumption by 49.69% and 41.14% respectively over the baseline, carbon footprint reduction by 59% across scope of 1 and 2 emissions, and 100% food waste treatment are some of the important milestones it has achieved in accordance with the sustainability policy drawn along the lines of sustainable development goals (SDGs) announced by United Nations. We discuss the crucial role of technology in defining the sustainability agenda, enabling the achievement of audacious goals, and institutionalizing sustainable practices and lifestyles in this organization. We conclude by proposing new frontiers of technological innovation for sustainable development of enterprises.