Analyzing and Integrating Environmental Excellence Frameworks in Business: An Overview

Abstract

Companies employ a variety of managerial frameworks to achieve their desired development objectives. While many of these frameworks are focused on quality or financial performance, only a few are specifically oriented towards environmental excellence. The aim of this paper is to delineate and compare selected environmental excellence models, providing a comprehensive analysis of their key characteristics and effectiveness. The motivation for this study stems from existing research conducted by various authors who have explored environmental excellence models and the self-assessment practices based on these models. To achieve the paper's objective, a secondary research approach is employed, utilizing methods of analysis, comparison, and selection to identify the most commonly recurring criteria across the environmental excellence models under review. The analysis reveals that three out of four environmental excellence models include a range of criteria, with many of these criteria being similar across the models. However, the study also finds that certain criteria, which are based on other significant principles, are included in only one of the models. This suggests a gap in the current environmental excellence frameworks, where important aspects of environmental performance may not be consistently addressed. The paper concludes that while there is a degree of commonality among existing environmental excellence models, there is also a need for further research to develop an integrated model that encompasses the most critical criteria from each framework. Such an integrated model would provide a more holistic approach to environmental excellence, enabling companies to better align their management practices with sustainability goals. This paper highlights the strengths and limitations of current environmental excellence models and underscores the importance of creating a comprehensive model that integrates the most relevant and effective criteria. This would enhance the ability of companies to achieve environmental excellence while contributing to broader sustainability objectives.