The CapSEM Model

Abstract

Organizations may feel pressurized to improve their sustainability performance and increase their orientation towards sustainability, but may not have either the knowledge as to where, or the capacity, to begin. This chapter therefore presents a systematized methodology of assessment and management tools for sustainability and environmental management known as the Capacity building in Sustainability and Environmental Management Model (the CapSEM Model). To help streamline their application for the business sector and industry, the methods and tools are positioned in relation to four levels of development: (1) production processes, (2) products and value chains, (3) organization and management and (4) larger systems, for example, industrial sectors or social systems.

The discussion and analysis of tools presented in this chapter and explained throughout this book, address the growing need to engage stakeholders and to consider environmental, social and economic impacts across the entire life cycles of products in business strategies and organization management. The CapSEM Model Levels move from incremental business tools and their application in production processes, to holistic tools for change in organizations and larger systems. The transition to sustainable societies is considered analogous to growth in both systems and performance complexity.