Comprehensively assess the level of environmental policy, implementation of environmental strategies, employee engagement and involvement of suppliers in environmentally oriented business

Peter Plavcan; Karl-Heinz Bellmann; Gerhard A. Hauptvogel; Marc Weber; Anja Pfeifer

doi:10.23925/2179-3565.2025v16i4p155-164

Authors

Peter Plavcan Danubius University, Faculty of Public Administration and Public Policy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7088-6108
Karl-Heinz Bellmann Danubius University, Faculty of Public Administration and Public Policy https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1198-8113
Gerhard A. Hauptvogel Danubius University, Faculty of Public Administration and Public Policy https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7837-8296
Marc Weber Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Social and Economics Sciences https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1414-400X
Anja Pfeifer St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5187-8312

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/2179-3565.2025v16i4p155-164

Keywords:

Environmental sustainability, Environmental management, Sustainable development, Social responsibility, Retail

Abstract

The aim of the article is to assess the environmental sustainability of a selected retail company. Environmental sustainability is a part of modern business management that focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of business activities on the environment and on supporting a long-term balance between economic growth, social prosperity and the protection of natural resources. The research was based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including a guided interview with the company manager, a questionnaire survey among employees and an analysis of internal documents and sustainability reports. The aim was to comprehensively assess the level of environmental policy, implementation of environmental strategies, employee engagement and involvement of suppliers in environmentally oriented business. The results showed that the company systematically applies the principles of environmental management, although it does not yet have formal certification according to ISO 14001 or EMAS standards. The company significantly reduced CO₂ emissions, optimized logistics and energy consumption, introduced packaging and waste recycling, and successfully implemented measures to reduce food waste through cooperation with the Food Bank of Slovakia. It also achieved positive results in the area of environmental product certifications (FSC, PEFC, MSC, RSPO, Fairtrade), which confirm its responsible approach to natural resources. The conclusion of the research points to a high level of environmental sustainability of the company and its contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals. Nevertheless, it is recommended to strengthen internal employee motivation, improve education in the field of ecological behavior, and strive for international certification of the environmental management system.

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Comprehensively assess the level of environmental policy, implementation of environmental strategies, employee engagement and involvement of suppliers in environmentally oriented business

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