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Sustainable Low-Carbon Production: From Strategy to Reality

Author

Listed:
  • Denisa Szabo

    (Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Mihai Dragomir

    (Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Mihail Țîțu

    (Faculty of Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550025 Sibiu, Romania)

  • Diana Dragomir

    (Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Sorin Popescu

    (Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Silvia Tofană

    (Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

Abstract

The present paper approaches the timely topic of sustainable production with low carbon emissions, investigating the link between existing strategies and policies and the reality that manufacturers must deal with, with the appraisal going from high-level national and international plans to specific firm needs. This is in line with the preoccupations of manufacturers in Europe to retain and regain their market shares under strict environmental excellence, one of the defining features of the continent’s economy. The existing strategies, specialized plans and mechanisms for the reduction of emissions were analyzed to discern their structural relationships and the clarity and palpability of their content when passing through the successive levels of interest. The research methodology employs the MEAL Plan for determining the state of the art, and based on the findings, two specific tools were used for policy analysis and informing a brainstorming and discussion session aimed at future improvements. The instruments used are SWOT-Radar Screen methodology and latent semantic analysis as implemented by the Tropes Zoom software. Structural connections were revealed, together with an improved understanding of the interventions proposed in 5 European-level strategies, 14 national-level strategies (with a focus on Romania) and a case analysis for a generic manufacturing company. Among the main findings, the authors propose improved awareness development for all the stakeholders, strengthened and correlated monitoring of sustainability results and a better implementation of an institutional ecosystem for providing support to companies. The results obtained are intended for the use of policy makers to improve their future planning cycles in a way that supports the companies in achieving these societal goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Denisa Szabo & Mihai Dragomir & Mihail Țîțu & Diana Dragomir & Sorin Popescu & Silvia Tofană, 2023. "Sustainable Low-Carbon Production: From Strategy to Reality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8516-:d:1154584
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. STAN Sebastian-Emanuel & GIURGIU Tiberiu & TODĂRIȚĂ Elida & TRIF Robert-Cristian, 2023. "Supply Chain Management Contribution To Organisational Sustainability," Management of Sustainable Development, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 15(1), pages 47-54, June.

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