Sustainability has gained immense importance in recent years and is increasingly permeating all areas of the economy. One area that is not unaffected by this trend is quality management (QM). The integration of sustainability aspects into quality management not only offers companies the opportunity to act in a more environmentally and socially responsible manner, but also to increase their competitiveness and innovative strength. What significance does sustainability have in quality management and how can it be implemented in practice (e.g. ISO 26000) ?
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Sustainability comprises three central dimensions: economic, ecological and social sustainability. These dimensions must be in balance in order to ensure long-term success. In the context of quality management, this means that processes, products and services must not only be designed efficiently and effectively, but also in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.
Economic sustainability: Increased efficiency and cost savings through sustainable behaviour can lead to improved competitiveness. In addition, new market opportunities open up due to the growing demand for sustainable products.
Environmental sustainability: By integrating environmentally friendly practices into the QM process, resources can be conserved and emissions reduced. This includes the entire supply chain, from raw material extraction to disposal.
Social sustainability: Fair working conditions, respect for human rights and the promotion of diversity and inclusion are key aspects that QM must also take into account.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABILITY
Even today, sustainability is still often perceived as a cost factor that you first have to be able to afford. The topic initially became more popular primarily due to the interesting marketing effects that can be achieved by practising sustainability - and communicating it to the outside world. Today, however, it is also clear that sustainability has direct, positive effects, although these are often not sufficiently recognised.
- Cost savings
• Resource efficiency: Through sustainable practices, companies can reduce the consumption of resources such as energy, water and raw materials. This leads to considerable cost savings.
• Waste reduction: Less waste means lower disposal costs and often less material waste, which in turn reduces production costs. - Increased competitiveness
• Market access and customer loyalty: Sustainability is increasingly becoming an important decision criterion for customers. Companies that offer sustainable products and services can open up new markets and strengthen the loyalty of existing customers.
• Innovation: Sustainable practices promote the development of new, environmentally friendly technologies and processes that can set companies apart from their competitors. - Risk minimisation
• Regulatory compliance: By complying with environmental and social standards, companies can avoid penalties and fines resulting from violations of legal regulations.
• Reputation and brand value: A strong focus on sustainability can improve a company's reputation and protect it from reputational damage that could result from environmentally damaging or unethical practices. - Access to capital
• Investor interest: More and more investors value sustainability and favour companies that act in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Sustainable companies can therefore raise capital more easily and obtain attractive financing conditions.
• Financial incentives: In many countries, there are state subsidies and tax incentives for sustainable investments and projects. These can reduce the financial burden of sustainable initiatives. - Long-term stability and growth
• Resource availability: Sustainable practices ensure long-term access to important resources by preventing overexploitation and degradation.
• Resilience: Companies that focus on sustainability are often more resilient to external shocks such as raw material shortages or environmental disasters because they have established diversified and sustainable supply chains. - Employee engagement and productivity
• Attractiveness as an employer: Sustainable companies are often more attractive employers and can attract and retain talented professionals more easily.
• Employee satisfaction: Employees who are proud of their employer's ethical and sustainable practices are often more motivated and productive. - Improving product quality
• Sustainable products: Products that are produced sustainably are often of higher quality and more durable. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and fewer returns or complaints.
IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABILITY IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The implementation of sustainability principles in QM requires a systematic approach and the adaptation of existing processes. Here are some steps that companies can take:
Raise awareness and provide training: The first step is to raise awareness of sustainability throughout the organisation. Employee training and workshops help to promote an understanding of sustainable quality management and motivate employees.
Define sustainability goals: Companies should set clear and measurable sustainability targets that are integrated into the corporate strategy and QM guidelines. These targets should be regularly reviewed and adjusted.
Sustainable supply chain: The selection of suppliers and partners plays a crucial role. Companies should ensure that their suppliers follow sustainable practices and comply with environmental and social standards.
Resource efficiency and waste management: Efficient resource management and the reduction of waste are key elements of sustainable QM. This can be achieved by optimising production processes, recycling and reusing materials.
Continuous improvement: Sustainability in QM is an ongoing process. Regular audits and assessments help to identify weak points and implement continuous improvements.
CASE STUDIES FROM PRACTICE
Some companies have already been successfully integrating sustainability principles into their quality management for some time and have achieved considerable benefits as a result:
BMW Group (automotive industry): The car manufacturer has developed a comprehensive sustainability concept that covers all areas of the company. In quality management, this means, among other things, the continuous reduction of CO2 emissions in production and the promotion of recycling and the circular economy.
Unilever (food industry): The consumer goods company is pursuing ambitious sustainability goals and has reorganised its supply chain accordingly. Social and ecological criteria are taken into account in the QM process, which leads to improved brand perception and customer satisfaction.
SUSTAINABILITY IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT - OUTLOOK
Sustainability in quality management is not a short-lived trend, but a necessity for future-proof companies. By integrating ecological and social aspects into QM, companies can not only strengthen their competitiveness, but also make a valuable contribution to environmental protection and society. The challenge is to integrate sustainability consistently and systematically into all processes and decisions. This is the only way to create real added value in the long term - for the company, the environment and society.
PeRoBa Quality Management from Munich - Individual Quality Management and sustainability
Consulting, implementation, audits and QM tools from a single source
PeRoBa GmbH Munich is a service provider with many years of experience for quality management especially in
automotive and mechanical engineering. We also work closely with universities and research institutes. Managing Director
Dr. Scherb teaches as a lecturer, for example, at the Hamburger Fern-Hochschule, the FOM in Munich and is also a speaker
at the TÜV-Süd Akademie, the Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft and many other institutions.
We look forward to hearing from you. The best way to reach us is by phone at the number
+49 8106 / 230 89 92
(more
contact options)
Quality management ISO 26000, ISO 9001, VDA 6.3 and IATF 16949 - www.peroba.org