Green business process management: A research agenda

In recent years, there has been a growing global consensus on the urgent need to reduce our collective carbon footprint. Climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation are pushing society to rethink the way we do business and live our lives. While much of the research and attention have been directed towards developing alternative energy sources, innovative automotive technologies, and advanced waste disposal techniques, there is often an overlooked, fundamental aspect of sustainability – optimizing existing operations to reduce their emissions impact. One powerful tool that can play a pivotal role in achieving this optimization is Business Process Management (BPM) technology.

BPM is a systematic approach to understanding, modeling, and improving or optimizing business processes. It has traditionally been used in the corporate world to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. However, the concept of BPM extends far beyond the boundaries of the corporate sector. It can be applied to a broad spectrum of processes, including those in the manufacturing and other "physical" domains. BPM technology, when harnessed for sustainability, gives rise to what is now being referred to as "Green Business Process Management."

Green Business Process Management is a burgeoning field that recognizes the importance of optimizing processes to minimize their environmental impact. This paradigm shift combines the strengths of traditional BPM with sustainability considerations, aiming to create more eco- friendly and resource-efficient practices across industries. In essence, Green BPM seeks to align business operations with the principles of environmental responsibility and social sustainability.

The emerging research landscape in Green BPM is marked by several distinct characteristics and challenges:

1. Integration of Environmental Metrics: Researchers in Green BPM work on integrating environmental metrics into process modeling and performance measurement. This includes assessing the carbon emissions, water usage, energy consumption, and other ecological aspects of each process, allowing for a holistic understanding of the environmental impact.

2. Resource Efficiency: Optimizing processes for sustainability often involves reducing waste, conserving resources, and decreasing energy consumption. These aspects are at the core of Green BPM, where researchers explore ways to minimize resource utilization without compromising the quality of output.

3. Supply Chain Sustainability: Processes often extend beyond organizational boundaries into supply chains. Green BPM aims to enhance supply chain sustainability by mapping and optimizing processes across multiple stakeholders, reducing inefficiencies, and minimizing ecological footprints.

4. Decision Support Systems: Green BPM researchers are developing advanced decision support systems that can guide businesses and organizations in making environmentally conscious choices. These systems can recommend process improvements that minimize environmental impact.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Complying with ever-evolving environmental regulations is a complex challenge. Green BPM provides tools for businesses to stay ahead of regulatory requirements by monitoring and adapting their processes accordingly.

Early results in Green BPM have already demonstrated substantial benefits. Companies that have adopted Green BPM have seen reductions in waste, energy costs, and emissions. These improvements not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also enhance operational efficiency and save money in the long run.

Starting or investing in sustainable businesses is both environmentally responsible and financially prudent. Sustainable sectors like renewable energy, eco-friendly manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, and waste reduction solutions are thriving due to the growing demand for eco-conscious alternatives. These businesses not only contribute to a healthier planet but also offer profitable opportunities in today's market. Embracing sustainability allows you to be part of the solution while building a successful venture.

As the urgency to address climate change and environmental degradation continues to mount, Green BPM emerges as a key starting point for businesses and organizations to contribute to global efforts to reduce our collective carbon footprint. By integrating sustainability considerations into their core operations and utilizing BPM technology to optimize their processes, entities can simultaneously reduce costs, improve efficiency, and become better stewards of the environment. In the coming years, it is expected that Green BPM will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and responsible future for businesses and society at large.

Reference:

Ghose, Aditya & Hoesch-Klohe, Konstantin & Hinsche, Lothar & Lê, Lam-Son. (2010). Green business process management: A research agenda. Australasian Journal of Information Systems; Vol 16, No 2 (2009). 16. 10.3127/ajis.v16i2.597.