31 SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation – Team 16

Team Reflection
In the global landscape, the combination of business innovation and sustainability has become crucial for societal and environmental change. This initiative, with its focus on showing business innovations that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offers a unique lens that we as a team, explore the potential of businesses to drive positive change. Our reflections that stemmed from our SDG goal allowed for exploration of specific innovations and provided insights into the role of businesses in driving a sustainable future. The poster showcased the innovative solutions we have explored, emphasizing their significance and influence within the framework of the SDGS. It also portrayed our shared vision of a sustainable future supported by ethical and creative business methods.
Our group began with a deep dive into several groundbreaking business innovations that not only promise profitability but also ensure social and environmental well-being. One innovation was an innovative approach to clean energy and not only captivated our imagination but also challenged our preconceived notions about the viability of green technologies. We learned that the relationship between profitability and sustainability forms the cornerstone of modern business ethics. Reflecting on these stories, we were struck by the impact these businesses have on their communities and the environment. The innovators’ narratives underscored a commitment not just to financial success but to a broader, more inclusive vision of our future. It was a reminder of the power of business to effect real, tangible change. We learned that sustainable business practices can significantly contribute to the welfare of the planet and its entire population. The process of engaging with these stories encouraged us to use our academic learnings and mix them with real-world applications of sustainability principles. This integration revealed a perfect alignment with the triple bottom line approach, emphasizing people, planet, and profits (Elkington, 2004). The stories not only reinforced our understanding of this concept but also illuminated its practical applicability and challenged us to reconsider the role of businesses in society around the world.
The waste-to-biofuels and renewable-chemicals model used by Enerkem is an effective illustration of a circular economy and sustainable business practices. By highlighting a company’s social and environmental effects in addition to its financial gains, this supports the idea of the triple bottom line. Our understanding of creative solutions to climate change and energy requirements is in line with Almotech’s focus on using algae to produce biofuel and collect carbon. It draws attention to the potential of bioengineering and questions conventional energy production techniques. Water security is a crucial topic in conversations about sustainability, as demonstrated by FreeWater’s objective to offer clean drinking water through atmospheric water generating technology. It also points out a vacuum in our understanding of the technical facets of producing water in the atmosphere. Our research on water management and conservation is related to Saltworks Technologies’ work on cutting-edge desalination and wastewater treatment technologies. It highlights how crucial technological innovation is to solve the world’s water problems. Solvatten’s solar-powered water heater and purifier is an excellent illustration of how to use renewable energy sources and create sustainable products. It promotes a more environmentally friendly substitute for the traditional processes of heating and purifying water.
Moreover, the stories shed light on the gaps in our knowledge. While we thought we had a strong understanding of what is happening in the world, after completing this assignment our knowledge was deeply strengthened, especially regarding the implementation of sustainable innovations at a large scale. This eye-opening experience was a humbling moment, prompting us to dive deeper into academic literature to fix these gaps. As (EGS, 2023) states, “the journey towards sustainability is fraught with challenges”, and now falls upon future business leaders to navigate these complexities with foresight and sustainability in mind. Our reflections also encompassed the notion of accountability in business practices, a theme that surfaced repeatedly in our discussions. The stories we explored highlighted a shift towards greater transparency and ethical responsibility, showing the evolving expectations of stakeholders in the sustainability era. This shift not only aligns with what we were learning in class but also challenges us to envision our future roles in fostering a culture of accountability and integrity in business. This creative method also inspires us to see challenges as chances for development and advancement rather than as barriers. It pushes us to keep growing, learning, and evolving in reaction to the shifting demands of the corporate world.
The process of engaging with the AIM2Flourish stories has been inspiring, not just to broaden our understanding of sustainable business practices but in shaping our aspirations as future business leaders. This experience has left us with a profound sense of responsibility towards fostering sustainability and social good. As we envision our future selves, the connection between this reflective exercise and our future business goals becomes increasingly more obvious. The insights we gathered from this journey will underscore our values and integrate sustainability into the core of our business operations. A principle we are committed to adhering to in our careers. This commitment shows how business can be a force for good, and an example of what we aim to embody in our professional careers. Our understanding of the potential of business as a force for good has been expanded because of our investigation of the AIM2Flourish stories. The businesses in these stories have truly touched us with their inventive tactics and unwavering spirit, as they have skillfully combined profitability, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Individual Reflection
Brayden Lance

Participating with this team virtually to explore sustainability and business innovations has been a profound and enlightening experience. Engaging in this experiential activity has broadened my understanding of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and underlined the value of a diverse perspectives while collaboratively learning in achieving common objectives. The cross-cultural dynamics of our team, while challenging, was immensely rewarding. Navigating these differences required patience, openness, and a genuine desire to understand varying viewpoints. I found myself deeply enriched by this diversity, gaining insights into not just sustainability practices across different cultures but also into global business ethics. The experience highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in embracing effective teamwork and achieving effectiveness in a global context. Communication, unsurprisingly, posed both challenges and opportunities. Our virtual collaboration was sometimes hindered by time barriers and the inherent limitations of our busy schedule. However, these challenges also prompted us to develop creative solutions such as flexible meeting schedules and utilizing various communication platforms to ensure inclusivity and clear understanding among all members. Dealing with multiple time zones required meticulous planning and compromise. We strived to schedule meetings at times that, while not always ideal for anyone, were manageable for everyone. This effort to accommodate each other’s schedules developed a sense of mutual respect and commitment within our team. Reflecting on my participation, I feel a sense of accomplishment and a genuine increase in knowledge. This experience has not only enhanced my understanding and skills but also ingrained a deeper appreciation for the complexities and rewards of working in a cross-cultural team.

References

Elkington, J. (2004). Enter the triple bottom line. Enter the Triple Bottom Line. https://www.johnelkington.com/archive/TBL-elkington-chapter.pdf
Europe, E. S. (2023, September 18). Championing sustainability: A visionary’s insights into a Greener Future. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/championing-sustainability-visionarys-insights-greener