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Sustainability-Focused Excellence: A Novel Model Integrating the Water–Energy–Food Nexus for Agro-Industrial Companies

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  • Fernando Caixeta

    (Federal Institute of Triângulo Mineiro, Campus Uberlândia, Fazenda Sobradinho, s/n, Uberlândia 38400-970, Brazil
    Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • André M. Carvalho

    (Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave., 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal)

  • Pedro Saraiva

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, CIEPQPF, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
    Dean of NOVA IMS, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1070-312 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Fausto Freire

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, ADAI, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus approach is gaining attention due to the challenge of better managing natural elements. Agro-industrial companies, given their environmental impacts, need to take sustainability into proper account. However, this sector lacks the novel tools needed to integrate current methodologies with additional quality frameworks, such as business excellence models (BEMs). Therefore, the present research aims to propose a sustainability-focused excellence model by integrating the principles and objectives of the WEF nexus with existing BEM and proposing its application to agro-industrial companies. For that purpose, a new conceptual model to integrate sustainability and excellence was built. The proposed novel model can become a decision-support tool in helping agro-industrial companies transition toward improved sustainability while managing existing tradeoffs and synergies.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernando Caixeta & André M. Carvalho & Pedro Saraiva & Fausto Freire, 2022. "Sustainability-Focused Excellence: A Novel Model Integrating the Water–Energy–Food Nexus for Agro-Industrial Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9678-:d:881547
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    References listed on IDEAS

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