L3M6 Practice Questions

The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 as part of the 2030

Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals address global challenges like poverty, inequality,

and climate change. The CIPS L3M6 module

this number as a key framework for

organizational sustainability strategies.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on UN SDGs.

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Transportation accounts for approximately 13% of global greenhouse gas emissions, per data cited in

the CIPS L3M6 module (aligned with IPCC estimates). This includes road, air, rail, and maritime

transport, with road vehicles dominating. In supply chains, logistics (e.g., trucking goods) significantly

contributes, making this a true statement and a focal point in LO2 for emission reduction strategies

like green transport adoption.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Transport Emissions, Section on Global Impact.

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Not-for-profit organizations operate without the primary goal of profit, focusing instead on social or

environmental missions. From the list:

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Oxfam, Save the Children, The Red Cross, and The United Nations are not-for-profit entities

dedicated to humanitarian, developmental, or peacekeeping goals, often with sustainable

procurement policies aligned with CSR.

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Apple and Pepsi are for-profit corporations focused on commercial success.

The CIPS L3M6 module highlights not-for-profits as key players in sustainable procurement due to

their mission-driven nature.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Organizational Types and Sustainable Procurement.

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A zero-carbon building—one that produces no net carbon emissions during operation—is achievable

and increasingly common. The CIPS L3M6 module explains that advancements in design (e.g.,

passive heating), materials (e.g., low-carbon concrete), and energy sources (e.g., solar panels)

enable this. For example, buildings certified under standards like BREEAM or LEED can offset all

operational emissions, often through on-site renewables or carbon credits. While challenging, it’s

not impossible, as demonstrated by projects like the Bullitt Center in Seattle. This falsifies the

statement, reflecting LO2’s emphasis on feasible environmental solutions in construction.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Energy Efficiency in Construction, Section on Zero-Carbon

Buildings.

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Size and dimensions determine the warehouse’s capacity and space allocation across departments.

The CIPS L3M6 syllabus identifies this as a key layout factor for optimizing storage and workflow,

making it the correct answer.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Socially Responsible Warehousing and Distribution, Learning Outcome 3 (LO3)

– Understand methods for the storage and movement of inventory.

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Land Take describes converting rural land for industrial use, like a factory, per CIPS L3M6 module. It’s

an LO2 concern due to habitat loss and emissions from new supply chains. Other terms lack this

specificity, making “Land Take” correct.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Land Take, Section on Rural Impact.

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Good corporate citizenship involves managing:

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Use of Natural Resources: Sustainably sourcing materials.

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Waste: Reducing and recycling waste outputs.

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Water Consumption: Minimizing water use and pollution.

The CIPS L3M6 module cites these as practical examples of CSR and environmental responsibility in

action.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Corporate Citizenship.

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An exceptionally low base price often signals cost-cutting measures in the supply chain, which can

include poor working conditions (e.g., low wages, unsafe environments) and compromises on quality

(e.g., substandard materials). The CIPS L3M6 module highlights that sustainable procurement

involves assessing such risks, as low prices may reflect unethical practices that contradict CSR

principles. This can lead to reputational damage and legal liabilities for organizations.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Risks.

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Diversity in the supply chain—geographical, cultural, or ethnic—can enhance innovation, resilience,

and market reach, benefiting organizations. However, it also introduces challenges such as cultural

misunderstandings or logistical issues from differing time zones. The CIPS L3M6 module recognizes

these dual aspects, advocating for strategies to manage diversity effectively as part of sustainable

procurement and CSR.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Diversity in Supply Chains.

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The media’s role in environmental awareness is not always negative; it can be positive or neutral.

The CIPS L3M6 module explains that while it highlights failures (e.g., oil spills), it also promotes

positive action—e.g., praising green innovations or pressuring policy change. For instance, coverage

of a firm’s solar-powered warehouse can inspire sustainability in supply chains. This dual role makes

the statement false, aligning with LO2’s view of media as a balanced influencer.

Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Media Influence, Section on Environmental Reporting.

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