What external factor could contribute to a company's environmental impact?

Outsourcing and offshoring can significantly influence a company's environmental impact because these practices often involve transferring production or services to locations where environmental regulations may differ from those in the company's home country. This can lead to increased pollution, resource depletion, and poorer environmental practices if the new locations do not adhere to stringent environmental standards. Companies may seek lower costs through outsourcing, but this can come at the expense of higher environmental burdens in the regions where operations are relocated. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for organizations aiming to minimize their overall environmental footprint and enhance sustainability practices.

In contrast, brand recognition primarily affects consumer perceptions and market positioning rather than directly influencing environmental outcomes. Partnerships with NGOs typically aim to improve sustainability and focus on enhancing companies' environmental stewardship, while employee training programs serve to boost sustainability awareness and practices internally but do not directly contribute to external environmental impacts.