The document discusses different perspectives on the relationship between business and the environment. Several experts were interviewed and offered the following views:
- Win-win solutions that benefit both the environment and business's financial interests should be the goal, but are rare in practice. Regulations often impose real costs on companies to force them to address environmental externalities.
- Flexible, market-based policy instruments can help reduce costs of environmental regulations for businesses while still achieving policy goals. Farsighted companies that anticipate future market and social trends have been able to adapt successfully to changing environmental standards.
- Effective corporate environmental management systems are needed to take advantage of opportunities created by flexible government policies to continuously improve performance in a cost-effective
Expert Insight from IBM Institute of Business Value
Environmental sustainability is no longer just a corporate social responsibility (CSR) issue. Nor is it important only for compliance and reporting purposes. It is, in fact, an imperative in the fullest sense of the word.
Digital technologies—especially exponential ones—make possible many market-based mechanisms that drive change and innovation. In particular, they can support incentive mechanisms for action at a scale and speed that would be impossible through the traditional means of regulations and government intervention.
GREEN MANAGEMENT: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FOR ...Muhammad Nazri Abdul Halim
There is an increasing awareness of environmental and safe-products for international businesses. Environmental, sustainability and green management provides opportunities to Malaysian SMEs to explore the international market and find new customer segment. Eco-centric and techno-centric paradigms allow for the discussion of green management and highlight business management theory for environmental segments.
ESG is best characterized as a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria.
Expert Insight from IBM Institute of Business Value
Environmental sustainability is no longer just a corporate social responsibility (CSR) issue. Nor is it important only for compliance and reporting purposes. It is, in fact, an imperative in the fullest sense of the word.
Digital technologies—especially exponential ones—make possible many market-based mechanisms that drive change and innovation. In particular, they can support incentive mechanisms for action at a scale and speed that would be impossible through the traditional means of regulations and government intervention.
GREEN MANAGEMENT: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FOR ...Muhammad Nazri Abdul Halim
There is an increasing awareness of environmental and safe-products for international businesses. Environmental, sustainability and green management provides opportunities to Malaysian SMEs to explore the international market and find new customer segment. Eco-centric and techno-centric paradigms allow for the discussion of green management and highlight business management theory for environmental segments.
ESG is best characterized as a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria.
How Innovation and Technology Will Fuel the Transition to Sustainable Enterpr...EricCuka
This report has been created to provide insight as to why businesses should adopt sustainability practices into their core business strategies. Innovation and technology have not only created increased pressure and transparency, they have also created enormous opportunity for businesses in today's high-demand economy. There are incredible examples covered in the included research which demonstrate how organizations have utilized eco-efficiencies to increase margins while simultaneously benefiting both core and fringe stakeholders. The key concept of this paper is to encourage companies to embrace sustainability into their corporate culture in order to fuel innovation and create competitive advantages. Technology can be leveraged in a wide array of possibilities to maximize operational efficiencies, increase margins, and impact society at the same time. The research conducted to support the main argument of this report includes readings from Saint Cloud State University's MBA 605 - Strategies for Sustainable Development class, as well as multiple external readings from credible internet sources.
Anyone who is employed in a technology field will find this report especially interesting; however, the content is relevant to multiple areas of business and business strategy. Whether you are passionate about sustainability or not, the research in this paper will apply to you if you are interested in maximizing operational efficiencies through innovation and technology. The key eco-efficiencies covered include: reduced material and waste expenses, reduced energy expenses, and reduced water expenses. As companies embrace technology, combined with a sustainable strategy, additional innovations will be constructed as these companies strive towards becoming sustainable. The bottom line is that technology and innovation will fuel the transition to sustainable enterprises. Is your company going to be left behind?
By Brandon Boze, Margarita Krivitski, David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, and Eva Zlotnicka
Stanford Closer Look Series
May 23, 2019
Recently, there has been debate among corporate managers, board of directors, and institutional investors around how best to incorporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors into strategic and investment decision-making processes. In this Closer Look, we examine a framework informed by the experience of ValueAct Capital and include case examples.
We ask:
• What is the investment horizon prevalent among most companies today?
• Do companies miss long-term opportunities because of a focus on short-term costs?
• How many companies have an opportunity to profitably invest in ESG solutions?
• What factors determine whether a company can profitably invest in ESG solutions?
• Can investors earn competitive risk-adjusted returns through ESG investments?
• If so, how widespread is this opportunity?
The MSLGROUP paper on "Value and Values: A Winning Business Strategy" discusses the benefits of economic stewardship and ways to develop an environmentally sustainable approach to business.
A mix of traditional, market-derived and selfimposed regulation is helping the mining and other industries to more effectively protect the environment. Proper environmental management can no longer be viewed as a constraint to business. Rather, it creates an opportunity for smart companies to demonstrate their capacity for market leadership, resulting in greater support from investors, customers and the wider community. The commercial benefits of a proactive approach to environmental management are becoming clearer. Rather than relying on reactive, compliance-based approaches, businesses are now recognising that efficient management in the environmental arena, which harnesses the benefits of selfregulation, is good for business. It helps creates a better image that in current markets attracts investors and new customers and managers are now able to acknowledge that environmental issues should be integrated into all aspects of daily business activity.
Green Rush: The Economic Imperative for SustainabilityCognizant
Green business is good business, according to our recent research, whether for companies monetizing tech tools used for sustainability or for those that see the impact of these initiatives on business goals.
How sustainable is your business? Businesses can not have a positive and sustainable impact if don't measure and control the impact of their supply chains. Learn how to make the supply chain more sustainable.
Find more at urbantz.com
Business must be the major driver of innovation and sustainability in our society if we are to avoid a “perfect storm” of resource scarcity, climate change, and pollution. The “triple bottom line” concept is a response to this need, but its use is limited because it does not address the competitive strategy of the firm. A strategy-based balanced scorecard system aligned with principles of the Triple Bottom Line offers a way to accomplish social and environmental goals while integrating them fully with financial performance and competitive advantage.
Enlightened businesses are seeking to future-proof themselves over the long term by aiming to decouple business growth from increasing environmental and social damage, eliminate negative impacts, or even generate restorative/net-positive impacts. Others are going even further, innovating entirely new resilient ways of working, and exploiting the opportunities in global trade around solutions that tackle pollution, congestion, resource scarcity and other international challenges.
The purpose of this report is to highlight actions that large firms have taken to transform their business models towards sustainability.
How Innovation and Technology Will Fuel the Transition to Sustainable Enterpr...EricCuka
This report has been created to provide insight as to why businesses should adopt sustainability practices into their core business strategies. Innovation and technology have not only created increased pressure and transparency, they have also created enormous opportunity for businesses in today's high-demand economy. There are incredible examples covered in the included research which demonstrate how organizations have utilized eco-efficiencies to increase margins while simultaneously benefiting both core and fringe stakeholders. The key concept of this paper is to encourage companies to embrace sustainability into their corporate culture in order to fuel innovation and create competitive advantages. Technology can be leveraged in a wide array of possibilities to maximize operational efficiencies, increase margins, and impact society at the same time. The research conducted to support the main argument of this report includes readings from Saint Cloud State University's MBA 605 - Strategies for Sustainable Development class, as well as multiple external readings from credible internet sources.
Anyone who is employed in a technology field will find this report especially interesting; however, the content is relevant to multiple areas of business and business strategy. Whether you are passionate about sustainability or not, the research in this paper will apply to you if you are interested in maximizing operational efficiencies through innovation and technology. The key eco-efficiencies covered include: reduced material and waste expenses, reduced energy expenses, and reduced water expenses. As companies embrace technology, combined with a sustainable strategy, additional innovations will be constructed as these companies strive towards becoming sustainable. The bottom line is that technology and innovation will fuel the transition to sustainable enterprises. Is your company going to be left behind?
By Brandon Boze, Margarita Krivitski, David F. Larcker, Brian Tayan, and Eva Zlotnicka
Stanford Closer Look Series
May 23, 2019
Recently, there has been debate among corporate managers, board of directors, and institutional investors around how best to incorporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors into strategic and investment decision-making processes. In this Closer Look, we examine a framework informed by the experience of ValueAct Capital and include case examples.
We ask:
• What is the investment horizon prevalent among most companies today?
• Do companies miss long-term opportunities because of a focus on short-term costs?
• How many companies have an opportunity to profitably invest in ESG solutions?
• What factors determine whether a company can profitably invest in ESG solutions?
• Can investors earn competitive risk-adjusted returns through ESG investments?
• If so, how widespread is this opportunity?
The MSLGROUP paper on "Value and Values: A Winning Business Strategy" discusses the benefits of economic stewardship and ways to develop an environmentally sustainable approach to business.
A mix of traditional, market-derived and selfimposed regulation is helping the mining and other industries to more effectively protect the environment. Proper environmental management can no longer be viewed as a constraint to business. Rather, it creates an opportunity for smart companies to demonstrate their capacity for market leadership, resulting in greater support from investors, customers and the wider community. The commercial benefits of a proactive approach to environmental management are becoming clearer. Rather than relying on reactive, compliance-based approaches, businesses are now recognising that efficient management in the environmental arena, which harnesses the benefits of selfregulation, is good for business. It helps creates a better image that in current markets attracts investors and new customers and managers are now able to acknowledge that environmental issues should be integrated into all aspects of daily business activity.
Green Rush: The Economic Imperative for SustainabilityCognizant
Green business is good business, according to our recent research, whether for companies monetizing tech tools used for sustainability or for those that see the impact of these initiatives on business goals.
How sustainable is your business? Businesses can not have a positive and sustainable impact if don't measure and control the impact of their supply chains. Learn how to make the supply chain more sustainable.
Find more at urbantz.com
Business must be the major driver of innovation and sustainability in our society if we are to avoid a “perfect storm” of resource scarcity, climate change, and pollution. The “triple bottom line” concept is a response to this need, but its use is limited because it does not address the competitive strategy of the firm. A strategy-based balanced scorecard system aligned with principles of the Triple Bottom Line offers a way to accomplish social and environmental goals while integrating them fully with financial performance and competitive advantage.
Enlightened businesses are seeking to future-proof themselves over the long term by aiming to decouple business growth from increasing environmental and social damage, eliminate negative impacts, or even generate restorative/net-positive impacts. Others are going even further, innovating entirely new resilient ways of working, and exploiting the opportunities in global trade around solutions that tackle pollution, congestion, resource scarcity and other international challenges.
The purpose of this report is to highlight actions that large firms have taken to transform their business models towards sustainability.
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
2. The traditional view has been that addressing environmental issues poses a dilemma for
managers: either help the environment at the expense of business or harm the business
while protecting the environment.
However, a new perspective suggests a reconciliation of environmental and economic
concerns. In this approach, being environmentally friendly is not just a cost of doing
business but a driver of innovation, new market opportunities, and wealth creation.
The idea is that by redesigning products to use fewer harmful materials, businesses can
cut manufacturing costs and save on inventory.
“Ten experts assess both viewpoints and offer their comments.
Should “win-win” solutions should be the foundation of a company’s
environmental strategy?”
3. Richard A. Clarke is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric
Company, San Francisco, California.
There is a narrow focus on going beyond compliance in reducing industrial pollution,
advocating for a broader approach that involves fundamental changes in products, services,
and business strategies. An example from Pacific Gas and Electric, where energy-efficient
systems in a federal building resulted in significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
The call is for a farsighted program with innovative solutions that address environmental
challenges comprehensively, removing barriers, providing incentives, and integrating
various policies to support mutual economic, environmental, and industrial goals.
“We need a farsighted program and innovative, creative solutions to
address the environmental challenge. We need a comprehensive, forward-
looking approach in which current barriers and disincentives are removed”
4. Robert N. Stavins is Associate Professor of Public Policy, John F. Kennedy School of
Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Over the past 25 years, the United States has spent over $1 trillion on addressing
environmental threats from commercial activities. During this period, the country has
shifted from a trade balance to a chronic trade deficit.
Many believe that environmental regulations have negatively impacted the
competitiveness of U.S. industry, leading to decreased exports, increased imports, and a
shift of manufacturing capacity overseas, especially in pollution-intensive industries.
The conventional wisdom suggests that environmental regulations impose significant
costs on private industry, slowing productivity growth.
“To address this, policymakers should establish environmental priorities
based on a careful balance of benefits and costs, aiming to reduce these
costs through flexible and cost-effective policy instruments, including
market-based approaches.”
5. Joan L. Bavaria is President, Franklin Research & Development Corporation; and Co-
Chair and CEO, Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES), Boston,
Massachusetts.
The concept of win-win, suggesting that environmental expenditures can benefit both
businesses and the environment, is often seen as an economic miracle. However,
skepticism arises, as it's acknowledged that such situations are rare. While some
companies may profit from higher environmental standards or government regulations,
this occurs under specific circumstances.
Making products for environmentally conscious consumers, for example, has limitations
and potential drawbacks. The motivation for companies to adopt higher standards is
often defensive, driven by rising disposal costs, tougher legal liabilities, and the fear of
pollution-related consequences.
“Companies in some industries must challenge their reason for being, or
their core competencies. Is an oil company in the oil business long term,
or in the fuel business, or in the energy business?”
6. Frances Cairncross is Environment Editor, The Economist, London, England.
Win-win is a wonderful concept. It implies that economic oxymoron, a free lunch. No
wonder politicians and chief executives long to be told that environmental expenditures
are good for business.
Sometimes it is in the commercial interests of the company’s shareholders to adopt
higher environmental standards. Sometimes, too, companies make money because
governments tighten environmental regulations. But those results occur in rather special
circumstances. It may be in a company’s commercial interest to raise its standards mainly
for defensive reasons. In most countries, the cost of disposing of toxic waste has been
rising; the legal liabilities for pollution have become tougher; and companies are
increasingly at risk of liability for past contamination. Fear, not greed, has driven most
corporate environmental policies.
“It is not surprising that tougher environmental standards impose costs
on companies. The aim of such standards, after all, is to force polluters to
internalize costs previously inflicted on society.”
7. Bruce Smart is Senior Fellow, World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C.
It’s not easy being green. But it’s also not easy anticipating markets, technologies, or
social trends. Management is a difficult profession, and the environment is becoming an
increasingly important component in decision making.
Nor is a new, unsettling variable such as the environment unprecedented. Imagine the
consternation of nineteenth-century industrialists faced with child labor laws or the
dismay of their successors contemplating the new income tax, the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and the Wagner Act, all of which dramatically altered their costs
and changed their business practices. In such circumstances, farsighted and nimble
companies prosper and laggards decline. Such is the way of a dynamic economic system.
Policymakers must recognize that environmental resources are often owned “in common”
or not “owned” at all, and are therefore not priced or underpriced to those who use
them.
“The goal is an environmental protocol that is friendly to both business
and society.”
8. Johan Piet is Professor, Institute of Environmental Control Science, University of
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The environmental value of products will be weighed against financial value and
consumer preferences, necessitating a vision of sustainability for executives. The survival
of "win-win" companies is crucial, but not all such ideas will succeed, requiring managers
to adopt a methodology for discovering solutions that yield the greatest benefits.
“Only win-win companies will survive, but that does not mean that all
win-win ideas will be successful. Managers need a methodology for
discovering solutions that yield the greatest benefits.”
The Pollution Prevention Pays (PPP) program has been very popular in the Netherlands in
recent years. A methodology called PRISMA was developed to trace prevention options.
Most savings could be realized by increasing efficiency. Also, in our experience, the most
extensive environmental benefits could be attained at only high costs.
Objections to PPP include: it measures benefits in terms of cash flow, not environmental
impact; it doesn’t account for all environmental issues; and improvements may not
continue if they are costly.
9. Richard P. Wells is Vice President and Director, Corporate Environmental Consulting, Abt
Associates, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Flexible government regulations can create opportunities for environmental initiatives,
but effective corporate management systems must leverage them. Traditionally,
regulations focused on the imbalance between private and social costs. Initiatives like the
Toxics Release Inventory and the EPA's 33/50 Program aim to provide better information
for corporate decision-making. Greater flexibility allows industries to craft more cost-
effective initiatives, as seen in DuPont's analysis, which found that internally generated
environmental initiatives are three times as cost-effective on average compared to those
responding to government regulations.
“The key to maintaining continuous environmental improvement is
management, not technology. Cost-effective technologies will emerge so
long as management systems identify, prioritize, and evaluate
environmental opportunities.”
10. Rob Gray is the Matthew Professor of Accounting and Information Systems, Director,
Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research, University of Dundee,
Dundee, Scotland.
In Europe and North America, companies are responding to voluntary, semi-voluntary,
and legislative pressures to align with market trends. Initiatives like voluntary
environmental reporting and supplier-chain audits, along with various European Union
programs, create challenges and expenses for businesses aiming to meet environmental
standards. The idea that business can sustain itself while continuing with current
practices seems questionable, and whether this is viewed as a cost or benefit, threat or
opportunity, depends on one's perspective. The call is made to move beyond the rhetoric
of win-win situations for the sake of both business and the environment.
“The case for business continuing as it is and being sustainable looks very
thin. Whether that is a cost or a benefit, a threat or an opportunity,
depends on your point of view.”
11. Kurt Fischer and Johan Schot are, respectively, U.S. Coordinator and European
Coordinator, Greening of Industry Network, University of Twente, Enschede, The
Netherlands.
The integration of environmental factors into business strategy is seen as a complex and
innovative process. Three crucial elements are highlighted: first, businesses must find
ways to produce economically valuable goods and services while significantly reducing
their ecological impact. New standards for environmental efficiency, extending beyond
shareholder value, need to be established, measuring progress based on value added for
each unit of ecological cost. This involves absolute as well as relative performance to
ensure sustainability within the Earth's limits.
“Companies must develop new relationships with employees,
environmental groups, customers, the public at large, and governments.
Such relationships will widen the scope of accountability and
involvement of all parties in a learning process.”