Building to Last: The challenge for business leaders

The major challenge for companies is to create a business that will last. This means they have to take seriously the issue of sustainable development, rather than simply having an environmental policy, conducting social or environmental audits or consulting the stakeholder. It requires more radical change; a thorough review of core values and purposes, with attention to the 'triple bottom line' of money, people and nature. Building to Last shows the way. Part One lays out the factors, including market trends and changing mindsets, which businesses will in future have to take into account. Part Two looks at some of the most enlightened steps so far taken by companies to preserve or enhance profitability while positioning themselves for the next century. The final part examines the different ways in which business can adopt principles of sustainability: independently, through industry associations, with those in their local community and through initiatives and through initiatives such as industrial ecology. It shows how businesses can manage the new challenges, monitor their performance and measure progress towards solutions that will last. This is a useful guide for environmental managers, senior and middle managers and managers of SMEs; and an essential text for academics and students of business schools or courses. Colin Hutchinson is an independent Sustainable Development Facilitator working with businesses, local authorities and environmental charities. He is a member of the Council of the Association for Management, Education and Development and a former Chairman of Sheppard Moscow Ltd. Originally published in 1997

Table of Contents:
List of Figures List of Tables List of Abbreviations Acknowledgements Foreword Introduction Part 1 Our Changing World 1. An Emerging Global Common Purpose The Evolution of Environmental Awareness Business Leaders Get Involved Major Threats to the Earth A Common Predicament, Purpose and Plan Conclusion 2. Change within Communities GNP and the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) Low Profile Trends Traditional Beliefs Contrasted with Emerging Ideas Ethical and Environmental Investments Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Householder Initiatives Diet and Health Organic Farming and Food Alliances and the Real World Coalition Communications Charter 88 and the Campaign for a New UK Constitution Conclusion 3. Markets and Mindsets Market Surveys Tomorrow's Company MORI Market Research Product Labelling Social Values What Stimulates Businesses to Take Action on Environmental Matters? Why Organisations Avoid the Environment Mindsets Personal Agenda for Action Conclusion 4. Sustainable Development and Sustainable Enterprise The Role of Government Sustainable Societies Environmental Impact and Carrying Capacity Towards Sustainability The Natural Step The New Agenda for Business Conclusion Part 2 Three Approaches 5. Organisations Going it Alone Environmental Policies Financial Sector Companies and Sustainable Development Procter & Gamble Rank Xerox Electrolux The Co-operative Bank B&Q Plc Reclamation Services Limited How to Assess Strategic Integration of Environmental Matters Conclusion 6. Industry and Professional Associations Chemical lndustry Forest Stewardship Council Marine Stewardship Council International Hotels Environment Initiative Engineering Profession Some Other Important Initiatives Conclusion 7. Industrial Ecology and Community Renewal Industrial Ecology Community Renewal Local Agenda 21 Conclusion Part 3 Managing, Measuring and Initiating 8. Managing Environment and Sustainability Sources of Inspiration Positioning The Scope of Environmental Management Values Closing the Loop Total Quality Management (TQM) Organising Environmental Management Environmental Management Systems (EMS) People and Learning Conclusion 9. Measuring Performance and Reporting Progress The UK Government's Approach Indicators for Enterprise The Web of Life The Natural Step A Simple Framework Measuring Corporate Performance Corporate Environmental Reports (CERs) Conclusion 10. Taking Initiatives Practical Methods Task Forces Awaydays Vision and Values Changing Mindsets The Smaller Business Working with 'Campaigners' Local Agenda 21 Applying ESI Beyond Leadership Transitions Building to Last Leadership Conclusion Appendix 1 : Why and How Some Organisations Go Further Appendix 2: Small Firms and the Environment Appendix 3: Moving to the New Paradigm Notes index

Review :
'This book will no doubt prove to be a valuable textbook, but it will be even more useful to businesses, to consultants advising businesses, to environmentalists working with businesses, and finally to governments and their concerned, but often ill-informed, citizens. I commend it to the wide audience it deserves.' John Speirs, Managing Director, Norsk Hydro UK