Eco-efficiency: The Business Link to Sustainable Development
By addebook • Oct 3rd, 2008 • Category: Biology
Eco-efficiency: The Business Link to Sustainable Development
Eco-efficiency: The Business Link to Sustainable Development
By Livio D. Desimone, Frank Popoff
Publisher: MIT Press (MA)
Number Of Pages: 292
Publication Date: 1997-10-31
ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0262041626
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780262041621
Binding: Hardcover
with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development
“An understanding of the business value to be gained from efficient use of natural resources is an important first step toward sustainability: toward building a world in which resources are managed to meet the needs of all people now and in the future. I hope all business leaders will read this book and take its message to heart.” — Jonathan Lash, President, World Resources Institute
Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, many companies have become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their activities and of how good environmental practices can provide a competitive advantage. The term “eco-efficiency” describes business activities that create economic value while reducing ecological impact and resource use. This book describes the principles of eco-efficiency and presents case studies of a number of international companies, including 3M and the Dow Chemical Company. It also discusses the value of partnerships–with other companies, business associations, communities, regulators, and environmental and other non-governmental groups. In the conclusion, the authors argue that business must change to become eco-efficient and that governments need to change the conditions under which business operates, including tax and regulatory regimes, to make them more conducive to eco-efficiency. Livio D. DeSimone, CEO of 3M, and Frank Popoff, Chairman of the Dow Chemical Company, wrote the book with the World business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The WBSCD is a global organization that acts as business’s advocate on issues related to the environment and sustainable development.
Summary: Highly Recommended!
Rating: 5
Their environmental passion is heartfelt, but the authors of Eco-Efficiency: The Business Link to Sustainable Development are no tree huggers. Livio D. DeSimone is chairman and chief executive officer of 3M and Frank Popoff is chairman of Dow Chemical. The co-authors’ status as corporate titans lends credibility to their positions. The planet’s fragile ecology is in danger of being destroyed by its inhabitants and large corporations bear much of the responsibility for saving the environment, they write. This isn’t a screed, though. Rather, it’s a reasoned guide to making your company more profitable and more environmentally friendly at the same time. The “eco” in their favorite buzzword, eco-efficiency, refers to both economics and the ecology. By examining their processes, companies can reduce waste that’s costly financially and ecologically, they argue. Due to its measured, balanced analysis of the relationship between business and the environment, we at getAbstract strongly recommend this book to all executives and students, especially those who have a real concern for the environment, but find themselves frustrated at the strident tone of many environmentalists.
Summary: Thorough, but one sided.
Rating: 4
Eco-efficiency provides a thorough diagnosis of what is necessary for business to grow and become more economically and ecologically efficient in a changing world, as well as providing arguments for how governments have to allow open markets to promote sustainable development. However the views are one sided, barely addressing legitimate arguments. Also, it is difficult to trust the athors who are both CEOs of companies not historically known for ‘green’ efficiency. And, if you can’t trust the messenger, how can you trust the message?
Summary: A must to every business manager
Rating: 5
A must to every business manager which is not yet familiar with the concept and practice of eco-efficiency.
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