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Sustainability
Essentials for Business

First Edition


April 2013 | 440 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The first survey text of its kind to provide a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between business and sustainability, Sustainability: Essentials for Business gives students a thorough understanding of the complex interaction between the needs of society versus the ecological limits on natural resources. Part I provides readers with a foundation for developing a clear understanding of the major issues confronting our natural resources, such as wasted resources and polluted environments. Part II, Renewable Resources, discusses natural resources such as air, water, forests, soil, biodiversity, and energy to provide students with a starting point so that the later chapters on environmental challenges can be framed within an appropriate context. Part III, Stakeholder Interest and Choices, presents stakeholder perspectives such as the role of consumers, the role of corporations, and the role of governments and NGOs. This section also includes a comprehensive discussion of strategies and frameworks used to understand and implement sustainability. Part IV, Strategies for a Sustainable Future, presents chapters on reporting and measurement, carbon markets, the design of sustainable cities, and green marketing. This must-read text focuses on the three "Ps": planet, people, and profit.


 
I. SUSTAINABILITY--ESSENTIALS FOR BUSINESS
 
Introduction
 
II. RENEWABLE RESOURCES
 
1. Air and Climate Issues
 
2. Water Issues
 
3. Sustainable Agriculture and Food
 
4. Forests, Wildlife, and Biodiversity
 
5. Alternative Clean Energy and Fuels
 
III. STAKEHOLDER INTEREST AND CHOICES
 
6. Sustainability Strategies and Frameworks
 
7. Role of the Consumer
 
8. Role of the Corporation
 
9. Role of Governments and Nongovernmental Organizations
 
IV. STRATEGIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
 
10. Transparent Reporting, Measurement, and Metrics
 
11. Carbon Markets: Offsets and Standards
 
12. Designing Sustainable Cities and Communities
 
13. Green Marketing

The book is really well presented and i like that everything is well explained. This is an easy book for students to pick up and find information, it is also thorough

Dr Elaine Ritch
Not list, Stirling University
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This book is accessible and well-organised. Unfortunately it lacks critical reflections and fails to address significant controversies and contestations in the field.

Dr Emanuela Girei
Psychology, Franklin College
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I was surprised to discover that this book was of such low academic quality. There is practically nothing new to be discovered besides the typical 'People, Planet, Profit' (combination of social, ecological, and economic interests), and very few critical reflections or useful case studies. Overall, analytical rigor is missing, and the book reads as if it is a draft of a Masters' thesis in need of supervisor's comments.

What's more, the book is written in poor English, some sections contain just a few quotations from other sources.... In other words, not something that could be used as a student textbook or anything close to the guide on strategic change for sustainability

Dr Helen Kopnina
International Business Management, The Hague University
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Most comprehensive book out there right now

Dr Helen Proeber
Business Info Technology Div, Blackhawk Technical College
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the book provides good coverage of key topics in the field of sustainability studies. it provides good background reading for students who do not attend the course as well.

Dr Laura Colucci-Gray
School of Education, Aberdeen University
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Sustainable Enterprise was better in my view.

Dr Lawrence Audler
Business Administration , Our Lady of Holy Cross College
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A helpful overview of sustainability issues related to businesses.

Dr Shona Russell
School of Management, St Andrews University
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A very good overview of sustainability, however from my point of view the book only gives a brief overview of many different topics. Whilst is not as in-depth as I would have liked for my students, it is a good "starter" book to advise where to look for more research."

Miss Charlotte Goddard
Business and Science, Hull College
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An easily accessible book that provides case studies. I felt the book provided a solid insight to the difficulties being faced by organisation when discussing sustainability.

An enjoyable read recommended to entry level.

Mr Daniel Slade
Work Place Learning , City of Bristol College
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I found the topics covered in this book very beneficial to my students in emphasising the importance of sustainability and how this helps businesses to survive. I have recommended that they get a copy to enhance their knowledge and assist with their learning.

Mr Douglas Lawrence
My Department is not Listed, Great Yarmouth College
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Key features

Key Features:

  • In-depth exploration of the relationship between environmental science and business, a first for business texts, provides students with new insight into a key aspect of today's business environment.
  • Unique focus on the triple bottom line of business, achieved by breaking sections into the three categories: natural capital (planet), human capital (people), and financial capital (profits).
  • Coverage of multiple business functions, such as operations, marketing, and strategy, are covered.
  • Controversial topics such as global warming are presented from both sides of the current debate, providing opportunities for rich classroom discussion.
  • Suggested case studies from Harvard Business School Publishing and Darden Publishing in the latter chapters show students real-life applications of key concepts.
  • A selection of websites for further information and exploration are included for each chapter.

Sample Materials & Chapters

TOC

CH 1

CH 9