Overview

Sustainable Business: Key Issues is the first comprehensive introductory-level textbook to address the interface between environmental challenges and business solutions to provide an overview of the basic concepts of sustainability, sustainable business, and business ethics. Fully updated for the third edition to take into account recent developments and trends, such as the climate emergency, COVID-19, and supply chain sustainability, this textbook introduces students to the background and key issues of sustainability and suggests ways in which these concepts can be applied in business practice. Though the book takes a business perspective, it is interdisciplinary in its nature and draws on knowledge from socio-economic, political, and environmental studies, thereby providing a critical understanding of sustainability in the changing paradigm of global business. It goes beyond the conventional theories of sustainability and addresses critical issues concerned with population, consumption, and economic growth. It discusses realistic ways forward, in particular, the circular economy and Cradle to Cradle frameworks. The book is both a theoretical and a practical study guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students of broad areas of sustainability, teaching ways to recognize opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of environmental, economic, ethical, and social systems. It takes a strategic approach in applying the power of business methods and policy to address issues of global importance such as climate change, poverty, ecosystem degradation, and human rights. This textbook is essential reading for students of business, management, and sustainability courses. It is written in an engaging and accessible style, with each chapter including case studies, discussion questions, and end of chapter summaries.

Full Product Details

Author:   Helen Kopnina (University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) ,  Rory Padfield ,  Josephine Mylan
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Edition:   3rd edition
Weight:   0.775kg
ISBN:  

9781032209708

ISBN 10:   1032209704
Pages:   302
Publication Date:   14 June 2023
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

"Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables List of Boxes Foreword to new edition Acknowledgements List of abbreviations SECTION I. KEY CONCEPTS Chapter 1. Introduction: Key concepts in sustainability and business What is this book about? Brief definition of sustainability Evolution of sustainability thinking Business sustainability Why do business sustainably? Social and economic sustainability: linking business and society Environmental sustainability: linking business and environment Eco-efficiency Introducing Cradle to Cradle and circular economy What links business, ethics and sustainability? How to do business ethically and sustainably? Chapter organization Case study Patagonia Key terms Discussion questions Class Activity: How to save the planet: Degrowth vs Green Growth? End of chapter summary Chapter 2. Business ethics Linking Sustainability and ethics Different types of ethics Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) From CSR to corporate citizenship Human Rights Labour issues: Poverty, pay and working conditions Fairtrade Business & Poverty - ‘bottom of the pyramid’ Animal welfare Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Corporate governance Case study: Volkswagen’s response to the ‘emissions scandal’: Was it ethical? Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity: Volkswagen SECTION II CRITICAL EVALUATION: KEY CHALLENGES Chapter 3. Environmental challenges What is meant by environment? Environmental impacts Environmental problems Climate change Failing goals of reducing emissions Corporate response to climate change Loss of biodiversity Limits to growth Pollution and the industrial disasters Waste Causes and Explanations Historical causes Tragedy of the commons Political causes Commodification of nature Ecological Restoration and Pollution Control Ethical considerations Environmental values Case study: Shell and the Sustainable Development Goals Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity Chapter 4. Social and economic challenges Poverty Origins of poverty Poverty and sustainability Economic development Inequality and development Post-colonialism and neo-colonialism Population growth Causes of population growth Demographic transition theory What is sustainable development? Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Sustainable development paradox Sustainable development and inequality Business and sustainable development The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Managing sustainable development in business Case study: Who is the Victim of Climate Change? Question Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity: Debate Economic growth can be decoupled from increase in consumption of natural resources Chapter 5. Key challenges for making sustainability a reality The changing global business environment Paradoxes of sustainability Possibility vs. Dream Practical challenges Globalization of consumption Disputing the mainstream sustainable business models Short-term and long-term solutions Critique of the triple bottom line Critique of ""sustainable"" consumption Rebound effect Tackling oil dependency and climate skepticism Ethical challenges Intergenerational Justice Biospheric Egalitarianism Environmental justice vs. ecological justice Charity paradox The question of demographics The role of decision-makers Case study: Smart phones at school Questions Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity No Impact man SECTION III. GLOBALIZATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND NEW TRENDS IN BUSINESS Chapter 6. Globalization and business What is meant by globalization? Schools of globalization thinkers ""Risk society"" The relationship between globalization and sustainability Global organizations concerned with sustainability Globalization of sustainability concerns The greening of global supply chains Globalization of technology Health: Medical technology Agriculture: The Green Revolution Manufacturing: Fordism and Post-Fordism Technology: Energy Digital Technology The Internet of Things Globalization of neo-liberal democracy ‘Groupthink’ or cultural hegemony: global spread Theories of development and innovation Ecological Kuznets Curve Ecological modernization theory Post-material value theory Case studies: 3-D printing Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity Imagine you are the CEO of a global company Chapter 7. Strategic Change for Sustainability Sustainability and Competitive advantage Knowledge management Creativity and innovation Corporate Visioning Green marketing and customer engagement Green shopping and market segmentation Responsible advertising Brand value and sustainability Role of Consultancies in promoting sustainability Case Study: ‘B Corp’ Certification Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity: Marketing a green enterprise Chapter 8. Human Resource Management, green jobs and a green economy Knowledge and Skills: Human Resource Development Sustainability and HRM Whistleblowing HR and the social ecology of the organization Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Acquiring Ecological Self Knowledge UN Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) Sustainability and Leadership Decent and Sustainable Work Green Jobs in a Green[ing] Economy Eco-entrepreneurship Case Study: Unilever, Oxfam and Labour Rights in Vietnam Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity Imagine you are head of an HR team SECTION V SOLUTIONS Chapter 9. Creating Sustainable Business Practice Government regulation and policy Polluter Pays Principle The Precautionary Principle Extended Producer Responsibility The Participatory Principle Environmental management systems Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Sustainable supply chain management Change management Natural Step Eco-labels Sharing networks Corporate Reporting Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Green Accounting systems and Investment strategies Case study: Supply chain innovation within the palm oil industry Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity: Companies meeting SDGs Chapter 10. New strategic thinking Structural and social solutions Collaboration and stakeholder engagement Communication: ‘Talking the Walk’ initiatives Understanding sustainable consumption Consumer choice editing Sharing economy Realizing impacts: direct and indirect Private and public action Business and NGO cooperation Green and ethical investment Business and technological solutions Business ecology Industrial ecology Life cycle assessment Sustainable Design Biomimicry The Blue Economy Case study: the rise of ‘slow fashion’ Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity: Sustainable and ethical investment Chapter 11. Cradle to Cradle Cradle to Cradle (C2C): the cycle of rebirth Cradle-to-grave Being ‘all good’: eco-efficiency versus eco-effectiveness Nutrient cycles Key principles of C2C Waste = food Use current solar income Celebrate diversity C2C Certification schemes Material Health Material Reutilization Renewable Energy and Carbon Management Water Stewardship Social Fairness Incorporating Cradle to Cradle design into products Challenges to C2C Case studies: Olio: Addressing food waste via an innovative circular business model Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity: Student assignments Cradle to Cradle Chapter 12. Towards circular economy From optimizing existing models to revolutionary change Background of circular economy concept Drivers of change Ellen MacArthur Foundation Product-service systems (PSS) The question of design Organization of processes Disruptive innovation Assessing progress towards circularity Selected similarities between sustainability and the circular economy The risk of subversion Scaling up circular economy Closing the loop Summarizing hopeful sustainability frameworks Case study: The circular economy – business as usual or a necessary change? Key terms Discussion questions End of chapter summary Class Activity: Cradle to Cradle and a circular economy Glossary Bibliography Index"

Reviews

"""Sustainable Business: Key Issues is the first comprehensive introductory-level textbook to address the interface between environmental and social challenges and business solutions to provide an overview of the basic concepts of sustainability, sustainable business, and business ethics. The book introduces students to the background and key issues of sustainability and suggests ways in which these concepts can be applied in business practice. Though the book takes a business perspective, it is interdisciplinary in its nature and draws on knowledge from socio-economic, political, and environmental studies, thereby providing a practical and critical understanding of sustainability in the changing paradigm of global business. It goes beyond the conventional theories of sustainability and addresses critical issues concerned with population, consumption, and economic growth. It discusses realistic ways forward, the circular economy, Cradle to Cradle, steady-state-economy and degrowth.The book is both a theoretical and practical study guide for undergraduate and postgraduate international students of broad areas of sustainability, teaching ways to recognize opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of environmental, economic, ethical, and social systems. It takes a strategic approach in applying the power of business methods and policy to address issues of global importance such as climate change, poverty, ecosystem degradation, and human rights.This textbook is essential reading for students of business, management, and sustainability courses. It is written in an engaging and accessible style, with each chapter including case studies, discussion questions, end of chapter summaries, and suggestions for further reading. This new edition is updated throughout and contains an additional chapter on the circular economy."" Swales Willis ""Sustainable Business: Key Issues is a solid introductory volume that allows students not only to get familiar with the issues of (un)sustainability in corporate contexts, but learn to recognize global obstacles to sustainability, as well as equip students to find viable solutions from the business perspective. The importance of Cradle to Cradle and circular economy framework is outlined as particularly relevant to strategic management of sustainability."" Frans Meijers, Professor Emeritus, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands ""This book represents a welcome addition to the burgeoning literature on sustainability and business by offering a refreshingly different perspective from many mainline works in the field. The authors couple an insightful critique of current conventional viewpoints on sustainability with a conceptual menu of reasoned alternatives to move our global economic system closer to true sustainability."" Peter N. Nemetz, Professor Emeritus, Strategy and Business Economics, Sauder School of Business, University of BC, Canada ""This book cuts through much of the waffle and jargon about both ‘sustainability’ and ‘business’. Unlike many other books in this area, it does not dodge difficult issues such as overpopulation, overconsumption and ethics. It is not in denial of either humanity’s grave predicament, nor of the solutions urgently needed – which exist and need to be acted on at all levels in society. I strongly recommend this book in its approach to discussing what business practices can be truly sustainable."" Haydn Washington, author of Demystifying Sustainability, and Fellow at the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of New South Wales, Australia ""ustainable Business: Key Issues is a clear, balanced and important introduction to a subject that needs everyone’s close attention. Kopnina and Blewitt have done an excellent job in showing how businesses and business schools can help create a fairer and more sustainable world."" Nicholas Theodorakopoulos, Professor of Entrepreneurship Development, Head of Department, Work and Organisational Psychology, Director, Aston Centre for People and Organisations, UK ""Sustainable Business: Key Issues by Helen Kopnina and John Blewitt provides a valuable introductory text into the (un)sustainability issues and challenges facing current business practice. It provides an accessible yet informative insight into both organisational and systemic issues that businesses face and goes so far as to suggest some potential solutions. It should prove of interest to both students and business practitioners."" Stuart Cooper, Professor of Accounting and Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Bristol, UK ""The book is an accessible text that addresses the most critical challenges of our time which are now framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The book tackles a range of subjects and issues using an interdisciplinary approach to provide an understanding of what sustainable business really means for both students (of all disciplines) and business professionals, as well as outlining practical strategies to inspire action."" Carole Parkes, Professor of Responsible Management, University of Winchester Business School, UK ""This book is a must-read for everyone who is driven to contribute to a better sustainable future. The authors shed light on some profound challenges taking place around the world and breakthrough innovations in sustainable business models. It is definitely an eye-opener."" Dianne Potters, Founder of 21Sustainable, The Netherlands ""This book is bound to stimulate the reader’s interest in the complex relationship between business and sustainability. With its comprehensive approach, covering a broad range and variety of issues, a critical discussion of traditional approaches and an offer of alternative views, it is certain not only to increase the reader’s awareness of the business role in sustainability but also to engage them in thinking about effective solutions for sustainable business practices."" Damir Urem, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands"

Sustainable Business: Key Issues is the first comprehensive introductory-level textbook to address the interface between environmental and social challenges and business solutions to provide an overview of the basic concepts of sustainability, sustainable business, and business ethics. The book introduces students to the background and key issues of sustainability and suggests ways in which these concepts can be applied in business practice. Though the book takes a business perspective, it is interdisciplinary in its nature and draws on knowledge from socio-economic, political, and environmental studies, thereby providing a practical and critical understanding of sustainability in the changing paradigm of global business. It goes beyond the conventional theories of sustainability and addresses critical issues concerned with population, consumption, and economic growth. It discusses realistic ways forward, the circular economy, Cradle to Cradle, steady-state-economy and degrowth.The book is both a theoretical and practical study guide for undergraduate and postgraduate international students of broad areas of sustainability, teaching ways to recognize opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of environmental, economic, ethical, and social systems. It takes a strategic approach in applying the power of business methods and policy to address issues of global importance such as climate change, poverty, ecosystem degradation, and human rights.This textbook is essential reading for students of business, management, and sustainability courses. It is written in an engaging and accessible style, with each chapter including case studies, discussion questions, end of chapter summaries, and suggestions for further reading. This new edition is updated throughout and contains an additional chapter on the circular economy. Swales Willis Sustainable Business: Key Issues is a solid introductory volume that allows students not only to get familiar with the issues of (un)sustainability in corporate contexts, but learn to recognize global obstacles to sustainability, as well as equip students to find viable solutions from the business perspective. The importance of Cradle to Cradle and circular economy framework is outlined as particularly relevant to strategic management of sustainability. Frans Meijers, Professor Emeritus, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands This book represents a welcome addition to the burgeoning literature on sustainability and business by offering a refreshingly different perspective from many mainline works in the field. The authors couple an insightful critique of current conventional viewpoints on sustainability with a conceptual menu of reasoned alternatives to move our global economic system closer to true sustainability. Peter N. Nemetz, Professor Emeritus, Strategy and Business Economics, Sauder School of Business, University of BC, Canada This book cuts through much of the waffle and jargon about both 'sustainability' and 'business'. Unlike many other books in this area, it does not dodge difficult issues such as overpopulation, overconsumption and ethics. It is not in denial of either humanity's grave predicament, nor of the solutions urgently needed - which exist and need to be acted on at all levels in society. I strongly recommend this book in its approach to discussing what business practices can be truly sustainable. Haydn Washington, author of Demystifying Sustainability, and Fellow at the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of New South Wales, Australia ustainable Business: Key Issues is a clear, balanced and important introduction to a subject that needs everyone's close attention. Kopnina and Blewitt have done an excellent job in showing how businesses and business schools can help create a fairer and more sustainable world. Nicholas Theodorakopoulos, Professor of Entrepreneurship Development, Head of Department, Work and Organisational Psychology, Director, Aston Centre for People and Organisations, UK Sustainable Business: Key Issues by Helen Kopnina and John Blewitt provides a valuable introductory text into the (un)sustainability issues and challenges facing current business practice. It provides an accessible yet informative insight into both organisational and systemic issues that businesses face and goes so far as to suggest some potential solutions. It should prove of interest to both students and business practitioners. Stuart Cooper, Professor of Accounting and Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Bristol, UK The book is an accessible text that addresses the most critical challenges of our time which are now framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The book tackles a range of subjects and issues using an interdisciplinary approach to provide an understanding of what sustainable business really means for both students (of all disciplines) and business professionals, as well as outlining practical strategies to inspire action. Carole Parkes, Professor of Responsible Management, University of Winchester Business School, UK This book is a must-read for everyone who is driven to contribute to a better sustainable future. The authors shed light on some profound challenges taking place around the world and breakthrough innovations in sustainable business models. It is definitely an eye-opener. Dianne Potters, Founder of 21Sustainable, The Netherlands This book is bound to stimulate the reader's interest in the complex relationship between business and sustainability. With its comprehensive approach, covering a broad range and variety of issues, a critical discussion of traditional approaches and an offer of alternative views, it is certain not only to increase the reader's awareness of the business role in sustainability but also to engage them in thinking about effective solutions for sustainable business practices. Damir Urem, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands

Author Information

Helen Kopnina (PhD Cambridge University, 2002) is currently employed at Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK. Helen teaches sustainable business and conducts research within three main areas: sustainability, environmental education, and biological conservation. Helen has (co)-authored over 200 articles and 17 books Rory Padfield is an Associate Professor in the Sustainability Research Institute at the University of Leeds, UK. He is programme leader for the MSc in Sustainability and Business at the University of Leeds, and co-leader for the Business and Organisations for Sustainable Societies (BOSS) research group. A trained development geographer, Rory’s research focuses on the broad themes of supply chain and natural resource governance, communication of sustainability, and sustainability across and between different scales of businesses and organizations. Josephine Mylan is a Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and Innovation at Alliance Manchester Business School. She is affiliated to both the Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI) and Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR). Josephine’s research engages with questions of how societies can transition to less resource-intensive ways of meeting our needs, with interests in sustainable consumption and production and low carbon transitions.

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