Practical Sustainability

Abstract

This chapter aims at the strategic tools for achieving sustainability. For methodological and pedagogical convenience a global perspective is employed here, spanning multiple approaches to integrate the core values of sustainability in business decisions and strategic planning. The development of strategic tools that are rooted in sustainability core values assists organizations in reaching their overall sustainability goals without compromising any long- term financial viability. Strategy is subsequently characterized as the process of positioning the sustainability concepts within business goals and objectives; developing guidelines that can delineate how specific tools, techniques, and business models can identify environmental sustainability- related issues, and instituting mechanisms to gather data and formulate economically and socially acceptable solutions. Business drivers for sustainability are identified and discussed in addition to providing a framework for the development and implementation of business models, strategies, programs, and systems rooted in core sustainability values. Case studies are utilized to illustrate the utility of corporate social responsibility, environmental management systems, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and management, product stewardship, and the Practical Sustainability System (Stakeholder, Externality, and Asset [SEA] framework) in assisting organizations to meet their business sustainability goals.