ABSTRACT
Some companies have achieved a great deal by devising and implementing environmental policies. The pioneers deserve credit for the work they have done to reduce their environmental impact in ways that make business sense. The petrochemical industry led this initiative because of their considerable impact on the environment and the unfavourable public image of the industry. Their actions have resulted in a heartening reduction in environmental damage. However, the main reasons for taking action have been to comply with the law, improve safety and health, save money and enhance their reputation. Increased efficiency has been the main achievement but the easy pickings are no longer there for many large companies. The next stage will require a major change in approach and more far reaching improvements. This alone will bring about sustainability. It means integrating environment policy with business strategy in a systematic way.1
