ABSTRACT
Businesses may just be a collection of individuals, but hierarchy and bureaucracy require very different motivations to change or take action. Large-scale changes have been made to businesses because of one person's epiphany moment – for example, that of the late Ray Anderson, Founder and Chairman of Interface – but more often a sound business case and strategic purpose is required. Some businesses take a narrower view of sustainability, focusing just on environmental issues, and perhaps include their community investment or health and safety activities. To develop and implement a sustainability programme into one's business one need resources, both people and money. From saving money in operations or production, attracting new customers, retaining existing customers, protecting and improving brand, sustainability can help. Industries that are voluntarily taking action on sustainability issues may also avoid additional regulatory burdens. Suppliers are often depicted as lax, irresponsible and ignorant of sustainability.
