ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the elements of a sustainable value chain. It discusses the importance of values to sustainable business, and identifies ways in which business sustainability can be evaluated. The chapter considers the future of sustainable business and the relevance of the concept to the emerging ‘new economy’. The three central pillars of sustainable development are: economic development, environmental protection and social inclusion. The creation of economic value also has a broader social benefit in that it provides a growing stock of financial capital which can be deployed by future generations. Many companies have a long tradition of community involvement and/or contributions to charity. A company’s sustainability performance is determined by the extent to which environmental and social issues are an important consideration in its internal business processes. The maintenance and enhancement of human capital is an important objective of a sustainable business.
