Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights the sector's low level of awareness of environmental issues and the potential business benefits of positive environmental management. It suggests that the smaller firms are 'vulnerably compliant'. The book also highlights a common characteristic of SMEs: that is, their preference for environmental legislation to control environmental impacts and their sceptical view of self-regulation and the opportunities it might offer. It shows that Australian small and medium-sized firms in the food production, manufacturing and services sectors are ignorant of their legislative requirements and oblivious of international environmental management standards. The book provides an overview of the voluntary management tools available to improve environmental performance, for example, life-cycle analysis, environmental auditing, and environmental management systems. It investigates the barriers and drivers for the uptake of such environmental management tools.