ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the pressures and opportunities created in relation to organisations in response to environmental problems and a growing global awareness of the issue of sustainability. The general principles of risk management and opportunity assessment using a value chain approach are introduced, and case studies are presented of organisations that have adopted proactive sustainability strategies. The importance of resource efficiency is discussed in general terms, again with case studies illustrating the scale of improvements reported by innovators in this area.
Links to later chapters are also presented, notably:
Chapter 6 – risk management tools and control techniques
Chapter 8 – creating a business case for change or improvement
Chapter 9 – company communications and reporting, including corporate social responsibility and sustainability reporting.136
