ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that a number of pervasive forces provide ample evidence of the need and benefits of adopting sustainable development measures. Most direct their environmental capital expenditures toward downstream end-of-pipe pollution controls or clean-up technologies. Environmental liabilities such as climate change, hazardous wastes and emissions, and contaminated properties are bottom-line issues for companies and investors. The Dutch seek to grow their economy while simultaneously reducing the environmental effects of economic growth. Europe and the US to save money, the adoption of sustainability measures allow companies to reduce costs by dramatically increasing their environmental productivity. Just as sustainability measures can cut costs and increase shareholder value, environmental and social liabilities can reduce shareholder value. Companies that leave environment and labour problems off the books are hiding potential major financial costs and committing clear violations of the law. Sustainability measures also help to protect workers, communities and native cultures by addressing issues related to human rights.
