The Three Secrets of Green Business: Unlocking Competitive Advantage in a Low Carbon Economy

Description

Business is coming under increasing pressure from government, customers and campaigning groups to improve its environmental performance. Soaring utility and compliance costs are hitting companies where it hurts - on their bottom line. But there is another way of looking at the green agenda - as an opportunity rather than a threat. Written by renowned green business expert Gareth Kane, this practical 'how-to' guide contains everything you need to know about making your business green and increasing profits. Key features include: ' The Three Secrets of Green Business Success. ' Preparing To Go Green - change management, indicators, communication and marketing. ' Small Steps - the easy actions that will cut waste of materials, water and energy and save you money. ' Huge Leaps - the really big changes that will make your business truly green by changing your processes, products and business models. ' Hundreds of handy hints and tips. ' Checklists and a brainstorming tool Packed with examples, this book provides a highly accessible, practical guide to those who want to introduce sustainability into their business or organization quickly and effectively.

Gareth Kane, an environmental consultant, has worked with hundreds of organisations to improve their environmental performance. He has appeared as a media pundit on sustainability issues on the BBC Six O'Clock News, Countryfile and The Politics Show. In 2008 The Journal newspaper named Gareth as a 'Rising Star, Future Leader' for his work on sustainability.

'Brilliant! The most comprehensive and practical business guide I have ever read about environmental issues.' Jo Bennison, Director, Daxi Environmental 'Written in a clear language that unravels sustainability and the methodology of green business ... The author's extensive experience reinforces the credibility of his approach to achieve the competitive advantage in a low carbon economy.' Quality World 'If youi? re part of a small business in the UK and want an easy to read yet comprehensive guide to green business, go no further ... this is it. Garethi? s tone and content are perfect for many time poor managers pushed into dealing with todayi? s growing green pressures, and usually with little previous experience of environmental management.' David Connor, Coethica 'A must read for enterprise managers that want to move towards sustainability, but believe they can't or don't know how. With all the down-to-earth guidance available in the book, that excuse can no longer stand in the way of action.' Dr John Ehrenfeld, Chief Executive, Industrial Society for Industrial Ecology 'Provides business, whether large or small, with all the information necessary to be at the forefront of sustainability. This publication is more than a handbook, it will lead to a change in philosophy for any company that takes the time to read it and implement its ideas.' Prof Graham Street, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Technology 'Forthright and practical, Gareth Kane provides the nuggets of really helpful advice which managers and small business owners need to prioritise which environmental improvements to make and how to make them. This sleeves-rolled-up approach is combined with big picture thinking about what sustainable development really means, and why it's important.' Penny Walker, Environmental Consultant and Author of Change Management for Sustainable Development and Introduction to Environmental Awareness, Trainer's Manual 'You have very nicely encapsulated every main feature of the whole environmental tale and I like your honest and light-hearted writing style! There is something there for everyone - the person looking for simple practical help right through to the deep thinker.' Doug Harris, Stride Environmental 'An essential reference source for anyone who is interested in the environment and developing sustainable solutions. As a professional and as an individual interested in environmental issues the content is high learning delivered in a easy style and format. If you're interested in the environment for business, interest or politics you need the publication to strengthen your knowledge and credibility.' Graham Mills, GPM Network i? It covers everything from simple housekeeping tips for energy efficiency and waste minimisation, through to huge leaps forward such as redesigning processes, developing new products and creating whole new ways of doing business.i? Focal Point 'Easy to read, nicely laid out and makes a great deal of sense. Without a doubt, and surprisingly, this is one of the best books I have read this year.' Jan Harvey, Thames Valley News 'The section 'Small Steps' should be a bible for any business, whether it wants to be green or not. The bottom line is that the tips will help save money and of course the environment will gain... It is a book that should be in every school library and is a must for business.' Sherkin Comment 'Presents a handbook for businesses and public ssector and nonprofit organizations on how to transform the environmental impact of their activities.' Journal of Economic Literature, September 2010. 'If simplicity really is the ultimate sophistication, Gareth Kane must be the Leonardo di Vinci of environmental management.' Crosslands Bulletin, 2010.