Ecolabels, Innovation, and Green Market Transformation: Learning to LEED

Description

This book develops a path to decarbonization through a process of Green Market Transformation. Matisoff and Noonan assess the scope and impact of the green building movement, which is working towards decarbonizing a sector that accounts for more than a third of global carbon emissions. They describe the role of the movement in addressing sustainability challenges within the building and construction sector, and suggest new ways of marshalling markets through the voluntary efforts of industry to shift society towards a better future. Matisoff and Noonan tell the success story of green industry, seen through the lens of green buildings and ecolabels. By combining case studies with recent interdisciplinary scholarship, the authors provide a compelling narrative of the opportunities and limitations of reliance on voluntary approaches to regulation.

Daniel C. Matisoff is an associate professor of public policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Management master's program. He publishes in the areas of the economics and policy of renewable energy, information disclosure programs, and corporate social responsibility. Douglas S. Noonan is the Paul H. O'Neill Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs at the O'Neill School at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He is an economist who researches many topics, emphasizing the built environment and amenities affecting quality of life.

'Given society's intensifying global calls for climate action, rapid shifts in environmental policies, and increasing focus on green innovation, Matisoff and Noon's book comes at an important moment. The authors skillfully discuss the issues associated with how markets for green innovations function, especially in settings where a company's decision to invest in these innovations is voluntary. They make the case for how credible market information can be leveraged to accelerate businesses' sustainability transformations and encourage other companies to do the same. Their nuanced view is an important contribution to our knowledge about how private strategies and public policies interact to advance sustainability.' Nicole Darnall, Arizona State University School of Sustainability Foundation Professor and Director of ASU's Sustainable Purchasing Research Initiative 'This book cuts through the existing canon of literature discussing sustainability in real estate by offering a compelling global overview and holistic market perspective. It goes beyond the basic description of system structures and goals. It instead explores the evolution of labels from nascent tool to innovation instrument. Rigorously researched yet easy to read, Ecolabels, Innovation, and Green Market Transformation: Learning to LEED should have a place on the reading lists of professionals throughout the industry and around the world.' Kay Killmann, Head of Europe, Green Business Certification Inc. 'The green building movement is one of the most important standard and certification systems, and it has been studied extensively. Matisoff and Noonan have made significant contributions to that literature, and this excellent new book provides a timely and welcome guide to what we have learned to date about how ecolabels can help to transform markets.' Thomas P. Lyon, Dow Professor of Sustainable Science, Technology and Commerce, Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, Professor of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan 'Worldwide, ecolabelling and certifications are driving the change enabling real and transparent actions by organizations. The green building movement in India has grown, recording a remarkable footprint and it has also clearly demonstrated that 'Green makes business sense'; the green certifications of companies and products are also becoming popular, facilitating companies and products to establish their green credentials. My appreciation to Matisoff and Noonan for putting forth an extensive perspective on this subject.' Jamshyd N. Godrej, Chairman & MD, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd, and Chairman, CII - Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, India