- Table View
- List View
Sustainability for Healthcare Management: A Leadership Imperative
by Carrie R. Rich J. Knox Singleton Seema S. WadhwaSustainability is not unique to health, yet sustainability is a unique vehicle for promoting healthy values. This book challenges healthcare leaders to think through the implications of our decisions from fiscal, societal and environmental perspectives. It links health values with sustainability drivers in order to enlighten leadership about the value of sustainability as we move toward a new paradigm of health. Fully updated for the second edition, the book now includes case studies about: Waste disposal and cost Chemicals of concern Cost of water Green building ratings This book is a unique resource for researchers, students and professionals working in health and healthcare management because the book connects key concepts of environmental sustainability with healthcare operations. Readers will gain an appreciation for translating leadership priorities into sustainability tactics with beneficial operational outcomes.
Sustainability for SMEs: Competitive Advantage Through Transparency (Doshorts Ser.)
by Philip Wolfe Elaine Cohen Alexandra McKaySustainability for SMEs offers a comprehensive introduction to the key business cases and techniques for putting sustainability at the heart of your business strategy.Small businesses make a significant collective impact on the environment and society – but only a tiny percentage of SMEs complete a sustainability report. Sustainability Reporting for SMEs will enable any SME to get up to speed on sustainability reporting and plot a course of action for their business. Elaine Cohen distils the latest and best thinking on sustainability reporting for SMEs, and offers a process for reporting that will deliver significant business advantage, both in terms of more effective internal processes and in terms of reputation, customer loyalty and business-building.In many SMEs sustainability is one person’s passion and responsibility. A large part of their job becomes selling sustainability to other people in the business. Strategic Sustainability offers arguments, information and tactics that will help that person get the buy-in they need to move sustainability forward in their business. Sustainability is of strategic importance to a business. This book makes an airtight case for why action is essential and how sustainability can help a business not only survive but thrive in competitive marketplaces.The major environmental impact of most businesses derives from energy usage. There are many ways to make your organisation's energy usage more sustainable. In Sustainable Energy Options for Business, Philip Wolfe outlines the best available options for (1) reducing energy use and (2) improving the sustainability of energy supply. After an introduction to regulatory drivers and management issues, Wolfe looks at energy opportunities in five key areas.
Sustainability for a Warming Planet
by Humberto Llavador Joaquim Silvestre John E. RoemerHuman-generated greenhouse gas emissions imperil a global resource: a biosphere capable of supporting life as we know it. What is the fair way to share this scarce resource across present and future generations, and across regions of the world? This study offers a new perspective based on the guiding ethics of sustainability and egalitarianism.<P><P> Sustainability is understood as a pattern of economic activity over time that sustains a given rate of growth of human welfare indefinitely. To achieve this, the atmospheric concentration of carbon must be capped at some level not much higher than exists today, and investments in education and research should be higher than they currently are. International cooperation between developing and developed nations is also vital, because economic growth and the climate problem are intertwined.<P> The authors propose that the guiding principle of bargaining should be that the dates at which developing countries' living standards catch up with those of developed countries should not be altered by the agreement. They conclude that developed economies would have to agree not to exceed 1 percent growth in per capita GDP annually, while developing nations should grow at a faster rate, but still lower than current projections, until they converge. The authors acknowledge that achieving such a dramatic slowdown would carry political and economic challenges.
Sustainability in Agribusiness: The Impact of Societal Challenges, Technological Advancements, and Development Goals (Routledge Studies in Agricultural Economics)
by Maria Carmela Annosi Federica Brunetta Francesco Paolo AppioAccomplishing sustainability in the agribusiness sector is a significant, yet time-sensitive, challenge, especially when balanced with the need to grow sufficient quantity and quality of food to keep the growing global population healthy. Through both quantitative and qualitative methods, this book explores the extent to which the agribusiness sector is already evolving to become sustainable and the ways in which innovation in the industry can help address sustainable development goals, particularly around zero hunger, gender equality, decent work, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. The contributors to this volume address the following key questions: What are the drivers and barriers for the agribusiness sector to become sustainable? Which business models best facilitate the implementation of sustainable goals? How can we measure the extent to which the agribusiness sector is becoming more sustainable? How can the agribusiness sector leverage recent technological advancements to achieve its sustainability goals? The analysis of the sustainability challenges for the sector ranges across various facets of the industry including employment, pre-production industries, agriculture, food processing, distribution, and trade. This book will be of significant interest to readers in agribusiness, innovation management, and sustainability.
Sustainability in Austerity: How Local Government Can Deliver During Times of Crisis
by Philip MonaghanAs the economic crisis of 2008/09 unfolded, it became apparent that the huge mountains of debt being built up by central governments were unsustainable and that savage cuts would be needed to balance budgets. It also became clear that the public sector would be one of the first in line when the axe started swinging. Yet, at the very same time, green advocates from business, academia and civil society were making calls for greater investment at the local level in the big sustainability issues of the day such as fostering sustainable consumption or educating communities on making the transition to a low-carbon economy. The upshot is that leaders in local government are going to be asked to do a lot more work on environmental and social sustainability but with much less money. To make matters worse, increasing public scepticism about why we should deal with these dilemmas in the first place has been exacerbating the problem, notably exemplified by concerns over the robustness of the science of climate change. Local sustainability faces a perfect storm. Sustainability in Austerity has been written to provide local leaders with a lifebelt in these turbulent times. It empowers local authorities to address the challenges they now face – by offering a treasure chest of cost-neutral and powerful ways for leaders in local government to advance sustainability as nations emerge from the global recession. The book sets out the required rules for leadership and proposes a myriad of innovative strategies for self-help achieved through habit-forming behaviour change among council members, staff and local communities alike. Packed with international case studies, anecdotes and management tips derived from a wealth of learning by like-minded peers across the world – all of whom have faced and overcome serious sustainability challenges – the book will be a touchstone for professionals working in areas such as: democracy and decision-making; corporate assets and resources; economic development and planning; waste and environmental services; fleet and logistics; and community management. There is an impressive array of books that provide fresh and innovative thinking on sustainability, but the vast majority have ignored or overlooked inspirational stories of positive change in local government. Sustainability in Austerity is a game-changing book and will be essential reading for managers and councillors in local government across the world, in either emerging or developed economies; managers in central government; community organisation leaders; academics; and management consultants who work with this sector on policy and performance.
Sustainability in Bank and Corporate Business Models: The Link between ESG Risk Assessment and Corporate Sustainability (Palgrave Studies in Impact Finance)
by Magdalena Ziolo Blanka Tundys Beata Zofia FilipiakThe book explains the impact of bank business models on company business models by discussing the relationship among banks decision-making processes, sustainable values creation in company business models, and ESG risk. The monograph provides a combination of financial and management-related activities, in the context of bank business models, taking into account the concept of sustainability, and will be of particular interest to both in-house practitioners, giving them innovative knowledge about the models presented and used, and to students and young researchers.
Sustainability in Business Education, Research and Practices (World Sustainability Series)
by Walter Leal Filho Tony Wall Laís Viera Trevisan Adam ShoreThe connections between sustainability and business education are becoming increasingly important due to the growing recognition of environmental and social challenges, as well as the role that businesses play in addressing these challenges. Businesses have a significant impact on the environment, society, and the economy. Issues such as climate change, resource depletion, social inequality, and ethical concerns directly affect business operations and performance. Business education needs to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to navigate these challenges responsibly. This book provides a platform for the dissemination of information on the latest initiatives and practices in these areas, and promotes future cooperation between universities and business schools across the globe.
Sustainability in Business Management, Volume 1: A Machine-Generated Summary Covering Foundations and Strategies
by Marco TavantiSynthesizing the most recent and relevant studies in the field, this book provides an overview of emerging sustainability themes, enhancing management insights and value creation. It comprehensively delves into sustainability management topics with a distinct focus on areas like negotiation and conflict resolution, policy and public regulations, and the role of civil society organizations. By uniting various management areas like finance, marketing, and HR, it offers an integrative perspective on sustainability. Combining both theoretical underpinnings and practical applications, this work generated with the help of AI will serve as a primer to the evolving landscape of sustainability management research.
Sustainability in Business Management, Volume 2: A Machine-Generated Summary Covering Innovation, Impact, and Future Trends
by Marco TavantiBuilding on the strategic foundations established in Volume 1, this volume moves into applied sustainability practices and innovations across business functions, including Human Resources, Marketing, Finance, and Technology. It examines key developments such as AI-driven sustainability solutions, blockchain for ethical supply chains, green finance mechanisms, and impact investing. Additionally, the book highlights emerging business models that prioritize sustainability, such as eco-entrepreneurship, smart urban solutions, and digital transformation for sustainability. Structured into three key sections—Sustainability in Business Functions, Innovative and Specialized Practices, and Addressing Challenges and Future Trends—this volume explores how businesses can harness sustainability as a driver of economic opportunity and competitive advantage. Topics such as climate risk management, corporate accountability, resilient supply chains, and sustainability-linked financial instruments are analyzed through AI-synthesized research and expert insights. Combining both theoretical underpinnings and practical applications, this work generated with the help of AI will serve as a primer to understanding sustainability’s role in shaping global business strategies.
Sustainability in Business: A Financial Economics Analysis
by David Hobson MyersThis book provides an approach to sustainable decision-making rooted in financial and economic literature. Financial economic techniques have the power to frame the discussion of sustainability to explain who, how, and why sustainability is a growing phenomenon in business and investing. Financial concepts in a sustainable framework provide a theoretical basis to approach research and business questions on sustainability. The framework provides for a better understanding of the different definitions of sustainability and the role those differences have on decisions that will lead to the future of sustainable business. A future which relies on growth driven by expanding its markets’ reach (demographics), its innovation or creation of new products, and its capital structure (leverage). Third party certification and governmental regulation become the constraints on that growth as well as the proof of sustainable growth. Finally, the ability and methods for investors to support sustainable growth is addressed in a modern portfolio theory analysis.
Sustainability in Coffee Production: Creating Shared Value Chains in Colombia
by Asit K. Biswas Andrea Biswas-TortajadaCoffee, as a commodity and through its global value chains, is the focus of much interest to achieve fair trade and equitable outcomes for producers, processors and consumers. It has iconic cultural and economic significance for Colombia, which is one of the world's major coffee producers for the global market. This book examines sustainable coffee production in Colombia, specifically the initiatives of Nestlé to create shared value. It describes the transformation of the coffee landscape by the development of economically, socially and environmentally viable and dedicated supply chains. Suppliers have been encouraged to shift production and quality paradigms, in order to develop long-term and sustainable strategies for higher value and premium quality products. This has been partially achieved by establishing a robust partnership with the Coffee Growers Federation and other public, private and social actors, thereby taking control of the institutional architecture and knowledge base that exists in the country. The book provides an important lesson of corporate social responsibility and the creation of shared value for the benefit of farmers, corporations and consumers.
Sustainability in Creative Industries: Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Creative Innovations—Volume 1 (Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation)
by Muhammad Nawaz Tunio Angeles Sánchez Yasmin Moanis Latif Hatem Ayman M. ZakariaThis book discusses a compelling array of topics at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and technological innovation within the creative industries. It delves into a captivating exploration of sustainable entrepreneurship in Part 1, where key characteristics of sustainable entrepreneurs and factors influencing entrepreneurial intention are dissected. By unearthing the nexus between entrepreneurial alertness, networking capability, and venture performance, it provides intriguing insights into sustaining traditional crafts and brands amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The following parts not only unveil current innovative pedagogical strategies in creative design education but propels you into the future, exploring the harmonious fusion of academia and industry in sustainability-driven programs. Designed for educators, students, researchers, and practitioners in entrepreneurship, design, and technology fields, this book offers a transformative journey into sustainable practices, innovative pedagogies, and cutting-edge advancements. Engaging, informative, and thought-provoking, it is a must-read for those seeking to shape the future of creative industries through entrepreneurship, education, and innovation.
Sustainability in Developing Countries: Case Studies from Botswana’s journey towards 2030 Agenda
by Susan Osireditse Keitumetse David Norris Luc HensThis book illustrates an alternative approach to ‘state of sustainability’ reporting by presenting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary discussions on sustainability issues in the context of a developing country, Botswana. The book volume illustrates how academic publishing can supplement African governments' existing forms of reporting on sustainability by providing on-ground detailed descriptions and experiences relating to achievement of the various sustainable development goals (SDGs). In addition, this process involves, increases and enhances diversity of stakeholders that report on sustainability. Furthermore, the approach resonates with the UN’s recommendation to build local strategies for implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Conventional reporting on sustainability by most African countries is an exercise that is customarily the preserve of designated government ministries. While this form of reporting provides a consistent platform for tracking sustainable development goals, it can also benefit from juxtaposition with in-depth descriptions and experiences provided by academic publishing. Academia, through publishing, provides a framework for on-ground situation-analysis as well as in-depth descriptions of African country’s grass-root experiences, thus allowing for temporal tracking of sustainable development milestones. As this volume illustrates, experiences from the various contributors on this volume highlight different points of departure towards achieving the 2030 agenda. Topics covered include biodiversity, water management, world heritage, environment, education, tourism, gender, institutional approaches to achievement of SDGs, as well as contribution of non-governmental organisations (NGO)'s amongst others.
Sustainability in Energy Business and Finance: Approaches and Developments in the Energy Market (Contributions to Finance and Accounting)
by Hasan Dinçer Serhat YükselThis edited volume seeks to identify the sustainability issues currently affecting the energy business and finance. For this purpose, a broad range of perspectives on sustainability issues in the energy business and finance are taken into consideration in the context of renewable business projects. In turn, several novel strategies from the energy business and finance are illustrated with regard to sustainable organizational factors, technological infrastructure, financial facilities, economic development, and investment potential. Comparing and contrasting different sustainability perspectives can help to develop the most appropriate and successful business strategies for the sustainable energy business and finance. This book presents multidimensional analyses of sustainability issues with regard to renewable energy projects and identifies the most promising strategies, as well as efficient market conditions for the energy business.
Sustainability in Europe: Roots and Evolution of the Current Legal Regime
by Radka MacGregor PelikánováThis book analyses the roots and evolution of the concept of sustainability in Europe and the European Union. As sustainability has always mirrored certain value judgments on justice and priorities, it is suitable for functionalist, analytical, contextual and historical comparisons via multidisciplinary studies combining various branches of the social sciences, law, philosophy, and economics. The aim of this book is to explore the roots and evolution of sustainability, so as to reveal how a European style of sustainability has emerged, one that is inextricably linked to our civilization and history. It identifies linear and cyclical phases with clear trends toward expanding the reach of sustainability, its subjects and their duties. The book offers a multidisciplinary, chronological and contextual overview of the evolution of sustainability until the 21st century, while also addressing its legal regime. Sustainability has many faces and needs to be approached in a dynamic manner through the lens of sustainable development or via a multi-stakeholder model that includes private subjects and corporate social responsibility. Although primarily intended for an audience with an advanced background in law, economics and philosophy, the book will also benefit a more general audience, particularly those who want to learn where the current sustainability concerns and legal regime actually came from.
Sustainability in European Transport Policy
by Matthew HumphreysThe construction of the European Economic Communities in 1950 primarily set out to build an integrated economic zone in which national borders were, to a large extent, overcome. The ability of persons and goods to move freely within the economic zone was seminal in the realisation of economic integration. Underlying this, and therefore an implied necessity for European growth, an effective transport infrastructure was essential. However, with rising awareness of environmental issues, and a closer regard to sustainability of development, European transport systems and their regulation have come under scrutiny. This book sets out a critical analysis of the body of law and policy initiatives that constitute the EU's common transport policy. The development of the transport policy is charted through amending and founding Treaties as well as non-legislative documents. The book uses a model of sustainability as the basis for the analysis as the criteria for sustainable development were set out under Article Eleven of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. However, sustainable development, when taken in the context of transport is difficult to reconcile with unbridled economic growth and unchecked freedom of movement and the book identifies a contradiction at the heart of European policy which can only become more accentuated as environmental trends become more explicit. The book argues that European regulation will eventually be forced to recognize this dichotomy, and take more forceful action to protect environmental and social development, even at the cost of economic progress. This book will be of great interest to researchers and students on European Union law and policy courses, transport studies courses and European integration courses. The book is of relevance to all those interested in environmental and transport matters.
Sustainability in Fashion
by Claudia E. Henninger Panayiota J. Alevizou Helen Goworek Daniella RydingThis book provides a critical insight into sustainability and fashion in a retailing and marketing context. Examining a truly global industry, Sustainability in Fashion offers international application with a view to contextualising important developments within the industry. Contributors use their diverse backgrounds and expertise to provide a contemporary approach in examining key theoretical concepts, constructs and developments. Topics include consumer behaviour, communications, circular economy and supply chain management. The individual chapters focus on sustainability and provide a range of fashion sector examples from high street to luxury apparel.
Sustainability in Fashion and Textiles: Values, Design, Production and Consumption
by Miguel Angel Gardetti Ana Laura TorresThere is no doubt that the textile industry – the production of clothing, fabrics, thread, fibre and related products – plays a significant part in the global economy. It also frequently operates with disregard to its environmental and social impacts. The textile industry uses large quantities of water and outputs large quantities of waste. As for social aspects, many unskilled jobs have disappeared in regions that rely heavily on these industries. Another serious and still unresolved problem is the flexibility textile industry companies claim to need. Faced with fierce international competition, they are increasingly unable to offer job security. This is without even considering the informal-sector work proliferating both in developing and developed countries. Child labour persists within this sector despite growing pressure to halt it.Fashion demands continuous consumption. In seeking to own the latest trends consumers quickly come to regard their existing garments as inferior, if not useless. "Old" items become unwanted as quickly as new ones come into demand. This tendency towards disposability results in the increased use of resources and thus the accelerated accumulation of waste. It is obvious to many that current fashion industry practices are in direct competition with sustainability objectives; yet this is frequently overlooked as a pressing concern.It is, however, becoming apparent that there are social and ecological consequences to the current operation of the fashion industry: sustainability in the sector has been gaining attention in recent years from those who believe that it should be held accountable for the pressure it places on the individual, as well as its contribution to increases in consumption and waste disposal.This book takes a wide-screen approach to the topic, covering, among other issues: sustainability and business management in textile and fashion companies; value chain management; use of materials; sustainable production processes; fashion, needs and consumption; disposal; and innovation and design.The book will be essential reading for researchers and practitioners in the global fashion business.
Sustainability in Fashion: Proceedings of FL_Fashion & Sustainability International Conference, 2022
by Alexandra Cruchinho José Carlos NevesSustainability in Fashion: Creativity, Education, and Innovation is a book that focuses on how sustainability can be integrated into the fashion and clothing industry. The set of chapters provides peer-reviewed research covering a wide range of topics, mainly focused on how sustainability can be incorporated into fashion and textile education, how consumer behaviour and marketing affect sustainability in fashion (and vice versa) and how circular economy principles can be incorporated into clothing and textile supply chains. The chapters in this proceedings volume examine sustainability not only from the perspective of academia, but also from the perspective of industry. Working across sectors in this manner can facilitate the development of real projects that can greatly contribute to sustainability in the fashion industry.
Sustainability in Global Companies: Theory and Practice (CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance)
by Samuel O. Idowu Stephen VertigansThis textbook focuses on how sustainability is practiced in companies in different sectors of the global economy - examples include aviation, banking, energy, financial services, food, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and tourism. These corporate sectors are at the forefront of the debate around business and sustainability both in their usage of finite resources and their potential to deliver meaningful solutions. Consequently, several experts were brought together for this book and asked to focus on how sustainability is understood and practiced in different companies around the globe in terms of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Chapters incorporate theoretical and applied examples that can help improve levels of insight into international business approaches. They provide opportunities to learn and disseminate factors that are delivering short, medium, and long-term solutions and problems. These insights can incorporate the spectrum of activities required inorder to achieve sustainability through industrial processes, supply chains to consumer behavior. The multi-disciplinary nature of the fundamental issues also prompted a diverse selection of academics and practitioners across disciplines who have knowledge and/or experiences of sustainability and international business theories, practices, and processes. Students and academics from across related disciplines, corporations, policymakers, and members of societies who study or have an interest in sustainable development will particularly find this book useful.
Sustainability in Global Value Chains: Measures, Ethics and Best Practices for Responsible Businesses
by Michael Henke and Holger KohlSustainability can create greater efficiency and cost savings in the supply chain. Supply chains, which are more complex and global than ever before, are full of both risks and opportunities. The risks range from inconsistent or poor quality to supply disruptions to health and safety concerns to corruption. Businesses face pressure to adopt sustainable supply chain practices from various stakeholders and motivations typically come from one or more of four sources: customers, compliance, costs, competitive advantage. Sustainability in Global Value Chains is the guide to understanding all aspects and approaches of sustainable supply chains using in-depth research from leading academics from sixteen different universities.Sustainability in Global Value Chains focuses on how to make supply chains sustainable, with an emphasis on new technologies and digitization. The research featured covers topics such as KPIs in production and supply chains, the role of standards, blockchain technology and algebraic models. This comprehensive book presents real world issues, problems in implementing sustainability in the supply chain and examples of best practice.
Sustainability in High-Excellence Italian Food and Wine (Routledge Focus on Environment and Sustainability)
by Laura OnofriThis book presents contemporary case studies on selected Italian food and wine products to explore how traditional production and consumption models address and adapt to the sustainability challenges in the Italian high-excellence agri-food sector. Sustainability in High-Excellence Italian Food and Wine adopts a transaction cost economics approach, which is applied to five case-study chapters, each focusing on a key Italian agri-food product: Parmigiano Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, Amarone wine, Prosecco wine, and Prosciutto di San Daniele. The production and organization of these products face many challenges as they seek to balance competing priorities around economic viability, maintenance of high-quality standards and environmental and social impacts. The book argues that the development of sustainable and quality models requires changes to the structure and organization of the supply chain while also acknowledging that consumers are increasingly demanding authentic, high-excellence products that require reliable labeling systems and designations of origin mechanism. Recommending that hybrid structures, such as cooperatives and consortia, are the most cost-minimizing governance structures for the production, the book highlights that in the case of Italian excellency food, environmental sustainability and economic efficiency are not actually traded off but are reciprocally valorized through the regulation of high-quality standards. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of food and wine excellence products, food systems and supply chains, agricultural production and economics and sustainable consumption.
Sustainability in Hospitality: How Innovative Hotels are Transforming the Industry
by Miguel Angel Gardetti Ana Laura TorresThis ground-breaking research represents the most complete collection yet on how the hospitality industry is addressing sustainability and ethical issues. Covering supply chain management, innovative sustainability initiatives, CSR programmes, biologically-respectful tourism and Value Creation, Sustainability in Hospitality: How Innovative Hotels are Transforming the Industry presents valuable global viewpoints on embedding sustainability into all aspects of the hospitality industry, and the impact this could have on transforming the sector into an advocate for more sustainable, eco-conscious tourism.The chapters in this edited collection span organizational governance, human rights and labour practices, environment and climate change, fair operating practices, stakeholder engagement, CSR and strategic management. The global reach of the collection brings case studies from China, the US, the UK, Mexico and Italy, while company case studies include Fairmont Luxury Hotels and Sextantio.Sustainability in Hospitality: How Innovative Hotels are Transforming the Industry will be an essential read for academics researching the development of ethically-conscious and sustainable hospitality, and for hotel managers and group CEOs who want to know how sustainability and CSR can be embedded in their day-to-day operations.
Sustainability in Industry 4.0: Challenges and Remedies (Mathematical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Management Sciences)
by Shwetank AvikalA large and growing number of manufacturers are realizing the substantial financial and environmental benefits of sustainable business practices. To develop more sustainable societies, industries need to better understand how to respond to environmental, economic, and social challenges and transform industrial behavior. The objective of this book is to provide the required knowledge and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable industrial system. The book will help industries to enhance operational efficiency by reducing costs and waste. It will help them increase customer response, reach new customers, and gain competitive advantage. It offers innovation, scenario planning, and strategic analysis that goes beyond compliance, as well as case studies and remedies to the industry 4.0 challenges. Professionals, as well as students, can refer to this book to add to their knowledge on Industry 4.0 and develop new ideas and solutions to the existing and future problems.
Sustainability in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
by Marta Peris-Ortiz Antonio Leal-Millan Antonio L. Leal-RodríguezThis book provides a richly illustrated study of sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Specifically, it examines the ways in which governmental policies and practices modify the social conditions necessary to promote innovation in businesses and by so doing impact economic development. Exploring topics such as green innovation, green customer capital, smart cities, green entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility, this book presents some of the most current research and best practices in the field. In today's global economy, strategies, policies and practices that address the negative effects of human activity on the environment need to be incorporated into the business framework in order for companies to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Around the world, such changes have already resulted in a broad range of products, production methods and technical features that ensure environmental protection. At the same time, the mass media's communication of a deteriorating earth have motivated a growing number of citizens in both developed and developing nations to modify their consumption habits towards more ecological products. Consequently, an increasing number of companies are reacting to these changes in business and legal frameworks and consumer preferences by investing in new forms of green innovation or "eco-innovation" designed to promote both environmental and corporate sustainability. For example, Hewlett-Packard eliminated lead from its welding process; Wal-Mart reduced the emissions of their suppliers; and Cisco, Dell and IBM are investing in smart grids. This volume showcases pioneering efforts among companies, citizens, and government agencies that are moving from theory to practice by placing sustainability at the core of their development strategies.