Why the Business Case for Sustainability Matters

    Research output: Working paper/PreprintWorking paper

    Abstract

    This paper explores the need to explore the business case for sustainability within the context of the global standards and certifications industry. A wide range of standards and certifications provide assurance around the sustainability of business practices usually via an audit-based process whose primary goal is to establish whether a business is compliant against a core set of criteria. This
    compliance-based approach is increasingly coming under criticism as it is not seen to facilitate improvements in overall performance. Drawing upon research conducted in the horticultural sector in South Africa, this paper outlines some of the shortcomings of the compliance-based approach and then considers how things can be done better by developing models which focus upon Continuous
    Improvement in performance.
    Wider debates within the certification and standards field are reflected upon and a holistic model is proposed, which shifts the emphasis to performance rather than compliance. The paper concludes by stating the imperative for research to be an integral component of the Continuous Improvement process. Such research can elucidate the relationships between specific business practices and
    sustainable outcomes. This is important for ensuring that training and support offered to businesses are appropriately targeted and for enabling better business planning. Furthermore, research can demonstrate the benefits to business of specific sustainable practices. In this way the business case
    for sustainability can be articulated and the notion that sustainability is a ‘luxury’ can be dispelled.
    Original languageEnglish
    Place of PublicationCoventry
    PublisherCoventry University
    Number of pages10
    Publication statusPublished - May 2018

    Publication series

    NameWhite Paper series
    PublisherCBiS

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Why the Business Case for Sustainability Matters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this