Introduction
The term ‘Environment’ encapsulates everything from flora to the fauna. Sustaining the environment therefore involves been conscious of both these. From the perspective of businesses, sustenance is about using the planets resources to fulfil economic needs in a responsible manner rather than not using the resources at all. It is a matter of ensuring that current business practices plan for the long-term so that future generations can enjoy the planet as we do now. Business sustenance cuts a fine line between economic greed and good citizenship.
Main environmental issues for businesses
The main environmental issues for business depend on the country the business is conducted in. For small businesses with no geographical expansion this will mean abiding by government regulations of its country. But for multi-national corporations with interests in various jurisdictions environmental concerns can vary from respecting government regulations to also in understanding the key environmental concerns of the societies of various geographies.
The type of business is also a main issue with regard to the environment. Some businesses pose significantly more risk to the environment compared to others. For example companies in the extraction and transportation industry will have to factor in many more environmental risk hazards compared to perhaps retail organisations. For example the recent Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill by British Petroleum which cost billions of pounds in damages and significant damage to the natural ecosystems and oceans.
Workforce awareness is also a major consideration given that irrespective or strategic business thinking it all comes down to how operational staff executes the business environment policies. For example Marks and Spencer implemented its Plan A environment policy drive with extensive staff training and constant communication. The success of this strategic decision was also a result of