humanity's grave predicament, nor of the solutions urgently needed â which exist ... forward, in particular the circular economy and Cradle to Cradle frameworks.
‘The second edition of this book is very welcome because it is an accessible text that addresses the most critical challenges of our time which are now framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The book tackles a range of subjects and issues using an interdisciplinary approach to provide an understanding of what sustainable business really means for both students (of all disciplines) and business professionals, as well as outlining practical strategies to inspire action.’ Carole Parkes, Professor of Responsible Management, University of Winchester Business School, UK. ‘Sustainable Business is a clear, balanced and important introduction to a subject that needs everyone’s close attention. Kopnina and Blewitt have done an excellent job in showing how businesses and business schools can help create a fairer and more sustainable world.’ Nicholas Theodorakopoulos, Professor of Entrepreneurship Development, Head of Department, Work and Organisational Psychology, Director, Aston Centre for People and Organisations, UK
The book is both a theoretical and practical study guide for undergraduate and postgraduate international students of broad areas of sustainability, teaching ways to recognize opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of environmental, economic, ethical, and social systems. It takes a strategic approach in applying the power of business methods and policy to address issues of global importance such as climate change, poverty, ecosystem degradation, and human rights. This textbook is essential reading for students of business, management, and sustainability courses. It is written in an engaging and accessible style, with each chapter including case studies, discussion questions, end of chapter summaries, and suggestions for further reading. This new edition is updated throughout, and contains an additional chapter on the circular economy. Helen Kopnina is a researcher in the fields of environmental education and environmental social science at The Hague University of Applied Science (HHS), The Netherlands. She is a coordinator of the Sustainable Business program and publishes in areas of sustainability, environmental education, and biological conservation. John Blewitt was Director of the MSc Social Responsibility and Sustainability at Aston Business School in Birmingham, UK, until his retirement in 2017. He has published widely on education and sustainability issues and is author of Understanding Sustainable Development, 3rd edition (Routledge, 2018) and co-editor of The Post-Growth Project (LPP/ Green House, 2014). www.routledge.com/Sustainable-Business-Key-Issues/Kopnina-Blewitt/p/book/9781138087903
Second Edition
Helen Kopnina and John Blewitt
Sustainable Business Key Issues
Sustainable Business
Sustainable Business: Key Issues is the first comprehensive introductory-level textbook to address the interface between environmental challenges and business solutions to provide an overview of the basic concepts of sustainability, sustainable business, and business ethics. The book introduces students to the background and key issues of sustainability and suggests ways in which these concepts can be applied in business practice. Though the book takes a business perspective, it is interdisciplinary in its nature and draws on knowledge from socio-economic, political, and environmental studies, thereby providing a practical and critical understanding of sustainability in the changing paradigm of global business. It goes beyond the conventional theories of sustainability and addresses critical issues concerned with population, consumption, and economic growth. It discusses realistic ways forward, in particular the circular economy and Cradle to Cradle frameworks.
Helen Kopnina and John Blewitt
‘This book cuts through much of the waffle and jargon about both “sustainability” and “business”. Unlike many other books in this area, it does not dodge difficult issues such as overpopulation, overconsumption and ethics. It is not in denial of either humanity’s grave predicament, nor of the solutions urgently needed – which exist and need to be acted on at all levels in society. I strongly recommend this book in its approach to discussing what business practices can be truly sustainable.’ Haydn Washington, author of Demystifying Sustainability, and Fellow at the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of New South Wales, Australia
Second Edition
Environment / Sustainability / Business ISBN 978-1-138-08790-3
9 781138 087903
Cover image: Sabena Jane Blackbird / Alamy Stock Photo
www.routledge.com Routledge titles are available as eBook editions in a range of digital formats
Key Issues in Environment and Sustainability
