INSEAD Library

Includes bibliographical references and index

By analysing the rationales for sustainability strategies, this book addresses a timely question for managers, academics and MBAs: “when does it pay to be green?” Based on solid theoretical foundations and empirical research, it clarifies the elements involved in the formation and evaluation of sustainability strategies in firms, helping managers to prioritize eco-investments and transform them into sources of competitive advantage and new market spaces.

Digitized

Sustainability Strategies When Does It Pay to Be Green? Contents List of Figures List of Acronyms Preface Acknowledgements xi xii xv xxi PART I FUNDAMENTALS 1 When Does It Pay to Be Green? Greening as a Commitment Greening as a Core Competence The Frontiers of Corporate Environmentalism Methodological Challenges in When It Pays To Be Green Conclusion 3 5 9 13 17 21 2 What Are Sustainability Strategies? What Sustainability Strategies are not Competitive Advantage: Positioning and Capabilities Competitive Environmental Strategies Beyond Competition: Sustainable Value Innovation The Sustainability Strategies Portfolio Conclusion 23 24 26 29 36 39 40 PART II COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENTALISM 3 Eco-Efficiency From Resource Productivity to Eco-Efficiency Eco-Efficiency at the Firm: Lean Thinking Eco-Efficiency beyond Borders: Industrial Symbiosis Eco-Efficiency in the Skies: Carbon Credits When Eco-Efficiency Pays Conclusion 45 46 48 51 55 59 63 4 Beyond Compliance Leadership Reputation and its Risks 65 66 74 89 94 Green Clubs: Reputation Insurance? When Beyond Compliance Leadership Pays Conclusion 5 Eco-Branding Product Certification Clubs: Eco-Labels From Eco-Labeling to Eco-Branding When Eco-Branding Pays Conclusion 96 97 109 113 118 6 Environmental Cost Leadership Eco-Designing Products: Life Cycle Thinking Changing Products' Nature Redefining Products' Concept and Use When E-Cost Leadership Pays Conclusion 121 122 129 134 142 147 PART III BEYOND COMPETITION 7 Sustainable Value Innovation The Call for SVI Strategies: The Troublesome Auto Industry The Dominant Strategic Logic: Greener Cars Sustainable Value Innovation in Mobility: Greener Systems When Sustainable Value Innovation Pays Conclusion 153 154 159 171 188 192 8 Sustainability Strategies and Beyond When Does It Pay to Be Green, Really? Competitive Environmentalism Beyond Competition Conclusion Notes Index 193 194 197 204 207 209 238