Introduction to Sustainable Business
Completion requirements
This chapter will introduce you to how businesses are increasingly acting with concern for the environment and society. Read Chapter 1 to see how companies can play a positive role in sustainability, follow legal and regulatory concerns, lower costs and increase profits, and achieve competitive advantages in the marketplace.
How can businesses play a positive role in helping to solve environmental and social problems? What are some examples of sustainable business practices? What does the term "triple bottom line" mean?
1.1 Introduction
Exercises
- Answer the following questions:
- Do you think that Google would have invested in the two North Dakota wind energy projects if they did not receive tax credits (a government incentive that reduces the federal taxes that they owe)? Why or why not?
- Besides tax credits, what are some of the other benefits that Google could obtain by investing in the wind energy projects?
- Based on this article, do you think that it is wise for Google to continue investing in potential future renewable energy projects given that their core successful business model is based on web searches and not providing energy?
- Search on the web and find three other examples of companies investing in renewable energy projects, even though those companies' core business models do not involve energy production. Describe the business, their core business model, and the type of project they invested in.