It is motivated by the belief that the major responsibility for implementing innovative solutions to environmental problems lies with business managers. The era of extensive government intrusion into corporate boardrooms and shop floors is coming to an end, and new approaches are being developed that empower businesses to reduce costs and inefficiencies, and encourage innovation and technological advances. By reducing wastes, which are a non-product output, businesses not only save money, but reduce their impact on the environment.
All waste is, by definition, a sign of inefficiency.
In the competitive environment that business now finds itself in, any cost, or quality, advantage over a competitor can lead to greater market share. As one of, if not the, dominant social institution of our time, corporations have the financial resources, technology, know-how and global reach to successfully respond to the challenge of sustainable development. Those that fail to recognize the significance of these trends do so at their peril. Those that understand and embrace these trends, however, will be positioned to guide their companies, and perhaps their industries, into the future. The outline for a new role for regulatory agencies, environmental groups, trade associations, and the public is being developed.