This kind of environmental thinking moves us to a higher stage, by designing and building sustainability into products and services at every stage of the life cycle. The challenge government and industry face is designing strategies that can take full advantage of these approaches. Government has made a start by recognizing the importance of examining the environmental aspects and implications of products and their manufacture. The Environmental Choice program, the Federal Pollution Prevention Strategy, and departmental green procurement strategies have all identified the linkage between products, environmental improvement and innovation. Government can provide leadership and encouragement, but the private sector has to deliver the goods.
Sustainability is one of the central strategic issues of our times .
We must shift the dialogue from simple compliance to prevention. We must look to a future where we are deploying available technologies, design and services. The time has now come to build environment and sustainability into these questions. Environmental and social sustainability has now become an undeniable part of the economic landscape, and the recognition of this fact has entailed a fundamental shift in the planning, positioning and practices of mainstream businesses. The proof is in the list of companies I just rattled off for you.