Interview with Gareth Kane, author of The Three Secrets of Green Business

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Gareth Kane, an environmental consultant, and author of The Three Secrets of Green Business, a practical guide to those who want to introduce sustainability into their business or organization quickly and effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

There is a common confusion over the business case for going green – is it to improve the image of the company or to cut costs? Cutting edge companies understand that the business winning benefits of going green outweigh the cost savings many times over. As a result they are prepared to invest in sustainability regardless of the direct economic return on investment. Paradoxically, they find that their programmes are giving a return on investment in practice.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Social implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.

Originality/value

Business is coming under increasing pressure from government, customers and campaigning groups to improve its environmental performance. Soaring utility and compliance costs are hitting companies where it hurts – on their bottom line. But there is another way of looking at the green agenda – as an opportunity rather than a threat. The Three Secrets of Green Business provides a framework for organizations looking to make their business greener, whilst still maintaining their profit margin.

Citation

by Juliet Norton, I. (2010), "Interview with Gareth Kane, author of The Three Secrets of Green Business", Strategic Direction, Vol. 26 No. 8, pp. 37-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541011055733