Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Towards the Transition to
a Post-Carbon Society:
The Crisis of Existing Business Models?
Sophie Galharret
Expert on Energy and Climate Issues, France
Laurent Beduneau Wang
Expert on Strategy & Transformation of Business Model and Financial System Issues, France
ABSTRACT
Traditional strategic approaches based on competitive market environment analysis are increasingly
challenged. In particular, the political momentum around global environmental issue (such as climate
change) aspires to transform the traditional fossil-fuel based-economy into a low-carbon and sustain-
able world. Taking this into consideration, the authors of this chapter explore how existing businesses
are envisioning the prospect of a low-carbon future into the elaboration of their strategies. This chapter
provides a diagnosis of internal and external factors that will trigger incentives to reshape business
models incorporating green considerations, on a basis of three sectors analysis (oil, car and outdoor
sportswear industries). The authors are aiming at enlightening the way they conceive the transition and
the challenges that remain for business transformations.
INTRODUCTION
an economic model based on mass production and
consumption. Environmental awareness and its
reintegration in businesses has been a progressive
process arising in the 70s. The first oil crisis was
a driver for an increase in the efficiency in the
use of inputs, whereas the main reason pursued
The economic boom experienced after the second
world war paved the way for the development of
