Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
paths: along
X-A
where the market product is increased at a constant EQ
or along
X-B
where EQ is increased at constant market product value.
In practice, a course
X-Z
, where some improvement is obtained for both
goods, is the likely choice (
Fig. 2.5
). Even where the move is motivated by
improving EQ, it can still increase profitability (US DOE and SPI, 2003).
This is a common observation in the introductory phase of corporate
sustainability awareness for most business entities. Not much momentum
within the corporate structure is needed to justify and implement strategies
that increase both EQ and profits simultaneously. While desirable, this
move toward PPF is merely good business practice (with incidental EQ
benefits) and should have been achieved as a part of operational excellence
rather than as an exercise in strategic planning for increased sustainability.
Figure 2.5
Improving the environment quality of product also increases
profit.
In the second phase of sustainable development, a business entity already
operating somewhere along the PPF (perhaps as point
C
) considers
improving its environmental performance or increasing EQ. Repositioning
at a different point on the curve toward higher values of EQ, though
theoretically possible, is unacceptable; it can only be at the expense of
market goods and profitability. The only way to increase production of
both goods will be to invest in new technology or through management
