Integrating environment policy with business strategy

Many businesses have had environmental policies for several years but few have integrated these policies with their business strategy. Examples are used to show how this integration has been successfully accomplished by different companies with benefits far the company, the environment, and the community. The ways in which integration is achieved varies considerably. The firm's financial situation, its unique circumstances, its impact on the natural environment, and the degree of top level commitment all contribute to the merging of business strategy and environment policy. Studies from other sources provide powerful indicators of lasting business success. These include research on visionary and adaptable companies. This article offers ideas which bring together the strategic environmental challenge and the ingredients for sustainable success in our changing world. These ideas can be used by managers to assess their own organizations and establish an appropriate way forward. There is increasing evidence that fundamental change is necessary which will mean transforming businesses and establishing new ways of thinking. A self-assessment scale enables managers to establish what this may mean for their organization.