A Reference Framework for Looking at Business Sustainability

Sustainability is a key issue of today society. Within this context, business sustainability is part of the problem, and can be part of the solutions. Recent researches have demonstrated that companies affect and are affected by sustainability, and that sustainability opens both opportunities and threats. Business sustainability is a challenge that require an holistic approach to business and managerial practices, as well as the contribute of academics from different backgrounds and with different research approaches. In this paper, the authors propose a framework for looking at sustainability based on the well know value chain scheme. Potential initiatives to increase the sustainability of value creation processes are highlighted based on practice. The framework represents just a starting point to look at business sustainability, but offers a methodological approach to face such a complex challenge.