(68c) Sustainable Business Operation and Environmental Preservation - the Evolving 21st Century Thinking on the Achievability of Both | AIChE

(68c) Sustainable Business Operation and Environmental Preservation - the Evolving 21st Century Thinking on the Achievability of Both

Authors 

Sibblies, J. - Presenter, Environmental Compliance Consulting


The governmental implementation of environmental protection measures of the 1970’s generated passionate debate among stakeholders on the results that these effected procedures could or would make. A large section of the general public and several public advocacy groups felt that requirements were strict enough on the industry to bring about the kind and degree of operational changes needed to appreciably mitigate the state of environmental deterioration. Members of the industrial sector viewed the environmental protection measures as very restrictive, undermining business profitability and possibly threatening to business survival. The regulatory agencies considered the requirements reasonable and adequate in addressing the then prevailing environmental concerns.

 The arguments and diverse perspectives on environmental protection requirements have persisted over the decades, intensifying at pivotal junctures. As scientific research and human health evaluation data continue to reveal increasing and/or new negative environmental effects from industrial operations, governmental agencies have sought to reduce these factors through further regulations, either by amendments of existing regulations or promulgation of new ones. Such moves have left industry with a heightened sense of being subjected to overly burdensome requirements that could not be complied with economically. Some thought that there were requirements that were simply not necessary and that industry was in the best position to devise procedures for controlling practices that negatively impact the environment, should be allowed to develop appropriate countermeasures.

 Indeed by the 1980’s, the chemical industry embarked on a set of self derived standards of operation known as Responsible Care, developed in Canada. Participation is voluntary and requires that members follow recommended practices of safe handling and disposal of chemicals, monitor these practices and keep records of specified metrics. Later, the European non-governmental organization (NGO) International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed standards for an environmental management system which included requirements for regulatory compliance.

 Despite these efforts, the 1990’s brought even more stringent environmental regulations due to demands for a cleaner environment and growing concerns regarding climate change by the public, public advocacy groups and environmental groups. Internationally, consumers began to indicate their preferences for goods and services that incorporate environmental preservation. Members of the industrial sector started to look for way in which they could fulfill consumer expectations and still maintain acceptable business returns.

 During the first decade of the 21st century, various sectors of industry led by prominent leader in those sectors developed operational/business models that have succeeded in sustaining high environmental standards and economic performance. This paper will discuss the development of the new thinking that generated this industrial paradigm shift and offer a projection into an era of fuller stake holder collaboration towards sustainability.

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