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Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Durland Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506
(lerick{at}ksu.edu)
Edited by Beth Beloff, Marianne Lines, and Dicksen Tanzil, Wiley Interscience, 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. 2005. 568 p. $94.95. ISBN 0-471-64445-5.
Sustainable development is receiving increased attention as efforts are made to address a number of important concerns related to the quality of life, ozone depletion, and global climate. This book was prepared to "provide managers with a practical framework to identify and assess options for improving the sustainability of their companies' and supply chains' current and future business practices, products, and manufacturing or production methods; demonstrate how businesses in the chemical sector can translate sustainability strategies into action; focus on operationalizing the environmental, economic, and social value of sustainable development for chemical industries; and contribute to the body of evidence regarding the business case for sustainability" (page 2). The editors and more than 50 authors have prepared an excellent collection of materials that can be studied and applied. The book contains many practical ideas; however, it represents an early attempt to provide guidance and operational methods in an area that is developing rapidly and is expected to continue to mature over the next decade.
The Native American sentiment is that "we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." Sustainable development also includes "a business approach to create long-term shareholder value by embracing opportunities and managing risks deriving from economic, environmental and social developments" (page 5). Attention is given to the "Triple Bottom Line" which includes economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social progress.
The book contains descriptions of some of the practices of leading companies such as BASF, 3M, Dow, and DuPont. There are also lists of principles from efforts to develop green chemistry and sustainable engineering. The widely used Responsible Care initiative of the chemical industry is presented in Appendix I. The authors represent a good mix of social, legal, business, and engineering professionals. The environmental expertise includes toxicologists as well as life cycle experts.
There are chapters on addressing sustainability and key issues facing the chemical industry; planning frameworks and designing for sustainable development; implementing sustainable development; and the business case for sustainable development. Risk assessment, environmental management systems, total cost accounting, six sigma management initiatives, and natural capitalism are a small set of the topics that are covered.
This book is a very significant addition to the efforts to advance sustainable development. It will be widely read and applied by those who are working in the chemical industry. Others will also make use of the concepts that are presented because they are not limited to the chemical industry. In university design classes, students should be encouraged to apply the principles and ideas that are presented in their class projects.
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