Eco-Business Book Summary - Eco-Business Book explained in key points

Eco-Business summary

Peter Dauvergne and Jane Lister

A Big-Brand Takeover of Sustainability

4.3 (19 ratings)
12 mins

Brief summary

Eco-Business by Peter Dauvergne and Jane Lister explores how corporations are responding to environmental challenges, offering insights into sustainable practices and the future of eco-friendly business.

Table of Contents

    Eco-Business
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    Eco-businesses are primarily motivated by profit and not by concerns for the health of the planet.

    What comes to mind when you hear the term eco-business?

    You might think about a company that restructures its business practices out of concern for the environment. But in fact, the pursuit of profit is the main driver of the eco-business trend.

    How can this be? Well, increasing the sustainability of a company is, above all else, a great way to cut manufacturing costs and increase efficiency. In other words, becoming an eco-business allows a company to make and sell more goods.

    The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto invested $25,000 CAD to upgrade its water systems as part of an energy conservation program. The result? A more efficient and less wasteful system that generated over $200,000 CAD in annual savings.

    So from a business standpoint, being sustainable is smart. But isn’t it also good for society and the environment? Actually, not really. In the long term, eco-businesses have a negative impact on social justice and environmental conservation.

    That’s because, as we’ve mentioned, supply chain efficiency facilitates accelerated production at lower per-unit costs. In other words, companies make more stuff for less.

    As a result, the total environmental impact of an eco-business increases even as the per-unit consumption of water, energy, material and waste decreases.

    Consider Coca-Cola. A decreased per-unit cost of production means lower costs, which allows the beverage company to meet increasing demand. But this accelerated production has had a taxing effect on its sugar cane suppliers. In fact, soil fertility in Papua New Guinea has dropped by 40 percent within the last two decades, due to increased production of sugar cane.

    Coca-Cola’s story also hints at another influencing factor. As eco-business practices make corporations ever-more successful, their power over the economic system grows. And that’s why, according to the World Wildlife Fund, Coca-Cola has more power over commodity producers than does the United Nations.

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    What is Eco-Business about?

    Eco-Business (2013) unpacks corporate sustainability initiatives to reveal a business model that has far more to do with profit and market share than earnest environmentalism. The tools and tactics described in these blinks allow businesses to cut costs and maximize profits, all in the name of the environment. Yet through firms’ collaboration with governments and NGOs, some corporate eco-initiatives can actually have a positive effect on the environment.

    Eco-Business Review

    Eco-Business (2012) is an insightful exploration of the relationship between business and the environment, providing readers with a fresh perspective on sustainable practices. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers a comprehensive analysis of the environmental challenges faced by businesses today, providing valuable insights into the urgent need for sustainability.
    • Through compelling case studies and interviews, the book highlights the innovative solutions adopted by companies worldwide, inspiring readers to take action and make a positive impact.
    • Its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking ideas make the topic of eco-business accessible and interesting, dispelling any misconception that it could be boring.

    Best quote from Eco-Business

    A market study by A. T. Kearney showed that companies with a commitment to sustainability outperformed their peers by 15 percent during the financial crisis.

    —Peter Dauvergne and Jane Lister
    example alt text

    Who should read Eco-Business?

    • Business leaders looking to cut costs, increase efficiency and promote a “green” image
    • Policymakers curious about the real impact of corporate sustainability initiatives
    • Consumers wanting to know how their purchases affect the environment

    About the Author

    Paul Dauvergne is a political science professor and the director of the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia. He’s authored and co-authored several books, including Timber and The Shadows of Consumption: Consequences for the Global Environment.  

    Jane Lister is a senior research fellow at the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia. Her previous books include Timber and Corporate Social Responsibility and the State: International Approaches to Forest Co-Regulation.

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    Eco-Business FAQs 

    What is the main message of Eco-Business?

    The main message of Eco-Business is that sustainable business practices are essential for the future of our planet.

    How long does it take to read Eco-Business?

    The reading time for Eco-Business varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Eco-Business a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Eco-Business is a worthwhile read that provides valuable insights on sustainability and business. It offers practical ideas for creating a more environmentally conscious future.

    Who is the author of Eco-Business?

    The authors of Eco-Business are Peter Dauvergne and Jane Lister.

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