6 Exciting New Book Releases Exploring Sustainability in Business
- Molly Sneddon
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Sustainability in business is an ever-evolving subject, one that can quickly render a resource "outdated" in the span of a few years. Many sustainability-focused business texts were published a decade (or more!) ago, and although they are still valuable sources of information, they lack the recency to fully encapsulate the most updated understandings of sustainable business. So, we put together a list of recently released books focused on integrating sustainability into business. These publications help provide a timely take on the current status of eco-consciousness and industry, building on past revelations to construct resources based on current events.
By Dr. Alex Gold
Goodreads Rating: 4.90/5.00
Published: 10/29/2024
"Sustainability, resilience, ESG. What does it all mean? In his groundbreaking book, Leaving Planet Simple, Dr. Alex Gold cuts through the clutter and sensationalized headlines to explain how you can truly transform your business. Many business leaders today are stuck on Planet Simple. It’s a pleasant place—and state of mind—but it’s not the real world. For centuries, particularly since the Scientific Revolution of the 1700s, humankind has sought to master and rule over nature. While this has brought many benefits including increased human health, nutrition, and quality of life, it has also brought catastrophe, environmental degradation, a warming climate, and an often-inequitable society."
By Kristyn Noeth
Goodreads Rating: 4.90/5.00
Published: 7/15/2024
"The interest in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) from stakeholders across all sectors is growing and will continue to do so as we are in the most pivotal decade for meeting the global goals on climate change and sustainable development. This book is a compendium of the international agreements, regulatory advancements, and current practicum to inform a 360-degree viewpoint of the organizations, frameworks, and stakeholders that shape the evolving landscape."
By Anna Krotova and Jennifer Geary
Goodreads Rating: 4.60/5.00
Published: 6/9/2024
"The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) has become a crucial member of the leadership team, deeply involved in shaping company strategy and operations. However, despite the abundance of sustainability theory, practical and consolidated information on how to execute the corporate sustainability function remains elusive.
This book guides new or prospective CSOs through the foundational work that will ensure they anchor sustainability within the core of an organisation, focus on impactful changes, and avoid distraction and 'greenwash.' "
By John Elkington
Goodreads Rating: 4.00/5.00
Published: 3/25/2024
"Sustainability is going mainstream—but where did the story start? For decades, the traditional capitalist business model required growth at all costs. Business-as-usual guaranteed unsustainability. Now, in contrast, we see growing adoption of greener practices, but where did these ideas come from—and where are the linked movements headed?
Drawing on a half century of experience since the early seventies, “Godfather of Sustainability” John Elkington explains how a series of societal pressure waves have helped to transform business, markets, and, ultimately, capitalism. He explains how he came to “tickle” the human sharks of the corporate world, encouraging them to embrace once-unthinkable ways of addressing new social, economic, environmental, and governance priorities."
By André Hoffmann and Peter Vanham
Goodreads Rating: 3.91/5.00
Published: 8/27/2024
"In The New Nature of Business: The Path to Prosperity and Sustainability, businessman Andre Hoffmann and journalist Peter Vanham describe how companies should change their ways to have continued success, and why the current modus operandi is not working. They present a template for creating “sustainable prosperity”, and case-studies of companies that survived and thrived by opting for change. In doing so, they provide a way out of long-standing dilemmas, such as how to balance business needs with impact on nature, shareholders with stakeholders, and short-term vs. long-term profits."
By Angel Lance
Goodreads Rating: 3.80/5.00
Published: 9/3/2024
"Are you looking for a new approach to ESG, environmental consciousness, and going green for business and industry leaders? Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability combines the pursuit of profit and the urgent need to protect our planet. In this entertaining, educational, and inspirational book, visionary CEO, Angel Lance shares her story and unconventional approach to making homes, businesses, and industries more green for profit and the environment."
Have you read any of these six books, and if so, what were your thoughts? Share them with us in the comments!
Links to purchase are directed to our local independent bookstore, The Squirrel & Acorn Bookshop, located in downtown State College, PA.
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