Developing sustainable governance systems for regional sustainability programmes and 'green' business practices: the case of 'green' timber

Abstract

Achieving sustainable consumption and sustainable living is a response to the scientific and international communities’ concern that the world is living beyond its ecological systems, facing a potential crisis with regard to its environmental and other resources (Packard, 1960; Daub & Ergenzinger, 2005; Dolan, 2002). Placet, Anderson and Fowler (2005) argue if goals pertaining to environmental and social responsibility are met, the more likely economic prosperity will follow for the company (Placet et al, 2005; Robbins, 1999). The Stern Review (2006) concluded that all individuals, firms and communities, in relation to production of housing, transport and food consumption decisions must unite to develop sustainable change and well being. While solutions to unsustainable consumption involve a diverse stakeholder group they also extend to a diverse range of disciplines and fields including environmental, social and economic paradigms. Consequently, examination into sustainable systems requires a number of different knowledge disciplines to be involved including political science, economics, environmental science, marketing, general business, design, sociology, and consumer behaviour scientists in the design and practice of sustainable living (Tukker, Cohen, de Zoysa, Hertwich, Hofstetter, Inaba, Lorek, and Stø, 2006; 2008; Uiterkamp & Vlek, 2007).