The rapidly increasing attention devoted to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has resulted in the term 'CSR' being applied to myriad dissimilar phenomena. The authors therefore aim to dispel this confusion by presenting a multi-faceted view of socially responsible corporate behavior and related themes. They provide a conceptualization of CSR that emphasizes the role of the adoption and implementation of specific CSR strategies and their impact on corporate social and economic performance. An overview of the CSR literature is presented, and the managerial tools required for creating and sustaining social, economic and competitive value are explored. Case studies and extensive empirical evidence are used as a basis for the analyses of the benchmarking of European and international standards and initiatives, and a new CSR performance evaluation and reporting framework is proposed. Driven by the strong belief that CSR is at the forefront in the competitive strengthening of the entire EU system, this book represents an attempt to guide readers through the CSR principles currently in progress at the European level. It will therefore be invaluable to both academics and practitioners wishing to deepen their knowledge in the field of CSR, and to those interested in the practical application of strategic approaches to CSR.

Technology breakthroughs in sustainable renewable energy and energy conservation technologies require that there be a strong institutional ecosystem in place which supports innovation, but the nature of this foundation and how it works is not well-known. Becoming a leader necessitates new forms of cross-sector cooperation.

Corporate sustainability needs a rethink. We have entered the human-influenced Anthropocene age, and we are witnessing accelerating changes in earth system processes. Businesses' current initiatives, such as product innovation and pollution reduction, are not enough to combat the intensifying social-ecological challenges that face us. Corporate Sustainability in the 21st Century is an innovative new textbook which provides a fresh conceptual framework for understanding and engaging with sustainability, now and in the future - "Business In Nature." This book critically discusses key concepts and topics related to corporate sustainability, with a focus on corporate sustainability strategies and corporate value chains. Setting itself apart from existing books, it introduces ideas from global ecology and the natural sciences to provide readers with a new language for discussing business and sustainability. This book maintains an international perspective throughout, with a wealth of examples, case studies and discussion questions. It will be a valuable text for students of corporate sustainability; business, nature and society; and environmental studies, and will also be useful for managers seeking a new perspective on how being "green" can fit with business goals.

Technology breakthroughs in sustainable renewable energy and energy conservation technologies require that there be a strong institutional ecosystem in place which supports innovation, but the nature of this foundation and how it works is not well-known. Becoming a leader necessitates new forms of cross-sector cooperation.

Corporate sustainability needs a rethink. We have entered the human-influenced Anthropocene age, and we are witnessing accelerating changes in earth system processes. Businesses' current initiatives, such as product innovation and pollution reduction, are not enough to combat the intensifying social-ecological challenges that face us. Corporate Sustainability in the 21st Century is an innovative new textbook which provides a fresh conceptual framework for understanding and engaging with sustainability, now and in the future - "Business In Nature." This book critically discusses key concepts and topics related to corporate sustainability, with a focus on corporate sustainability strategies and corporate value chains. Setting itself apart from existing books, it introduces ideas from global ecology and the natural sciences to provide readers with a new language for discussing business and sustainability. This book maintains an international perspective throughout, with a wealth of examples, case studies and discussion questions. It will be a valuable text for students of corporate sustainability; business, nature and society; and environmental studies, and will also be useful for managers seeking a new perspective on how being "green" can fit with business goals.