1st Edition

Headwinds of Opportunity A Compass for Sustainable Innovation

By Tim Lindsey Copyright 2018
    250 Pages
    by Routledge

    250 Pages
    by Routledge

    Winner of the Silver Axiom Business Book Award in the category of Sustainability.

    Headwinds of Opportunity goes beyond philosophical and academic discussion of business sustainability to offer strategic guidance regarding how to make all types of organizations function more sustainably while simultaneously improving their competitiveness. It differs from other books in that it approaches sustainability as an innovation – an innovative way of conducting business. The book is informed by time-tested principles of innovation diffusion that can be effectively applied to drive change. It places considerable emphasis on the "how-to" aspects of sustainability improvement and how they can be used to increase effectiveness.

    Preface 

    Chapter 1: Increasing headwinds 

    Chapter 2: The evolution of constraint headwind 

    Chapter 3: Current and future constraint headwinds 

    Chapter 4: Proactive approaches emerge 

    Chapter 5: Transitioning from linear flow to a circular economy 

    Chapter 6: Charting a prosperous path forwards 

    Chapter 7: The rationale for sustainable strategy 

    Chapter 8: Sustainable innovation 

    Chapter 9: Establishing a sustainability compass 

    Chapter 10: Sustainability principle #1: prevent waste 

    Chapter 11: Sustainability principle #2: improve quality 

    Chapter 12: Sustainability principle #3: optimize systems 

    Chapter 13: Sustainability principle #4: restore value  1

    Chapter 14: A call for leadership

    Biography

    Tim Lindsey is the president of Highlander Innovation Inc. He advises various private and public sector entities regarding how to drive and implement more sustainable practices, investments and innovations. He has over thirty-five years of experience helping organizations improve their sustainability performance in processes, products, and systems through more effective management of energy, water, land, materials and personnel.

    '...The book is useful not only for primary and secondary industries and organisations, but also to anyone interested in sustainability. Given the time-bound agenda of the sustainable development goals and climate change mitigation endeavours, the book is highly relevant. It is written in a lucid and simple style, communicating complex issues in an uncomplicated way.' Pawar, M. (2019), Book Review, The International Journal of Community and Social Development, Vol. 1. No. 2, pp184-87.

    'Tim Lindsey’s timely book is a gift from an active player in the field of positive sustainable growth. By sharing his wisdom and experience, he is showing us how to use principled values-based business practices to create profitable economic value.' William McDonough, Chief Executive, McDonough Innovation, Yale University School of Architecture, co-author of Cradle to Cradle and The Upcycle

    Tim Lindsey makes a compelling case for business sustainability as a competitive advantage. He sees it as innovation, pure and simple, not just a philosophy or even a "business case," and articulates four principles that can be used as a guiding compass. Like other effective innovators, Lindsey finds opportunities in the constraints and describes how they can be turned into profitable strategies. This is a great read for sustainability leaders, or anyone who wants to become one.' Joel Makower, Chairman and Executive Editor, GreenBiz Group, and co-author, The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America’s Prosperity, Security and Sustainability in the 21st Century

    'Dr Lindsey makes a thoughtful and compelling case that the sustainability of business practices is critical for the success of organizations in the coming decades.' Jeff Brawn, Professor and Head, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA

    'A masterful pragmatic hands-on approach to advancing sustainability, Headwinds of Opportunity is a must-read for all engaged in the essential effort to achieve a sustainable future. This is just not for the world of commerce but for all concerned with a sustainable future for all.' Thomas E. Lovejoy University Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, and 2012 Blue Planet Prize Laureate

    'Tim Lindsey produces an anthology of exceptional sustainable innovation case studies and global market practices that can serve as an excellent handbook to anyone interested in applying sustainable innovation in business strategy. Headwinds of Opportunity touches upon the most crucial sustainability challenges of our times showing the way to competing on growth.' Michael Spanos, Managing Director, Global Sustain Group, USA 

    'In late 2004, after defending my dissertation at Georgia Tech on the economics of sustainability, it did not take long for the built environment industry to recognize that sustainable solutions create more value than traditional solutions. Intuitively, my fellow researchers and I also recognized that leading this industry change was a remarkable pathway to innovation. Masterfully done, Tim’s work now shows all of us not only how, but why the business community should choose this path. Tim takes the initiative and offers the proof by presenting case studies that double down on both of the most important business concepts for success – how to create lasting value and to do that innovatively. As you read his work, you will likely unlock the power of "why" for your business, and adopt a philosophy of "why wouldn’t we?"' John Mogge, Environmental Market Director, CH2M, USA

    'Not only is the book full of valuable stats and up to date information on resource utilization, waste, efficiency, new tech, smart systems and real life case studies, but it’s highly readable and engaging.' Danielle Park, author of Juggling Dynamite