Ecosystem management has become critical in present times with rapidly shrinking forests, pollution in water bodies and increasing green house gas levels. The role of corporate assumes importance in this context as they are responsible for the environmental degradation on one hand and have access to resources (financial and technological) that can provide solutions, being economic engines of growth and employment. Firms’ practices towards ecosystem management are usually based on their sector, stakeholder interests, products or services and business models. To this end, both company managers and academicians focus on eco-efficiency to achieve environmental sustainability. World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBSCD) defines eco-efficiency as ‘delivery of competitively- priced goods and services’ while ‘reducing environmental impacts and resource intensity’ in line with ‘earth’s estimated capacity’.
Our focus is to assess eco-efficiency of Indian firms using both environmental and economical indicators to identify factors that will help in improving the efficiency. The indicators selected for assessment is based on existing literature and interview of stakeholders engagement (corporate managers’ and regulators). The analysis will help firms to (a) reduce their costs as they can monitor their performance and benchmark with their peers, (b) mitigate risks and (c) build reputation by showing environmental responsiveness in national and global market. It will also help in policy design by identifying the appropriate mitigation options for different industries.
Prof. Trupti Mishra