Premium
An ecological modernist interpretation of sustainability: the case of Interface Inc.
Author(s) -
Stubbs Wendy,
Cocklin Chris
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
business strategy and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.123
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1099-0836
pISSN - 0964-4733
DOI - 10.1002/bse.544
Subject(s) - sustainability , operationalization , interface (matter) , perspective (graphical) , interpretation (philosophy) , frame (networking) , ecological modernization , business , process management , sustainability organizations , knowledge management , economics , computer science , ecology , epistemology , telecommunications , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method , artificial intelligence , parallel computing , biology , programming language , philosophy
This article seeks to extend understanding of how sustainability is operationalized in firms by considering the example of Interface Inc. In particular, we assess the sustainability policy and strategies of Interface Inc. within the frame recourse of an ecological modernization (EM) perspective of sustainability. One question of particular interest is whether organizations are able to implement an EM‐aligned worldview through their own internal capabilities or whether changes to the wider socio‐economic system are required. The analysis of Interface's experiences suggests that, at this stage, an organization cannot fully adhere to an EM perspective of sustainability; its success is also dependent on changes to the wider socio‐economic system in which the firm operates. The critical factors in implementing sustainability that emerged from the Interface case study are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.