A business model is a plan by which a company determines how to run its operations to create value for its shareholders and stakeholders. This means that companies must identify sources of revenue, a viable customer base, what products or services to make, and how to finance them. This week, we will examine several different frameworks that businesses use to create a business model that is sustainable from an economic, environmental and social perspective.

“Going green” in business is no longer just a matter of improving a company’s reputation and image, or fostering good community relations. In almost all cases, sustainability also has to make good economic sense. As such, businesses have both financial and non-financial incentives for strategic sustainability management to minimize the impact of their operations on society and the natural environment.