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Natural Capitalism ... Creating the next industrial revolution
For decades, environmentalists have been warning that human economic activity is exceeding the planet's limits. Of course we keep pushing those limits back with clever new technologies; yet living systems are undeniably in decline.
These trends need not be in conflict-in fact, there are fortunes to be made in reconciling them.
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins, is the first book to explore the lucrative opportunities for businesses in an era of approaching environmental limits.
In this groundbreaking blueprint for a new economy, three leading business visionaries explain how the world is on the verge of a new industrial revolution-one that promises to transform our fundamental notions about commerce and its role in shaping our future. Natural Capitalism describes a future in which business and environmental interests increasingly overlap, and in which businesses can better satisfy their customers' needs, increase profits, and help solve environmental problems all at the same time.
Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystem services that make possible all economic activity, indeed all life. These services are of immense economic value; some are literally priceless, since they have no known substitutes. Yet current business practices typically fail to take into account the value of these assets-which is rising with their scarcity. As a result, natural capital is being degraded and liquidated by the wasteful use of such resources as energy, materials, water, fiber, and topsoil.
The first of natural capitalism's four interlinked principles, therefore, is radically increased resource productivity. Implementing just this first principle can significantly improve a firm's bottom line, and can also help finance the other three. They are: redesigning industry on biological models with closed loops and zero waste; shifting from the sale of goods (for example, light bulbs) to the provision of services (illumination); and reinvesting in the natural capital that is the basis of future prosperity.
Citing hundreds of compelling stories from a wide array of sectors, Natural Capitalism shows how these four changes will enable businesses to act as if natural capital were being properly valued, without waiting for consensus on what that value should be. Even today, when natural capital is hardly accounted for on corporate balance sheets, these four principles are so profitable that firms adopting them can gain striking competitive advantage-as early adopters are already doing. These innovators are also discovering that by downsizing their unproductive tons, gallons, and kilowatt-hours they can keep more people, who will foster the innovation that drives future improvement.
Natural Capitalism's preface states: 'Although [this] is a book abounding in solutions, it is not about 'fixes.' Nor is it a how-to manual. It is a portrayal of opportunities that if captured will lead to no less than a transformation of commerce and of all societal institutions. Natural capitalism maps the general direction of a journey that requires overturning long-held assumptions, even questioning what we value and how we are to live. Yet the early stages in the decades-long odyssey are turning out to release extraordinary benefits. Among these are what business innovator Peter Senge calls 'hidden reserves within the enterprise'--lost energy,' trapped in stale employee and customer relationships, that can be channeled into success for both today's shareholders and future generations. All three of us have witnessed this excitement and enhanced total factor productivity in many of the businesses we have counseled. It is real; it is replicable…'
The next Industrial Revolution has already started. Natural Capitalism will prepare you to be a part of it.
Natural Capitalism is just a start�this part of the website picks up where the book leaves off. It's intended to be the living, growing part of the book, enabling readers to discuss natural capitalism theory and practice, access additional material, and learn about the latest developments in this fast-moving field.
Other Natural Capitalism Articles
Want to hear what others have to say about natural capitalism? Want to know where to find articles reviewing the book and its principles? Follow this link to write-ups and reviews on Natural Capitalism.
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Food for Thought
A roundup of particularly interesting reader correspondence and discussion group postings. More Info...
Additional Book Material
If you've read Natural Capitalism you know that it's packed full of information. But believe it or not, the book was originally supposed to be even longer. Follow this link to read additional material that had to be cut due to space limitations.
Updates
All over the globe, there are signs that natural capitalism is becoming the modus operandi for businesses in a transitioning economy. This area of the website (still in development) will feature news, case studies, and commentary about natural capitalism developments that have come to light since the book's publication.
Other Feedback
If you have questions about natural capitalism relating to your business that you'd rather ask confidentially, please hit the Consulting button at left. If you're not seeking consulting services, but have other questions related to resource efficiency and sustainable business practices, please visit the Rocky Mountain Institute website.
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