The European SustainValue research project coordinated by
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland develops new types of tools for
sustainable industrial development. According to Senior Scientist Teuvo
Uusitalo of VTT, the methods and indicators used at present entail risks, since
they tend to over-emphasise the economic perspective and that of individual
companies.
“Methods are required that take the social and environmental
impacts of business operations better into account, both within the company and
among its network of partners and stakeholders,” says Uusitalo. “If a change
cannot be effected, the current unsustainable way of life will continue, and we
might also miss some opportunities for creating new business. Market share is
at stake here.”
According to Uusitalo, other companies and customers demand
that companies take a wider view of sustainable development.