Sustainability Demystified

The Practical Sustainability Guide: Sustainability Demystified by Norman Christopher

West Michigan author and former Director of Sustainability at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Norman Christopher has written an “essentials guide” to sustainability best practices for small- to medium-sized business owners, manager and leaders to help them maximize their triple bottom line, or TBL, which stands for people, planet and profits.

Using case studies of nearly 40 successful West Michigan companies and associations, including furniture industry giants Hayworth, Herman Miller and Steelcase; Cascade Engineering; Nichols Paper and Supply; Gazelle Sports; Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (BIFMA); and the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, readers are taught to incorporate small changes immediately while developing a comprehensive foundation for long-term sustainable business practices. This will improve decision-making, generate real world savings and create additional social, economic, and environmental value for the organization.

Packed with relevant examples, lessons learned, and pragmatic guidance, Sustainability Demystified is a must-read for any small to medium-sized business leader.
Bob WillardAuthor of The Sustainability Advantage
Sustainability Demystified effectively distills hundreds of books on sustainability into a practical, readable guide that allows the practitioner to make sense of this emerging field.
Fred KellerPast President and CEO of Cascade Engineering
Before most of us could pronounce "sustainability," Grand Valley State University under Norman Christopher's leadership was far in practice.
George HeartwellRetired Mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan
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5/5
Brad Morrill
Amazon Review
[T]his book is a practical guide, meaning that the book is chock full of examples, next steps, and resources that are fantastic for general business practitioner folks like myself to use as we start or continue our sustainability paths. I highly recommend this book.
5/5
JJH
Amazon Review
All small- to medium-sized business owners and managers should own a copy of this book. It lays out, department by department, the steps necessary (though not necessarily easy) to improving the company's Triple Bottom Line. Save the planet, increase your profit. It's truly a win-win.
5/5
Owen Foster
Amazon Review
[A]n excellent way for every leader to learn, internalize and strategize a comprehensive approach to sustainability in their business or institution
About the author

Norman Christopher

Norman Christopher is a seasoned executive with background and experience in various management capacities including President, CEO, and COO responsibilities. He has improved business performance at major chemical companies including Haviland Enterprises in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He recently retired as the Executive Director for the Office of Sustainability Practices at Grand Valley State University, where sustainability is one of the University’s core values.