Sustainability is a broadly based agenda that is challenging the status quo of large and small businesses and in all areas of the public sector. This article introduces the subject which is covered in Dossier 15.

There are many industrial processes and materials that have been seen as both revolutionary and bringing real benefits to society in their day. As time has gone by, the awful truth of their economic, environmental and social legacy has emerged. Asbestos is one such material, but another, polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, is causing much concern and enormous social and financial cost. This article looks at the case of General Electric and the Hudson River in New York State, and quotes from former CEO, Jack Welch's latest book.