SMEs and Environmental Performance – A Framework for Green Business Strategies

Increasing concern about the environment has forced industry to innovate and reduce its environmental impact. Due to various reasons, SMEs may have been left out of the regulatory and social pressures. The time has arrived where ignoring environmental impacts of SMEs is no longer viable.Objective– This paper attempts to offer a framework for SMEs to improve their environmental performance.Methodology– Literature review on green competitive advantages for firms, followed by in depth interviews with environment managers or sustainability practitioners in large firms and then with SME owners.Practical implications– SMEs can set about sustainability practices by following the approach in this paper.Originality – This paper presents a unique green approach for SMEs, which has not been offered till date for Indian SMEs.