Book aims to promote sustainability.

Byline: Christian Wihtol The Register-Guard

Hoping to help businesses cut pollution, reduce energy use and take other steps toward "sustainability," a Eugene environmental planner has written a guidebook on the topic.

Bob Doppelt, director of the Program for Watershed and Community Health at the University of Oregon, said he expects the book to appeal to executives who want their organizations to become "sustainable."

Sustainability is all the rage in progressive business circles, although exactly what the term means is open to debate. In his book, "Leading Change Toward Sustainability," Doppelt suggests sustainable businesses are those that reduce their environmental impact while improving social fairness.

Published by Greenleaf Publishing in Britain, Doppelt's 272-page book is packed with examples of companies that have moved toward sustainability. Doppelt's favorites include Portland clothing retailer Norm Thompson Outfitters - which has cut use of raw materials and energy, and increased sales of organic cotton products - and Atlanta-based carpet manufacturer and seller Interface Corp. - which takes back and recycles its old carpet.

"Companies are finding substantial cost savings" by becoming more sustainable, Doppelt said. "This really is a business move."

European companies tend to be more advanced in sustainable practices because that continent is running out of space, Doppelt said. Also, European consumers are more vocal in demanding companies cut pollution and increase social equity.

Doppelt said he spent 2 1/2 years researching and writing the book. He said he received no grants for it and doesn't expect it to make much money. Greenleaf has printed 3,000 to 5,000 copies, which are being distributed to bookstores and academic outlets, including the UO Bookstore.

The book is spendy - $34 for paperback, $70 for hardback. Doppelt said he'll get a royalty of 10 percent to 15 percent on sales, depending on the number of copies sold.

The UO Program for Watershed and Community Health, a research institute, is funded by grants from foundations and government agencies. Greenleaf's Web site is www.greenleaf-publishing.com.