Book review: Leadership for sustainability: An action research approach

Leadership for sustainability: An action research approach

Judi Marshall, Gill Coleman and Peter Reason / Greenleaf Publishing / Hardback: £35 /
ISBN: 978–1–906093–59–4

An inspiring insight into the different ways in which environment professionals can lead sustainability, this book centres on the experiences of 29 individuals who completed the MSc in Responsibility and Business Practice, which ran at the University of Bath between 1997 and 2010.

The first third of the book is dedicated to a comprehensive introduction to the course, the principles behind its creation and the concept of action research – working with others to improve the way they address issues through cycles of action and reflection.

The rest of the book focuses on participants’ experiences of the course and how it has informed their professional lives since.

The stories differ widely from the person inspired to create the Carbon Disclosure Project, to another who completed the world’s first eco ironman triathlon, but each offers an interesting perspective on the emotional and practical reality of trying to lead sustainability.

While the text is quite academic in places, the book remains an accessible and fascinating read.