Title: E-business and Sustainable Development

Authors: Lan Yi, Hywel R. Thomas

Addresses: Geoenvironmental Research Centre, Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queens Buildings, The Parade, Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales, UK. ' Geoenvironmental Research Centre, Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queens Buildings, The Parade, Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 3AA, Wales, UK

Abstract: E-business and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are growing at an exponential rate and playing a more and more important role in our life today. The whole world is racing to promote business, politics, entertainment, etc. online. But how sustainable is this growth? In this paper, the economic, social and environmental impacts of e-business and ICT are discussed. Environmental effects are analysed, from various aspects such as resources and energy consumption, transportation, waste and land use. An integrated Decision Support System (DSS) method is outlined, which should help an individual company to better manage its e-business operations, related particularly to environmental and financial performance.

Keywords: decision support systems; DSS; e-business; environment; information technologies; communication technologies; ICT; sustainable development; environmental impacts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2006.010896

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2006 Vol.5 No.3, pp.262 - 274

Published online: 14 Sep 2006 *

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