Skip to content

Air Quote by Philip Kotler

“Every company that manufactures something is causing some damage either to the soil or water or air. Most companies treat these as externalities. But the growing movement of sustainability calls for companies to internalize these costs. Once companies do this, they will have a strong incentive to…” quote by Philip Kotler
Download Open image
“Every company that manufactures something is causing some damage either to the soil or water or air. Most companies treat these as externalities. But the growing movement of sustainability calls for companies to internalize these costs. Once companies do this, they will have a strong incentive to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Philip Kotler

About This Quote

Source Speech: Sustainability in Business, Philip Kotler, 2015

Companies often ignore environmental harm they cause, treating it as an external cost, but internalizing these costs creates financial incentives to lower emissions.

In simple terms: Businesses should count environmental damage as a cost.

Key Takeaway

Make pollution a cost, not a freebie.

Themes

environment economics business strategy

Mood

concerned determined

Type

business environmental.

When to use this quote

  • corporate planning
  • product design
  • supply chain management
  • investment decisions

Key Concepts

externalities internalization carbon accounting

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can firms balance profit with environmental responsibility?
  • What policies help internalize environmental costs?
A Different Perspective

If costs are internalized, firms may pass them to consumers, raising prices.

3.5 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Philip Kotler

Explore all 82 Philip Kotler quotes

More Air quotes

Browse all 6,278 Air quotes