This book discusses the mutual relationship between service and sustainability. It covers
methodologies and approaches and describes measurements and tools that can promote
sustainability on the service market. Lastly it presents the different applications of
sustainability together with examples of sustainable services.Environmental concerns have
become integral to any decision-making process in the design and implementation of goods and
services. With the increasing dominance of the service sector and as service systems become
more complex and interdisciplinary the focus must move from the exchange of products to that
of services. Newly created services should thus aim to incorporate sustainability into their
designs while viewing sustainability as a service in its own right. Integrating sustainability
in the service design and development process is essential to improving the sustainability of
our society and preserving the environment.Moreover doing so shifts the service boundaries
from values that are focused only on personal local and current needs and economic profit to
those that are broader and more future oriented ultimately placing greater social and
environmental responsibility on all stakeholders. In addition it advances the current
state-of-the-art in sustainable development and service design and contributes to improving the
quality of life on a global scale.
