What do you think?
Rate this book
Confessions of a Radical Industrialist: Profits, People, Purpose - Doing Business by Respecting the Earth
“America’s greenest CEO” and the hero from the award-winning documentary The Corporation makes the urgent, compelling case that sustainable business pays.
His story is now legend. In 1994, after reading The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken, Ray Anderson felt a “spear in the chest”: the founder of Interface, Inc., a billion-dollar carpeting manufacturer, realized that his company was plundering the environment and he needed to steer it on a new course. Since then, Interface has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 82%, and the goal is to reach zero environmental footprint by 2020. Thoughtful and winning, Confessions of a Radical Industrialist shows how Anderson revolutionized his company, in the process bringing costs down, improving quality, making it one of Fortune ’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” — and driving up profits.
*The publisher has aimed for sustainability in all aspects of this book’s production, from the inks and glues to the trim size. The interior paper is 100% post-consumer recycled, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and ancient-forest friendly. Instead of a jacket, the cover boards are wrapped in 100% recycled paper stock coated in a biodegradable varnish – and these are just two examples among many.
His story is now legend. In 1994, after reading The Ecology of Commerce by Paul Hawken, Ray Anderson felt a “spear in the chest”: the founder of Interface, Inc., a billion-dollar carpeting manufacturer, realized that his company was plundering the environment and he needed to steer it on a new course. Since then, Interface has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 82%, and the goal is to reach zero environmental footprint by 2020. Thoughtful and winning, Confessions of a Radical Industrialist shows how Anderson revolutionized his company, in the process bringing costs down, improving quality, making it one of Fortune ’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” — and driving up profits.
*The publisher has aimed for sustainability in all aspects of this book’s production, from the inks and glues to the trim size. The interior paper is 100% post-consumer recycled, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and ancient-forest friendly. Instead of a jacket, the cover boards are wrapped in 100% recycled paper stock coated in a biodegradable varnish – and these are just two examples among many.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2009
35 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 18, 2009
Live this book.
If "Cradle to Cradle" is the blueprint, "Confessions of a Radical Industrialist" is the beautiful home that is created therefrom.
Rest assured, though, that the home extends from the Earth rather than taking, making, and wasting the Earth. Architecture sure is beautiful, Mr. Roark, especially when you consider the entire life cycle of the structure. I'll excuse your nearsightedness if you promise to transcend your current objectivism.
Who would have thought that the founder of a billion-dollar carpet company would or could convert his epiphany of environmental sustainability that is equally more profitable business and more sustainable. This book proves the conversion is possible; profitability and sustainability aren't mutually exclusive.
I cannot understate the value of this book. Sure it's not the quickest, most exciting read. That doesn't matter. Just because your eyes can't avoid watching a train wreck doesn't mean the train wreck has value.
Rather, the value of this book is that it prospects the future of human progress. Sometimes the future looks dark. This book lights one very important candle.
The lessons of this book can be applied to almost every aspect of human life.
If "Cradle to Cradle" is the blueprint, "Confessions of a Radical Industrialist" is the beautiful home that is created therefrom.
Rest assured, though, that the home extends from the Earth rather than taking, making, and wasting the Earth. Architecture sure is beautiful, Mr. Roark, especially when you consider the entire life cycle of the structure. I'll excuse your nearsightedness if you promise to transcend your current objectivism.
Who would have thought that the founder of a billion-dollar carpet company would or could convert his epiphany of environmental sustainability that is equally more profitable business and more sustainable. This book proves the conversion is possible; profitability and sustainability aren't mutually exclusive.
I cannot understate the value of this book. Sure it's not the quickest, most exciting read. That doesn't matter. Just because your eyes can't avoid watching a train wreck doesn't mean the train wreck has value.
Rather, the value of this book is that it prospects the future of human progress. Sometimes the future looks dark. This book lights one very important candle.
The lessons of this book can be applied to almost every aspect of human life.
November 12, 2024
shoutout to saving money by going green. this book was written in 2009 and ray would be so upset with the current state of politics....
September 14, 2010
Ray Anderson turned his company into a Zero Footprint company by constantly innovating, and figuring out ways to do things differently. Here is what he did in 16 years:
Cut greenhouse gasses by 82%
Cut fossil fuel consumption by 60%
Cut waste by 66%
Cut water use by 75%
Invented and patented new machines, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Increased sales by 66%, doubled earnings, and raised profit margins.
He says, "Business and industry is the only institution large enough, wealthy enough, pervasive and powerful enough to lead humankind out of the mess we are making: not government, not religious institutions, not colleges and universities." And he has taken the lead in showing us how.
A very inspiring book.
Cut greenhouse gasses by 82%
Cut fossil fuel consumption by 60%
Cut waste by 66%
Cut water use by 75%
Invented and patented new machines, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Increased sales by 66%, doubled earnings, and raised profit margins.
He says, "Business and industry is the only institution large enough, wealthy enough, pervasive and powerful enough to lead humankind out of the mess we are making: not government, not religious institutions, not colleges and universities." And he has taken the lead in showing us how.
A very inspiring book.
March 14, 2017
Inspiring. Shows the power of business when yielded for more than just profit in mind.
Hank Reardon or Dagny Taggert would shake their head at Ray Anderson. I find that his commitment to his business and the impact of his business on the planet to be inspiring and warming to know their are people out there that can run a successful business (provide stable jobs) and think about the social and environmental impacts.
Hank Reardon or Dagny Taggert would shake their head at Ray Anderson. I find that his commitment to his business and the impact of his business on the planet to be inspiring and warming to know their are people out there that can run a successful business (provide stable jobs) and think about the social and environmental impacts.
May 24, 2024
Wow- this book deeply moved me. Finally someone who stepped up to the environmental collapse we are headed for, and made real changes with real results that ought to inspire all of us, whether CEO, policy makers, or citizens to be “more than nature’s unthinking enemy.” He proved that good ethics can be good business.
Five stars for importance. Maybe 3.5-4 stars for readability. His writing is accessible to all but he’s got many details of process improvements that some of us may skip over). But had he not elaborated on, for example how to reduce the carbon footprint of rubber backing, he might have been accused of grandstanding about the success of his company with no “proof.” Also impressive is his leadership and the view of cultural change at the company to make this happen.
I’m so tired of those who defend doing nothing about climate change because they say “the science isn’t settled. “. Or those who say we can keep kicking the can down the road because they believe technology will save us in the end.
Five stars for importance. Maybe 3.5-4 stars for readability. His writing is accessible to all but he’s got many details of process improvements that some of us may skip over). But had he not elaborated on, for example how to reduce the carbon footprint of rubber backing, he might have been accused of grandstanding about the success of his company with no “proof.” Also impressive is his leadership and the view of cultural change at the company to make this happen.
I’m so tired of those who defend doing nothing about climate change because they say “the science isn’t settled. “. Or those who say we can keep kicking the can down the road because they believe technology will save us in the end.
October 30, 2017
Environmental sustainability is possible and we don’t have to wait for government regulation to get started. The Interface model is proof of concept even if they have a ways to go. This book describes some of the changes Interface made, such as waste reduction and renewable energy, but more importantly describes how a corporate culture shift towards sustainable thinking is possible and profitable.
October 17, 2025
This one took some time to read, but I think it’s worth it - for the right reader. It made me feel existentially sad throughout the book.
It did open my eyes to how staunch capitalists can turn into environmentalists. How these folks who live and die for the bottom line MUST change their ways to continue their revenue.
I’d recommend it to someone who likes business and environmental nonfiction.
It did open my eyes to how staunch capitalists can turn into environmentalists. How these folks who live and die for the bottom line MUST change their ways to continue their revenue.
I’d recommend it to someone who likes business and environmental nonfiction.
February 7, 2020
A very interesting account of how someone turned his business around to make it 'green'. It totally shatters the myth that is spread that economic growth and environmental preservation cannot go together.
October 7, 2020
Approaching the topic of climate change and stewardship of this planet, his niche perspective of being a businessman and environmentalist makes this a great discussion starter for groups or book club to discuss those topics.
September 27, 2017
Ray Anderson was a brilliant visionary.
June 12, 2019
Great book!!! it proves that all companies need to go this way!!!! it shows the best we can do for our world is to move to a sustainable business future.
October 27, 2019
Bit repetitive. Not very concise. Very interesting to learn about the carpet lease program Interface tried to start. Must have been a very groundbreaking book when written.
September 9, 2020
This book changed my whole perspective on what it takes to be green in business.
February 5, 2021
industrialist CEO proves the merits (economic, business, ethical) of centering companies around the environment
February 22, 2017
This book creates a dichotomy. On the one side the book lays a great thesis, very well explained and with outstanding evidence. It does great honor to the environmental movement.
On the other, I have just witnessed three years of terrible Presidential performance that, while supporting the book's concepts, destroyed any semblance of trust businesses had on our nation.
I now know who most influenced Obama and his environmental drive. Too bad that the President is such poor leader. The goal, especially as outlined by this author, is very important to us all. But, as even the author discovered, command-and-control tends to fail despite whatever great merits a goal may have.
I am left stunned with the great performance achieved by Interface Inc. but doubtful after a terrible attempt by our President. I will have to think about this one for a long time.
This is a great book!
In my list of the best business books to read: http://albertoalopez.blogspot.com/201...
On the other, I have just witnessed three years of terrible Presidential performance that, while supporting the book's concepts, destroyed any semblance of trust businesses had on our nation.
I now know who most influenced Obama and his environmental drive. Too bad that the President is such poor leader. The goal, especially as outlined by this author, is very important to us all. But, as even the author discovered, command-and-control tends to fail despite whatever great merits a goal may have.
I am left stunned with the great performance achieved by Interface Inc. but doubtful after a terrible attempt by our President. I will have to think about this one for a long time.
This is a great book!
In my list of the best business books to read: http://albertoalopez.blogspot.com/201...
Read
July 30, 2011What an inspiring man and book! I recently attended the US Green Building Council's GreenBuild conference and Ray Anderson spoke at the Executive Luncheon. He is a truly inspiring speaker and gave out copies of his latest book. I read it in 3 sittings as I was rapt and mesmerized by the story of Interface and their climb up "Mount Sustainability" - but more importantly by Ray's plain-talk approach to describing, diagnosing, prescribing, measuring, monitoring, and improving all aspects of sustainability in business. He's by no means a hippie - he's a true businessman - and makes an undeniable case for how "doing good' helps everyone "do well". I am personally inspired to reduce my footprint -both my own personal footprint as well as that of my company's. I urge EVERYONE to read this book and to spread the word! And thank you to USGBC and to Ray for getting me finally switched on to the green and sustainable movement!
I urge
I urge
February 21, 2016
Excellent book from Ray Anderson on his personal journey implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly business and manufacturing processes. His experiences, triumphs and failures lend wisdom to an industry that is challenged with staying competitive and relevant. He offers many stories from outside and inside his business on important sustainability themes. Many metrics and studies are also presented to drive points home.
The chapter I found most inspiring was social sustainability. This is a point that I hadn't paid much attention to and is a critical pillar to creating and sustaining a healthy community. Again, he offers many real and touching stories to give life to the topic.
I've purchased copies of this book for several friends as I believe his story resonates with business professionals of all backgrounds.
The chapter I found most inspiring was social sustainability. This is a point that I hadn't paid much attention to and is a critical pillar to creating and sustaining a healthy community. Again, he offers many real and touching stories to give life to the topic.
I've purchased copies of this book for several friends as I believe his story resonates with business professionals of all backgrounds.
October 4, 2011
This man is a modern saint, if the book is to be believed, and I am not being my usual sarcastic self. I have nothing but admiration for someone who truly believes we have to stop grinding the planet up for tchotckes to make our nests pretty AND can make a bunch of money while developing zero impact manufacturing processes. That said, the book is apparently his second and trying to tell the whole story a second time made it not such an engaging read. I wish it was best seller material. Well worth a read, even so.
August 29, 2013
Inspiring book. Very convincing about doing business differently... in order to preserve the earth.
In fact it 's impressing what Interface did. Improving their economical performance while reducing their ecological footprint enormously.
Anderson also clearly shows that getting rid of fossil fuels and other non renewable sources doesn't impair economy, but, on the contrary, provides a new impulse to a more sustainable economy with an important positive impact on employment.
Negative: many repetitions make the book a bit long.
In fact it 's impressing what Interface did. Improving their economical performance while reducing their ecological footprint enormously.
Anderson also clearly shows that getting rid of fossil fuels and other non renewable sources doesn't impair economy, but, on the contrary, provides a new impulse to a more sustainable economy with an important positive impact on employment.
Negative: many repetitions make the book a bit long.
August 5, 2015
Had been meaning to read it ever since I saw "The Corporation." In the 90s Anderson started his company Interface, on a path towards environmental sustainability. It's a fascinating read as the predictions were that such a path was financially unreadable. Interface found that becoming sustainable actually helped them become a more profitable company.
November 6, 2010
Great book. Nice to see a book about sustainability written by the CEO of a major corporation. He is a little full of himself at times but ultimately this book offers some practical solutions to moving away from an unsustainable industrial model based on fossil fuels.
Read
December 31, 2011Very interesting book and it should be a required reading for every business person in the 21st century. It was the last book I had to read for my MBA and I'm glad I did. It does feel a little long and repetitive and I penalized it 1 star for that, but overall a worthy read.
December 8, 2016
Certain chapters are really enlightening, others give too much details on the carpet tiling processes. This book can be viewed as more than sustainable businesses - it can give insight on how to optimize your business.
The epilogue was written really well, and was a great end to the book.
The epilogue was written really well, and was a great end to the book.
May 5, 2011
I like how much more specific Anderson is about practice and metrics than Lovins usually is. It's really refreshing and practical. Also, inspiring.
August 15, 2012
The story of a petroleum-intensive industrialist and his quest to become green. A very interesting and inspiring tale if a bit redundant and self-aggrandising.
October 20, 2012
Excellent. Only wish I'd discovered Ray Anderson earlier and had seen him speak in person. Recommend this book for anyone interested in sustainability/green living.
Read
January 24, 2013goood
February 2, 2013
Good view on how the manufacturing industry can be made greener. Also suggested many other good environmentally minded books to read.
February 9, 2017
One of my favourite books. I often go back to it.
November 27, 2017
This is a must read for everyone in business who doesn't understand the concept of sustainability. If more business people thought the way Ray Anderson did, the world would be a much better place. It's been over a decade since Mr. Anderson wrote this book, and sadly, we haven't made much progress. And now we have an American president who's dismantling much needed environmental protections and regulations. It's going to be up to business and citizens to push back and ensure that future generations actually have a future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews