The concept of sustainable business is a powerful new perspective on creating value for multiple stakeholders. It links the previously conflicting interests of economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental protection. This technical note describes the historical background that has framed the transition from environmental battles to sustainable business and adds context to the discussion of sustainable business practices in the note "The Path to Sustainable Business: Environmental Frameworks, Practices, and Related Tools" (UVA-ENT-0033) and other environmental cases.