Sustainable development is attracting significant attention. However, the two key business issues that underlie the decision process have yet to be fully worked out in terms of current best practice. Those issues are the measuring and delivering of quality and value arising at the interface between industrial pragmatism and the more public ``popular science`` approach to the environment.

Delivering quality in environmental consultancy should be obvious and straightforward. However, as demonstrated by industrial project reviews and the public acceptability of results, this is clearly not always the case. Industry often leads the way for value in environmental protection, linking this closely to financial targets and public image. However, this concept does not always accord with the use of the term value.

The paper develops ideas on how quality and value should be measured and managed, with examples from a range of technical areas. Without clear ways to demonstrate quality and value to all stakeholders the pursuit of sustainability will remain elusive.