Industrial ecology is a field of study that provides a basis for sound environmental decision making in government and industry. It provides a framework for designing products, processes, and management strategies and systems that avoid environmental damage. Knowledge about the operation of industrial systems and how they may be modified provides the basis for improving the environmental quality of systems of production and consumption.

What industrial ecology is and how it may be applied to corporate environmental practices are the subject of The Industrial Green Game. The volume examines industrial circulation of materials, energy efficiency strategies, "green" accounting, life-cycle analysis, and other approaches for preventing pollution and improving performance. The Industrial Green Game looks at issues of special concern to business, such as measuring and shaping public perceptions and marketing "green" products to consumers.

The volume also offers discussions of the appropriate roles of government and private business.