What is Sustainabilty?

Sustainability is the capacity of man to satisfy his needs without compromising the needs of future generations in terms of natural but also social and economic resources.

The United Nations Brundtland Commission defined Sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The report sustains that our resources are limited and we must therefore use them in a responsible and careful manner to assure that – without diminishing the quality of present life - future generations will have access to sufficient resources as well.

A sustainable society must be socially responsible, focusing on environmental protection and a dynamic balance between mankind and nature.

Why is Sustainability important?

Sustainability implies many essential benefits in short term and long term. We cannot maintain our lifestyle and the Planets ecosystems if we miss to make the right sustainable choices for the future now.

If we continue with business as usual most likely the fossil fuel reserves will run out, a large number of species will be extinct, and the atmosphere will be irreparably harmed. Benefits of sustainability are clean air, continuous access to resources and clean water as well as a healthy ecosystem.

Which are the three pillar of Sustainability?

Sustainability is based on three pillars, environmental, social and economic. It can also be expressed as Profit, Planet and People. Latter are the focus of all sustainability related efforts developed by corporations.

1. Environmental protection is the most widely discussed topic. It refers to the reduction of carbon emissions, responsible water usage, reduction of packaging and waste disposal among many others. Often environmental protection measures do not only contribute to Sustainability but are economically and financially beneficial.
2. Social development guarantees the responsible, ethical and equal treatment of employees, interested parties and all other stakeholders dealing with the corporation. Examples are parental leave, flexible working days and hours, education, transparent internal and external communication and community projects.
3. Economic development is probably the easiest form of Sustainability. A business to be economical sustainable needs to be profitable so it can generate the necessary income to subsist in the future. The challenge is to find the balance between pursuing profitability and sustainable development goals.

Pursuing environmental and social sustainability goals along the economical and financial performance is defined as Triple Bottom Line.

The future

The growing climate crisis increases the awareness of the need to find sustainable solutions for businesses as well as for individuals.

Businesses will be held increasingly accountable and be obliged to limit and reduce environmental harmful impacts and emissions from their productive processes.  

We will also see a circular economy developing where we reuse recycled resources so that a growing society can be served without finishing the natural resources. It Is estimated that a circular economy in Europe would reduce its carbon emissions by 45%.