Sustainability is about making the world a better place to live for people now and for future generations. It includes everything from personal choices to integrating environmental considerations into professional practices and lifestyles.
Sustainable development is defined by the United Nations Brundtland Commission as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.” A sustainable approach considers all three dimensions of sustainability, with a focus on the environment. The environment is a complex system of natural resources and ecosystems, including air, water, land, flora and fauna. Human activity can have an impact on these resources and ecosystems, resulting in environmental degradation such as climate change.
Environmental sustainability involves protecting these natural resources while promoting economic development. This can be done through measures like reducing energy consumption, increasing the use of renewable or low-impact materials in products, and promoting circular economy principles (recycling and reuse, for example).
A sustainable approach also includes social issues, such as equality, justice, and peace. This can be done through measures such as reducing poverty, fostering dynamic community infrastructure and guaranteeing gender equity.
Businesses can support environmental sustainability by setting clear measurable goals in these areas and transparently reporting their performance. This is important as customers are increasingly interested in companies that take their environment and social responsibility seriously. This can help a company build trust with its stakeholders and protect against reputational damage. It can also help ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate the risk of costly disruptions.