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Sustainability
Sustainability is an economic, social and environmental concept that
requires meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their needs. For example, if we use a natural
resource today without implementing programs to ensure it is replaced, we
are likely to be putting the livelihood of future generations at risk.
The three-pillar concept of sustainability is widely accepted. This model
demonstrates that sustainability has three major interdependent and
mutually reinforcing pillars – economic, environmental, and social/cultural.
Each of these pillars can be considered as having a group of resources that
we must ensure is sustained into the future.
Environmental sustainability is the ability of the environment to support a defined level of environmental quality
and natural resource extraction rates indefinitely. Some natural resoures are continually renewing themselves at a
relatively fast pace, will others either do not have the ability to renew themselves or do so at at such a slow rate
that they are considered non-renewable. Ecosystems have the ability to process a certain amount of inputs (i.e.
our waste), but at a certain level they will become overaloaded and the result is “pollution” which limits our future
ability to rely on the enviroment for the resources we need.
Social sustainability is the ability of a social system, such as a country, family, or organization, to function at a
defined level of social well being and harmony indefinitely. Responsible development of human rights and
resources in the present is aimed at the success of future generations while not compromising either current or
future quality of life.
Economic sustainability is the ability of an economy to support a defined level of economic production indefinitely.
Current economic models tend to ignore long-term gains and future success by concentrating on present/shortterm profit and gains. Concentrating on economic to the detriment of the other pillars of sustainability leads to a
system that does not account for the real costs of production, which includes enviromental and social inputs. By
continually supporting and developing environmental and social sectors in a sustainable way, we can ensure future
economies will be viable.
Organizations that incorporate the three pillars of sustainability to their overall business strategy enjoy the
benefits that come from an improved holistic approach. They stand to:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Increase revenue
Reduce energy expenses
Reduce waste expenses
Reduce materials and water expenses
5) Increase employee productivity
6) Reduce hiring and attrition expenses
7) Reduce strategic and operational risks
“Sustainability is: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” -World Commission on
Environment and Development, 1987