You are here: Home » What is sustainability?

Sustainability is all about looking at the big picture. It's about understanding the relationship between business, the environment and people. It's not about choosing one or the other. It's about putting them all together to create a long-term solution that works for everybody. The principle concept of sustainability is; meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It sounds simple, and obvious, but that isn't the way we live at the moment. If everyone in the world lived the same lifestyle as we do in the UK (and we're not the worst) we would need three planets to provide all the resources we need. But we've only got one.

So what does this mean for business? Well, climate change will have a massive impact. The Stern Review in 2006 stated that failing to tackle climate change could have an impact on the global economy similar to the great wars and the economic depression of the fist half of the 20th century. It suggests that the global economy could shrink by 20%. You only have to look at the economic events of 2008 to understand what that means.

A sustainable approach to doing business will tackle the impact of climate change head-on. This has been described as the Triple Bottom Line: people, planet, profit. It's about recognising the value of each of these elements to your business, and developing a strategy for success in each area.
People:
Consider the people effected by your business - not just your staff, but the people in the communities where you do business too. Treat them well. You could get involved with  schools and charity projects in those communities.
Planet:
Consider your impact on the environment; the resources you use and the waste you generate. Look for innovative solutions to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Profit:
Consider the obligation you have to all the stakeholders in your business. These are the people who rely on you to make their living, whether they're your staff or your suppliers. You have a duty to ensure economic success.

If you're wondering whether this could ever work, take a look at the case studies in our Inspiration section. Sustainability can make you a market leader.

To find out more about what it can do for your business, have a look at How can it help you?