What is sustainability?

Helping you understand sustainability and its applications

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RSPB NI Team Day with Pw C interns at Belfast Harbour Meadows in September 2019 2

What is a simple definition of sustainability?

Put simply, sustainability means meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

In a more practical sense, to be sustainable, we must find ways to meet the demands of all life, without causing harm to society or compromising the planet upon which life depends.

Nichola Hughes
Executive Director

"Sustainability recognises that a healthy planet is critical for social and economic success."

The concept of sustainability has three main pillars: economic, environmental, and social.

These three pillars are often referred to informally as people, planet and profit.

The current system is failing because it focuses solely on the financial bottom line. With sustainability, success is instead focussed on three bottom lines: planet, people and profit or the "triple-bottom line".

The Sustainable Development Goals, launched by the United Nations in 2015, is the most widely recognised framework for sustainability.

What does sustainability mean in business?

Sustainability is when a business frames its decisions in terms of environmental and social impact for long-term success, instead of only focussing on short-term financial gains.

For a business to be truly sustainable it must consider the impact of its entire supply chain and hold every level of its operations - from suppliers through to retailers - accountable.

What is an example of sustainability in business?

Bamboo toothbrushes in sustainable packaging.

Many companies have named sustainability as a key priority and are turning strategy into practice to ensure they can honour the commitments they have made.

Examples of sustainability in practice include waste to energy recycling, becoming carbon neutral, using zero waste packaging, closing the gender pay gap and sourcing only fair-trade products.

What can I do?

This level of change isn't going to happen overnight. But we do need to start somewhere. From buying less stuff to switching to a green energy supplier. If everyone does their part individually, we will build momentum towards a more sustainable and healthy existence.

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Need some advice?

We're here to help. Get in touch if you'd like some help and advice for taking sustainability action.

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