SUTAINABILITY: definition and governance

Sustainability defined 

Following the United Nations definition, we consider sustainability to be striving towards having a positive social, economic and environmental impact in everything we do. Much of this is focused on reducing the negative impact we have on our physical surroundings, and reducing carbon emissions, which contribute toward climate change. In December 2020, the European Council agreed to increase the EU’s 2030 climate target to at least -55% net emission reductions, compared to 1990 levels.

Why sustainability? 

The first reason to work sustainably is because it’s the right thing to do. Our climate is changing because of the actions of human beings and we are consuming natural resources and changing our world at an increasingly alarming rate. Your company can make a difference. 

Here are some reasons to become more sustainable: 

• Save money.: Reducing your carbon footprint often comes with using, spending, wasting and buying less – ultimately costing you less. 

• A better reputation: Sustainability is an increasing priority in society, and audiences are on the lookout for companies contributing to a better world. 

• Get ahead of regulation: Becoming a sustainable company now will stand you in good stead and cause less stress in the future. Eventually, all organisations will be required to operate in a more sustainable way. 

• It matters: Business organisations are also social hives and should be at the heart of the big debates of our time. By engaging in sustainability debate and practice, you are staying socially relevant in a changing society.

Governance

Eco-Sustainability Policy and Commitment

Sustainability is a process of continuous improvement. It takes time and requires strong commitment from the leadership at the top, and everyone in the organisation. It is really about creating a culture of purpose. At the heart of any Eco Sustainability strategy is respect for, environmental protection, health and safety measures, product integrity and disclosure. It is really about moving beyond legal compliance, to building positive environmental impact through the operations of an organisation. Through you actions on the ground, you are contributing to the bigger global agenda – the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Benefits

When a business incorporates a sustainable strategy, they can reduce the amount of emissions and pollution they produce which has a positive impact on the environment. They may also increase the amount of materials that are able to be recycled and reduce waste by creating more durable products.

• Identifying solutions, improving services 

Good sustainable development strategies aim to meet the needs of stakeholders today, without compromising the ability to satisfy future needs. Strategies should look beyond corporate social responsibility and the societal activities that an organisation contributes to the community, concentrating also on how the environment impacts on an organisation and how the organisation impacts on the environment.

• Financial stability in the long-term 

Sustainability strategies help to ensure; financial stability in the long-term, compliance with the law, preparation for potential future requirements, maintained reputation, resilience to economic, social and environmental change, better use of finite resources and a better service for the community. A strategy needs to be meaningful and tell the whole story of all the functions of the organisation today and in the future.

• Sustainability as a part of the decision process 

A strategy needs to have the ultimate aim of making sustainability part of the decision process when planning and forecasting business delivery, when designing and building construction projects, when considering how employees work, when leading on strategic direction and when continuing with day-to-day actions. The overriding aim should always be to make sustainability everyone’s responsibility, within the organisation and beyond.

• Mechanisms to mitigate climate change 

A complete strategy will include mechanisms to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions and acting more sustainably.  This alone will not protect organisations from the effects of climate change such as longer and more frequent heat waves, increased flooding, harsher cold snaps and the impact these events will have on business continuity.  Considering an organization’s ability to adapt to future scenarios is important to a sustainability strategy. A sustainability strategy should address the organization’s ability to adapt and change through forward planning; increasing resilience, managing risks, protecting oneself and the community and also, importantly, taking advantage of any potential opportunities that arise.