Sustainable development refers to society’s expansion in such a manner that future generations are considered when making decisions today. It encompasses environmental, social and economic considerations.
Sustainable use of natural resources involves making decisions that ensure consumption remains below regenerative rates, and waste does not exceed nature’s absorption capacity.
Definition
Sustainable development encompasses environmental, social and economic wellbeing. It advocates policies to limit human activity on nature while creating a healthier planet for future generations. Sustainable development measures include strategies for reducing pollution, building resilient communities and mitigating climate change while simultaneously fostering equality and peace around the globe.
Sustainable development first became mainstream following the 1987 publication of Our Common Future by the World Commission on Environment and Development (commonly referred to as Brundtland Commission). Their definition of sustainable development as “development that meets present-day needs without impairing future generations’ ability to meet theirs” remains a cornerstone of contemporary thinking and practice.
Sustainability is often contrasted with economic efficiency as an ideal goal, yet as an holistic approach that considers ecological, social and economic concerns in equal measure, efficiency cannot always serve as an accurate gauge of sustainability. Achieveing sustainability requires greater insight into their interconnections.
Goals
Contemporary theories of sustainable development emphasize the need to balance social and economic needs in such a way as to enable long-term sustainability. Economic models focus on amassing natural and financial capital, environmental models address biodiversity and ecological integrity while social models seek to enhance political, cultural, religious, health and educational systems so as to remain continuously beneficial (Hussain & Batool 2014).
Businesses with the proper mindset can take advantage of this new paradigm by developing products to solve some of humanity’s greatest issues. However, in order to realize these goals effectively, all duty-bearers – businesses, governments and civil society organizations–must act proactively by aligning resources, policies, education and culture with sustainable development principles. ISO standards can play an integral part in revolutionizing business practices and turning SDGs into reality. At present, there are 17 SDGs: No poverty (SDG 1), Zero hunger (SDG 2), Good health and well-being (SDG 3), Quality education (SDG 4) Gender equality (SDG 5), Clean water and sanitation services (SDG 6), affordable clean energy solutions (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and reduced inequalities (SDG 16).
Implementation
Sustainable development’s “leave no one behind” goal requires all countries to ensure everyone can access decent work, quality health care, education and affordable housing. Furthermore, it promotes wise use of natural resources while preventing pollution or permanent losses to the environment and advocating policies which reduce social inequalities.
Sustainable development goals rely on governments, businesses and civil society organisations taking a comprehensive approach to implementation at local, national and international levels. Governments, businesses and civil society organisations must also encourage public and private investments in green infrastructure as well as trade rules that favor resource efficient products with lower pollution impacts.
Nation states must develop policies, laws, and regulations to fully align their economies with nature’s regenerative capacity. Production and consumption practices that impose costs for polluters while encouraging renewable energies should also be adopted by production and consumption entities. Finally, nations should promote an environmentalism culture among their citizens through educational outreach initiatives.
Impact
Sustainable development refers to balancing human economic activities with natural resources in order to meet everyone’s needs while not overusing or depleting them. It requires cooperation between governments and the private sector – Novozymes for instance has begun investing in sustainable development technology that reduces water waste.
Sustainability encompasses an intergenerational equity principle and emphasizes preserving and increasing economic, environmental and social capital as well as encouraging tolerance and social cohesion within society.
International communities must acknowledge the complexity of sustainable development (SD). Education on SD must take place regularly at both international, national, and community levels to ensure all people comprehend its tenets and principles – this should include encouraging responsible environmental, economic, social behavior with accountable stewardship practices.