Sustainable Development

Let’s look at how we live today...

The main energy sources of world’s economy, are fossil fuels... and we are running out of them. We are using raw materials such as metals, wood and rock, much faster that our ecosystems can substitute them.. We are consuming food resources such as fisheries faster than they can recover...

 

In addition to this, our consumption patterns have irreversible impact in the environment. This includes greenhouse gas emissions, which increase the globe’s temperature; the pollution of water bodies (seas, lakes, rivers), land (landfills, containment sites) and air...

 

If this trend continues, our children and grandchildren are not going to be able to enjoy the same quality of life as we do today and are likely to face serious threats to their health, maintenance and their very life. Sustainable Development (SD) is the process by which we aim improve the lives of everyone in ways which protect the natural systems on which all life depends.

The Solution

There is no absolute or easy solution to this situation, as you will find out in SD CHALLENGE. However, it is likely that it will require action from all sectors of society.

Historically, it has been argued that business has single mindedly concerned “the bottom line” i.e. profit. However, in contributing to sustainable development it is increasingly recognized that businesses must respond to a Triple Bottom Line: Profit, Community and Environment, also known as the triple P: People, Planet, Profit.

 

People - we need development, which basically means improving the quality of all our lives.
Planet - we need to protect nature, so it can continue to provide the resources and services on which we rely.
Profit - we need to make this processes profitable, for our companies to continue into the future.

The Business Benefits

This brings us to the “Business case for sustainable development” as established by the WBCSD. It makes sense for business to support, and even more, to lead sustainable development, since it carries opportunities for business.

 

By addressing sustainability issues in their own operations, businesses can improve efficiency, therefore reducing costs; they can identify growth and business opportunities before the competition and they can prepare in advance for the challenges of the future, instead of just being reactive to them.

 

There has been extensive research into when and how the pursuit of sustainable development can be of benefit, either directly or indirectly to businesses.

About YMT

The Young Managers Team (YMT) is a program designed to provide a great learning experience and networking opportunity for around 20 young, high potential WBCSD member read more...