Dimensions of sustainability

Sustainability is a broad concept that involves multiple dimensions such as environmental, economic, social and political. From a project management point of view, sustainability means creating a project that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This includes preserving resources and using them responsibly, protecting and restoring the environment, ensuring economic and social benefits, and creating a shared vision among stakeholders. It also includes creating policies and systems that will enable long-term success and preventing undesirable outcomes.

Example of dimensions of sustainability

• Environmental Sustainability: This involves conserving resources and promoting the use of sustainable practices such as reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Examples include protecting endangered species, reducing air and water pollution, and promoting the use of green energy sources such as solar and wind power. Project managers should take a proactive approach to environmental sustainability, focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources, and developing renewable energy sources. Examples of best practices include reducing energy and water consumption, using green building materials, promoting sustainable transportation systems, and supporting initiatives such as green purchasing and recycling.
• Economic Sustainability: This involves creating economic systems and policies that will lead to long-term prosperity. Examples include developing policies to reduce income inequality, promoting fiscal responsibility and economic growth, and investing in infrastructure and education. Project managers should strive for economic sustainability by taking a holistic approach that looks at the long-term economic impact of a project. This involves making decisions that are financially responsible and that also consider the broader economic context. Best practices include managing costs, increasing efficiency, and monitoring and reporting on the economic impacts of a project.
• Social Sustainability: This involves creating a society that is equitable and just. Examples include providing access to basic needs such as health care, housing, and education, as well as addressing issues such as racism and gender inequality. Project managers should prioritize social sustainability by considering the needs of all stakeholders. This includes engaging with local communities and developing projects that benefit them, as well as promoting diversity, respect, and inclusion. Best practices include comprehensive stakeholder engagement, building social capital, and creating equitable access to resources.
• Political Sustainability: This involves creating governments that are accountable to the people and transparent in their decision-making processes. Examples include promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and fighting corruption. Project managers should strive for political sustainability by developing projects that are transparent, accountable, and inclusive. This involves creating systems for monitoring progress and ensuring compliance with regulations, as well as engaging with stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard. Best practices include developing effective communication strategies, creating strong governance structures, and building trust with stakeholders.

Limitations of dimensions of sustainability

The dimensions of sustainability are broad and complex, and can be limited in several ways. These include:

• Environmental: The environmental dimension of sustainability is limited by our current understanding of the environment and the available technology to take action. Additionally, humans’ impact on the environment is often irreversible, making it difficult to ensure sustainable practices over the long-term.
• Economic: Economic sustainability is limited by the availability of resources, fluctuating markets, and the cost of implementing sustainable practices. Additionally, there can be a tradeoff between economic and environmental sustainability, as more costly sustainability practices can be difficult to implement in an economically viable way.
• Social: Social sustainability is limited by the availability of resources, cultural norms, and a lack of shared understanding about the concept of sustainability among stakeholders. Additionally, social sustainability is limited by the power dynamics between stakeholders, as some may have more resources or influence than others.
• Political: Political sustainability is limited by the political environment and the ability of governments to implement policies and regulations that promote sustainability. Additionally, the lack of a global consensus on sustainability goals can limit the ability of countries to work together to create solutions.

Other approaches related to dimensions of sustainability

Sustainability is a broad concept that involves multiple dimensions such as environmental, economic, social and political. Other approaches related to dimensions of sustainability include:

• Life Cycle Assessment - this approach is used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process or service over its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
• The Triple Bottom Line - this approach considers the economic, environmental and social impacts of a project and seeks to balance the three.
• Corporate Social Responsibility - this approach focuses on the ethical and responsible behaviour of businesses towards their stakeholders, and on taking a proactive role in addressing social and environmental issues.
• Sustainable Development Goals - this approach focuses on global goals for poverty reduction, climate action, and other social and environmental issues.

In summary, sustainability is a complex concept that encompasses multiple dimensions and requires a holistic approach that considers the economic, environmental, social and political impacts of a project. It also requires an understanding of the life cycle of a product, process or service, and embracing corporate social responsibility and sustainable development goals.

Dimensions of sustainability — recommended articles

Aspects of sustainability — Ecological sustainability — Sustainable tourism development — Sustainability of project — Conservation of resources — Socially responsible business — Sustainable innovation — Sustainable project — Policy makers

References

• Seghezzo, L. (2009). The five dimensions of sustainability. Environmental politics, 18(4), 539-556.
• Krajnc, D., & Glavič, P. (2005). How to compare companies on relevant dimensions of sustainability. Ecological economics, 55(4), 551-563.