Aspects of sustainability

Aspects of sustainability
See also
Dimensions of sustainability Sustainability of project Strategy of the organization Sustainable consumption Organizational effect Internal and external environment Ethical objectives Management by culture Examples of opportunities

Sustainability is the practice of creating systems, processes, and programs that are designed to meet current needs and future needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is a holistic approach to planning projects that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project and how it fits into the larger community. It also involves considering how a project’s implementation and outcomes will affect the people, environment, and economy in the short-term and long-term. Sustainability is about creating projects that are resilient, efficient, and integrated into their environment.

Example of aspects of sustainability

• Environmental sustainability: Environmental sustainability is about taking measures to reduce the environmental impact of human activities, while ensuring environmental resources are used responsibly and sustainably. Examples of environmental sustainability include reducing air pollution, water pollution, and energy consumption; conserving natural resources; and promoting renewable energy sources.
• Social sustainability: Social sustainability is about creating systems, processes, and programs that are designed to meet current social needs while ensuring future generations can meet their needs. Examples of social sustainability include providing access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing; encouraging social inclusion and diversity; and supporting community development initiatives.
• Economic sustainability: Economic sustainability is about creating projects and programs that are designed to meet current economic needs while maintaining economic stability in the long-term. Examples of economic sustainability include promoting fair trade practices and encouraging responsible use of resources; investing in renewable energy sources and efficient infrastructure; and providing access to financial services and capital.
• Environmental: Considering the impacts of the project on the environment, such as how it will affect air and water quality and the preservation of natural resources.
• Social: Examining how the project will affect the people who live in the area, their access to resources, and their quality of life.
• Economic: Assessing how the project will affect the local economy, including job creation, economic development, and the cost of the project.
• Governance: Evaluating how the project will be managed, including the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Cultural: Understanding the cultural and historical context of the project and how it will affect the existing cultural practices in the area.
• Technology: Examining the use of technology to make the project more efficient and cost-effective.
• Education: Investigating how the project can be used as an educational resource to teach people about sustainability.

By considering all of these aspects, planners can ensure that projects are designed to meet current needs and future needs without compromising the ability of future generations.

Steps of preparing for sustainabile projects

Sustainability is a holistic approach to planning projects that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impact of a project and how it fits into the larger community. In order to create sustainable projects, there are several steps that should be taken. These steps include:

• Identifying and assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the project: This involves assessing the potential impacts a project may have on the environment, local community, and economic sector. This assessment should also consider the long-term effects of a project on these areas.
• Developing a plan that meets the needs of the project stakeholders: This involves working with stakeholders to ensure that their interests are addressed in the project plan. Stakeholders should be consulted to ensure that the project meets their needs, both in the short and long-term.
• Creating a monitoring and evaluation system: This involves developing a system to monitor and evaluate the progress of the project. This system should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the project is meeting its goals.
• Establishing a communication plan: This involves developing a plan to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and involved in the project. Communication should be ongoing throughout the project to ensure that stakeholders understand the project and its progress.
• Implementing the project: This involves carrying out the project according to the plan. It is important to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in this process and that the project is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reviewing and assessing the project: This involves assessing the project after it is completed to ensure that it meets the goals of all stakeholders. This assessment should include both short and long-term impacts, as well as feedback from stakeholders.

Advantages of aspects of sustainability

Sustainability has many advantages for our environment, society, and economy. These include:

• Reduced environmental impacts: Sustainable practices reduce the amount of resources used and waste produced, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve biodiversity.
• Improved public health: Sustainable practices reduce air and water pollution, improve public health and reduce public health costs.
• Economic growth: Sustainable practices create jobs and economic opportunities in the green economy, while also reducing energy and resources costs.
• Social benefits: Sustainable practices improve quality of life, create social equity, and promote civic engagement.
• Enhanced resilience: Sustainable practices can help communities adapt to climate change, create green space and reduce the risk of disasters.
• Better governance: Sustainable practices can improve public participation and transparency, and help to ensure that decision making is based on current and future needs.

Other approaches related to aspects of sustainability

Sustainability is about creating projects that are resilient, efficient, and integrated into their environment. Other approaches related to aspects of sustainability include:

• Life-cycle assessment (LCA): Life-cycle assessment is a tool used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or service over its entire life-cycle. It includes considering the environmental impacts at each stage of the product or service’s life, such as production, use, and disposal.
• Green building: Green building is the practice of creating buildings and infrastructures that are designed to be resource-efficient, reduce waste and pollution, and minimize the environmental impacts of their construction and use.
• Carbon footprint: A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, or activity. It is used to measure and track an organization’s contribution to climate change.
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR): Corporate social responsibility is an organization’s commitment to creating economic, social, and environmental value for its stakeholders. It involves making decisions and taking action that align with the organization’s values and benefit its stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the community.
• Sustainable finance: Sustainable finance is a financial system that takes into account environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) considerations when making decisions about investments, lending, and other financial activities.

In summary, sustainability is about creating projects that are resilient, efficient, and integrated into their environment. Other approaches related to aspects of sustainability include life-cycle assessment, green building, carbon footprint, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable finance.

Suggested literature

• Rogers, S. H., Gardner, K. H., & Carlson, C. H. (2013). Social capital and walkability as social aspects of sustainability. Sustainability, 5(8), 3473-3483.
• Sikdar, S. K. (2003). Sustainable development and sustainability metrics. AIChE journal, 49(8), 1928-1932.