Corporate DispatchPro CLAIRE BONELLO
People, planet and profit sustainability today The original definition of sustainable development was coined at the first Rio Earth Summit in 1992. In essence it was a focus on “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Although, many tend to think that it is a concept exclusively related to the environmental field, it actually goes far beyond. Sustainability is a holistic concept that encompasses a wide range of environmental, social, and economic issues. In the more poetic – but also the more precise – words of the entrepreneur and environmentalist Paul Hawken “Sustainability, ensuring the future of life on Earth, is an infinite game, the endless expression of generosity on behalf of all.” In other words, sustainability is essentially linked to survival and depends on the combined effort of all acting together today for there to be a future for all. In the case of businesses, sustainability would include sensitive and ethical concern for “people” and “planet” besides the essential “profit”. Businesses should aim for sustainable practices to permeate through every level of their internal and external dealings, ranging from responsible and ethical sourcing and procurement to environmentally-friendly investments. Reducing the carbon commute of personnel, embracing a zero-waste policy, and aiming for a paper deficit are other sustainable practices which businesses could opt for. Within the local scenario, there is the dawning realization that businesses have to be sustainable, not only to be perceived to be addressing the latest eco-fad or trend, but also because the sustainable ethical practices of businesses impact society as a 9
www.corporatedispatch.pro
