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Explainer: What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important?

It seems like nowadays, the term ‘sustainable’ is used all around us – from food packaging to clothing companies and even tourism. In fact, ‘sustainability’ was one of the most-searched terms in fashion in 2019, and Google searches for the term have been on the rise, illustrating the public’s growing interest in the topic. But what is sustainability exactly and why is it so important?

What Is Sustainability

The go-to definition when discussing sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. And though you may have heard this before, many people do not know the origins of this definition in particular. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission published this particular definition of sustainability in the Brundtland report , which called for a strategy that united development and the environment. Over the years, alternative definitions have emerged, but the Brundtland report’s 1980s take on the explanation is still commonly used. 

The ‘ Three Pillars of Sustainability’ is another popular framework used to describe what sustainable development is. This tool conveys that sustainability consists of environmental, social, and economic factors that are vital when discussing the topic:

• Environmental sustainability is perhaps the most obvious of the three pillars, as it symbolises the importance of things like natural resources and biodiversity to support life on Earth. 
• Social sustainability places importance on social structures, well-being, and harmony; all factors that poverty, wars, and injustices can affect.
• Economic sustainability describes the ability of an economy to grow. This is especially important in today’s societies, at a time when many sustainable initiatives require financing and a strong economic rationale. 

In order to find solutions to ongoing sustainability issues, it is imperative that we consider all three pillars.

You might also like: We Need Sustainable Food Packaging Now. Here’s Why.

What Are the Planetary Boundaries And How Do They Relate to Sustainability?

The concept of planetary boundaries (PB) is focussed on nine aspects that humanity needs in order to thrive in the future. This idea was developed in 2009 by the Stockholm Resilience Centre and other groups: “ We propose a new approach to global sustainability in which we define planetary boundaries within which we expect that humanity can operate safely. Transgressing one or more […] may be deleterious or even catastrophic due to the risk of crossing .”

At the time when this new concept was introduced, scientists believed that humanity had already transgressed three boundaries, and was rapidly approaching several others. In 2022, a re-assessment of the PBs by fourteen scientists concluded that humanity had transgressed additional boundaries, relating to freshwater and environmental pollutants in particular.

The PBs have been widely cited in sustainability literature over the last decade, and provide an illustrative tool to track and evaluate how we are depleting the Earth’s valuable ecosystem services and precious systems. Though the tool is mainly environmentally focused, it has informed various policies and practices, including the World Business Council on Sustainable Development’s Action 2020 Strategy. In turn, this has had a knock-on effect on social and economic aspects of global policy and governance, including “financial investment, food, textiles, building, technology and household goods sectors”. 

You might also like: Sustainable Alternatives to Fast Fashion

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by the UN Member States. One of the most well-known elements of this were the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which set out various goals that the international community must work together to achieve – ranging from environmental and social to economic issues. 

We cannot discuss the SDGs without first acknowledging their predecessor – the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – set out in September 2000. These goals ranged from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. By the end of the 15-year cycle of the MDGs in 2015, the UN established an even more ambitious set of goals – the SDGs – to enter into force on 1 January 2016. While not all of the MDGs were met globally, significant progress was made in several areas.

The SDGs have been continually monitored and provide key benchmarks for us to understand how sustainability is being achieved worldwide. Overview reports are regularly published and comment on the nuances that significant events bring to achieving the SDGs (like the COVID-19 pandemic, for example). You can read the 2022 SDG Report here . 

You might also like: Why the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 Are More Important Than Ever

Why Is Sustainability Important?

So far, we’ve discussed the different ways that sustainability is defined and the tools and metrics we have developed on a global scale to measure our impact on the environment, societies, and economies worldwide. But why is sustainability important? 

Here are a few reasons, although the list could go on for a lot longer: 

• Sustainability joins social, environmental, and economic issues together throughout global discussions, ensuring that key elements do not get left behind. Focusing on aspects other than the environment alone ensures a fairer, more equitable discussion (as long as a diverse range of players is at the table). 
• Sustainability opens up new conversations between a range of people with diverse skills and thought processes – for example scientists, sociologists, and economists all have key skills to enable humanity to thrive and sustain the Earth. 
• The SDGs are an impactful way to evaluate our progress and have encouraged key ideas and strategies to flourish while remaining realistic about the next steps and improvements.

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Environmental Sustainability, Essay Example

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The implication of sustainability is the inherent potential for tolerance. In the context of human life, the implication of sustainability is maintaining a fair well-being on a long term basis with regard to the dimensions of environmental, social as well as economic perspectives (Bell, 2003, 115-156). The idea of stewardship in addition to managing the utility of resources in a responsible manner is encompassed in the issues of sustainability. Sustainability has an ecological dimension which addresses the diversity of biological systems and the maintenance of their productivity which is a significant precondition for the well-being of people.

The maintenance of healthy environments as well as ecosystems is a source of important goods as well as services to the human kind as well as the rest of the organisms. Human influence to the ecosystem is an issue that requires proper management. One important approach to achieve this end is through the management of the environment. The achievement of this is facilitated by information accessible from the fields of conservation biology, environmental science as well as earth science.  Resources consumption is another alternative approach in management of ecosystem (Gottfried, 2004, 97-106).

Human beings should strive towards a sustainable living which is achievable through restricting human activities within the natural or environmental system while at the same time avoiding acts that can inflict harm to others. This relates to the determination of appropriate sources of food, energy, cloths among other products. Sustainability through recycling has positively impacted on the habits of majority people and this has been reflected on the positive impact on worldwide climate change.

Recycle for Environmental Sustainability

A positive impact on global climate change is achieved through recycling (Hiss, 1990, 167).  The starting point is the local retailer who is encouraged to avail more products that can be recycled. Buying products along with their containers whose materials can be recycled has been a significant step towards promotion of recycled product market. Paper products such as the toilet papers should have a percentage of about 50% materials that have already been recycled. Products from companies which use chlorine in the process of bleaching paper products results to the creation of dioxin waste and therefore are deliberately avoided.

Enacting and Implementing a New Method of Environmental Sustainability

The use of organic foods offers the most reliable solution of eating sustainably. This is an important direction to take in an attempt of achieving environmental sustainability because of a variety of reasons. The local and seasoned foods are associated with several benefits in addition making a positive impact on global climate change. The amount of energy that is allied to the emissions of carbon dioxide arising from the systems of growth as well as transportation of food products is significantly reduced. The economy is supported from the local level and there is a reconnection of the cycles of nature as time progresses. Eating locally takes account of choosing the types of food closed to the living locality and this is an implication of sustainability. It reduces the time period between harvesting of the food product or its processing to the time of its consumption. A lot of nutrients are lost when a certain food product takes significantly long time between the time of its harvesting to the time of its consumption

Works Cited

Bell, Simon & Morse, Stephen. Measuring Sustainability. London: Earthscan Pub. Ltd., 2003.

Gottfried, David. Greed to Green.  CA: Worldbuild Pub., 2004. >>http://www.lincolngreenbydesign.com/resources/bibliography.php<<

Hiss, Tony. The Experience of Place. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1990.

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Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Students are often asked to write an essay on Environmental Sustainability in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Understanding environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is about making decisions that do not harm the environment. It’s about preserving nature for future generations.

Importance of Environmental Sustainability

Our survival depends on the environment. If we don’t sustain it, we risk losing resources like water and air. It’s crucial for our health and economy.

Ways to Achieve Sustainability

We can achieve sustainability by reducing waste, recycling, and using renewable energy. It’s about changing our lifestyles to protect the environment.

Environmental sustainability is crucial for our future. We all need to play our part to ensure our planet remains healthy.

Also check:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Environmental Sustainability

250 Words Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Introduction to environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is an integral aspect of our existence, intertwined with the notion of preserving the natural world for future generations. It encapsulates the concept of stewardship, wherein we are responsible for managing the Earth’s resources responsibly and efficiently.

The Imperative of Sustainable Practices

The current environmental crisis, characterized by climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, underscores the urgency of sustainable practices. These practices aim to minimize the environmental footprint by reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting recycling. They are not merely an ethical obligation, but a necessity for human survival.

Role of Innovation in Sustainability

Innovation plays a pivotal role in environmental sustainability. Technological advancements like renewable energy, green architecture, and waste management systems pave the way for a sustainable future. They provide practical solutions to environmental problems, enabling us to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.

Individual Responsibility and Collective Action

Environmental sustainability demands individual responsibility and collective action. Each of us can contribute by adopting sustainable lifestyles, such as minimizing waste, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption. Collective action, on the other hand, involves policy changes, corporate responsibility, and international cooperation.

In conclusion, environmental sustainability is a multidimensional concept, involving the careful management of natural resources, innovative technologies, and concerted human effort. As stewards of the Earth, we must strive to ensure the sustainability of our planet for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is a concept that has grown in prominence as the world grapples with the effects of climate change. It refers to the practice of using resources in a way that preserves the environment for future generations. This includes reducing waste, promoting renewable energy, and maintaining biodiversity.

The Importance of Environmental Sustainability

The significance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for resources. This increased demand, coupled with unsustainable practices, has led to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. By practicing environmental sustainability, we can help ensure that future generations inherit a planet that is as rich and diverse as the one we enjoy today.

Principles of Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is underpinned by several key principles. First, we must recognize the finite nature of our planet’s resources and strive to use them sparingly. Second, we must work towards reducing waste and promoting recycling. Third, we must strive to reduce our carbon footprint and promote renewable energy. Lastly, we must value and protect our biodiversity, recognizing the intrinsic worth of all living things.

Challenges to Environmental Sustainability

Despite its importance, achieving environmental sustainability is not without its challenges. There is often a conflict between economic development and environmental protection, with many arguing that the latter hampers the former. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness and understanding about environmental issues, leading to apathy and inaction. Lastly, there is a lack of political will to implement and enforce environmental regulations.

Role of Individuals and Institutions in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

Individuals and institutions have a crucial role to play in promoting environmental sustainability. Individuals can make a difference by making sustainable choices in their daily lives, such as reducing waste, recycling, and choosing renewable energy. Institutions, on the other hand, can implement sustainable practices in their operations and advocate for environmental sustainability at the policy level.

In conclusion, environmental sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity for our survival and the survival of future generations. It requires a collective effort from individuals, institutions, and governments alike. By understanding the importance of environmental sustainability and the principles that underpin it, we can all play a part in preserving our planet for future generations.

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Sustainability.

Sustainability is the practice of using natural resources responsibly today, so they are available for future generations tomorrow.

Earth Science, Climatology

Sprinkler irrigation

Responsible use of water resources is an important factor to consider when discussing sustainability, especially in places like California, which are often subject to long droughts.

Photograph by the United States Department of Agriculture

Think about the natural resources you used today. Perhaps you used water to bathe or texted on a cell phone with copper , zinc , and other precious metals inside. Everything we use comes from natural resources. However, many resources are being depleted faster than they can be replaced. Sustainability is the practice of using natural resources responsibly, so they can support both present and future generations.

Forests are one natural resource that sustainability groups are focused on conserving. Forests made up about 30 percent of Earth’s land mass in 2015, but that number is at risk of decreasing. In 2018, studies showed that approximately 18 million acres of trees are cleared each year for lumber or agriculture. Deforestation destroys the habitat of other important organisms, including fruits, animals, and mushrooms that humans use for food or medicine. Deforested land also increases soil erosion , limiting the productivity of tree growth. The goal of sustainable forestry is to preserve forest ecosystems. Sustainable practices include planting new seedlings in deforested areas and reducing the number of trees cut down each year.

Especially as the human population grows, it is critical that we reduce our depletion of forests, precious metals, and other natural resources. The world population is expected to increase from 7.6 to 9.8 billion people by the year 2050. To decrease our dependency on fossil fuels, many scientists are researching renewable energy sources. The United States military is testing a vehicle fuel made from algae rather than petroleum . And concerns over freshwater sustainability have led to the development of rainwater harvesters, desalination machines, and even more incredible inventions. A European company has produced a drinking straw that filters bacteria, so people can safely drink water from contaminated ponds and lakes.

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Environmental Sustainability on a Global Scale Essay

Introduction.

The brand new world that pays respect to nature in the same way as it respects human convenience proved not to be as far as it seemed at first glance. Compared to the world at the beginning of the 21st century, it required perceptional changes toward nature, biodiversity, and ecosystems, as well as reforms in agriculture and management of water, energy, and waste. However, it allowed humanity to finally defeat the looming ecological doom of the planet and establish a new, sustainable future.

Changes in Human Relationship to Nature

Through increasing awareness, not only consciously but even at a subconscious level, future society was able to grasp the underlying concepts of human and nature harmonic coexistence. Among the first came a realization that human is an inseparable part of the environment. In turn, every environment has a carrying capacity, referring to the maximum size of the biological species population that can be sustained in that environment (Wall, 2020). It triggered various conservative tendencies and shifts in tolerance range regarding the conservation of natural resources and wildlife diversity, along with the redistribution of the population (Jacobson et al., 2019; Nguyen et al., 2020). Apart from that, awareness is, in many ways, synonymous with preparedness. For instance, AI technologies have become sophisticated enough to predict earthquakes based on anomalies in electrotelluric potentials and, thus, allow people to avoid casualties (Al Banna et al., 2020). Overall, the overwhelming knowledge of natural phenomena allowed humanity to predict and deal with natural disasters efficiently.

Biodiversity and Ecosystems (what has been done differently to achieve it)

The concept of carrying capacity has been central to preserving biodiversity in various ecosystems around the globe. It is intertwined with the term ecosystem resilience, which constitutes “the amount of disturbance needed to shift an ecosystem from one set of ecological structures, functions and feedbacks to another set” (Heino et al., 2021, p. 91). In this context, humanity realized that, instead of attempting to prevent the ecosystem disturbance that proved to be incredibly economically inefficient, there is a way of mimicking certain ecosystem conditions to ensure their circumneutral state (Heino et al., 2021). For instance, manipulating a previously disturbed acidified lake regime contributes to its healthy ecosystem preservation.

Agricultural Production

In sustainable agriculture, humanity has achieved substantial improvements with the help of bioengineering and by juggling “synthetic” and “organic” solutions to supply problems. One of the greatest transitions in the food supply field was the development of sophisticated synthetic meat production chains that eventually economically outvalued the traditional meat industry. The fact that humanity no longer required cattle breeding to produce food opened access to vast lands previously reserved for it (Bensel & Carbone, 2020). Then, using bioengineering advances to produce rich in minerals and soil-friendly fertilizers and by utilizing the newly acquired land, people learned to grow crops that did not harm the soil.

Water Resource Management

Sustainable water resource management requires a grand monitoring system that tracks ecosystemic regime shifts on local, regional, and global scales. The resulting evaluations built on assessing disturbing indicators, such as changes in climate, land use, organic carbon, species, and acidification, allowed for early interventions and ecosystem balance maintenance (Heino et al., 2021). In particular, preserving the forest resources significantly contributed to maintaining sweet water quantity (Bensel & Carbone, 2020). Apart from that, a great emphasis was put on improving the existing drinking water and wastewater treatment systems to balance the release with the naturally occurring capacity (WSS, 2018). Consequently, potential contamination by pharmaceuticals in water became low enough to be successfully assimilated and attenuated in the environment.

Energy Needs Management

The management of energy needs registered the most significant improvements compared to its non-sustainable state. In the wake of the looming peak oil point, humanity has invested tremendous resources into making the alternatives to internal combustion engines more economically beneficial (Bensel & Carbone, 2020). The most efficient alternative proved to be installing special solar panels in high levels of the atmosphere. This way, harvesting solar energy was no longer limited to the day and night cycle. Besides that, technological advances in energy accumulation and transportation resulted in the abolishment of wires in favor of batteries and other wireless means. In the context of the energy revolution, carbon dioxide emissions have completely stopped, and the Earth’s climate has eventually stabilized.

Waste Management

Waste management in a fully sustainable world has registered significant alterations as well. Compared to the previous associations with the word “disposal,” the new waste management is all about “reuse.” Technological progress has completely eradicated the materials not suited for their future recycling and use. For instance, thermally decomposable lead dioxide has successfully replaced platinum electrodes (Al-Hydary et al., 2020). The conservational tendencies that became ubiquitous in society demanded that all products of human industrial activities are not lost in vain. The most common solution was to make them as organic as possible so that if the material was no longer usable in production, it could decompose without any harm to the environment.

Overall, the world has registered a major societal shift in terms of the tolerance range. Particularly, the behaviors that did not align with the environmental theme went far outside that range and became strictly socially unacceptable. Due to massive public support, environmentalists managed to seize political power worldwide and began to enforce various acts and industrial regulations. The budget reorganization allowed investment in renewable resources research leading to the energy revolution. Apart from that, it led to the water surveillance system’s appearance. Despite the changes’ cost and the abandonment of more short-term convenient energy sources, the planet was finally able to reach its sustainable future, proving the correctness of previous decisions.

Al Banna, M. H., Taher, K. A., Kaiser, M. S., Mahmud, M., Rahman, M. S., Hosen, A. S., & Cho, G. H. (2020). Application of artificial intelligence in predicting earthquakes: State-of-the-art and future challenges . IEEE Access , 8 . Web.

Al-Hydary, I. A. D., Abdullah, A. M., & Al-dujaili, M. A. A. (2020). Utilizing the cold sintering process for sintering the thermally decomposable lead dioxide . Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society , 56 (1), 139-148. Web.

Bensel, T., & Carbone, I. (2020). Sustaining our planet [Course handout]. Zovio.

Heino, J., Alahuhta, J., Bini, L. M., Cai, Y., Heiskanen, A. S., Hellsten, S., & Angeler, D. G. (2021). Lakes in the era of global change: Moving beyond single‐lake thinking in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services . Biological Reviews , 96 (1), 89-106. Web.

Jacobson, S. K., Morales, N. A., Chen, B., Soodeen, R., Moulton, M. P., & Jain, E. (2019). Love or Loss: Effective message framing to promote environmental conservation . Applied Environmental Education & Communication , 18 (3), 252-265. Web.

Nguyen, V. X., Xiao, G., Zhou, J., Li, G., & Li, B. (2020). Bias in social interactions and emergence of extremism in complex social networks . Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science , 30 (10), 103110. Web.

Wall, G. (2020). From carrying capacity to overtourism: A perspective article . Tourism Review , 75 (1), 212-215. Web.

Water Science School (WSS). (2018). Pharmaceuticals in water . USGS. Web.

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What is Environmental Sustainability? Goals with Examples 

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Every year across the world on April 22, Earth Day is a time to bring people together to focus on a common goal: sustainability. According to the Earth Day site, 2024’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” The nonprofit aims to shine awareness on environmental sustainability and to unite businesses, governments and citizens to create “a partnership for the planet,” as outlined on the official site. 

Some organizations put environmental sustainability at the forefront every day — not just Earth Day. For instance, institutions like Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) have created an Office of Sustainability to help empower their students, staff and faculty to create a sustainable organization and culture. 

What is the Meaning of Environmental Sustainability? 

The United Nations ( UN ) defines sustainability simply as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 

“I like this definition,” said Mike Weinstein , director of sustainability at SNHU. “It asks us to consider two things; first, what are ‘needs?’ And secondly, what is life beyond ourselves?”

Weinstein describes “needs” as clean water, healthy food and stable housing and points out that billions of people still lack access to some combination of those needs. According to Water, a global nonprofit organization, about one in 10 people, or 771 million people, do not have access to safe water ( Water PDF Source ). 

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ), a specialized agency within the UN, “the global urban population facing water scarcity is projected to increase from 933 million to 1.7–2.4 billion people in 2050.” 

When looking at life in the present and beyond, Pamela Beckvagni , assistant director of sustainability programs at SNHU, said, “Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible and balanced use of natural resources to meet the present needs without adversely compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The ultimate positive result to environmental stability is ensuring long-term ecological stability and life.” 

Why is Environmental Sustainability Important? 

Environmental sustainability is important to preserve resources like clean air, water and wildlife for future generations. 

Although, most of the world is very disconnected from the basic functioning of the planet and it’s easy to lose sight of essential factors, according to Weinstein. For example, humans are members of Earth and live in the same spaces as the rest of the living beings on the planet. “Our current economic activity ignores these boundaries,” Weinstein said. 

One thing is clear: environmental sustainability is vital because human survival depends on it. 

What Can You Do? 

You can install solar panels, use an electric car, ride a bike or use other practices that minimize your economic footprint. Still, these can be costly, often more so than non-sustainable solutions, Weinstein said. While expense doesn’t rule out those practices, there are other solutions you can pursue as well. 

You can also focus on pressuring large systems to change. Weinstein said that SNHU has an Office of Sustainability because SNHU President Dr. Paul LeBlanc and the university’s Board of Trustees and senior leadership understand that it is the right thing to do — and, because SNHU’s staff, faculty and students expressed interest in a university-wide commitment. 

Across college campuses, there is a public outcry for change. Ninety-two percent of college students agreed that their institutions should incorporate and promote sustainable development, according to Students Organizing for Sustainability (SOS) International ( SOS PDF Source ). 

SNHU can bring principles of sustainability to its community because it is uniquely positioned by its global reach with students and faculty located on campus and around the world, said Weinstein. 

How Do You Achieve Environmental Sustainability? 

Environmental regulations come from organizations like the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ). The EPA has congressional authority to write rules that lead to the implementation of laws. 

According to the EPA, these regulations are mandatory and can apply to: 

• Businesses 
• Individuals 
• Nonprofit institutions 
• State or local governments 

These regulations create accountability, but they need to be both strict and strictly enforced, Weinstein said, if they are to succeed in creating environmental sustainability. The challenge is, he said, that the EPA is backlogged, and our current public infrastructures are failing to create accountability. It may feel frustrating, but there are ways everyone can begin to make a difference. 

So, how can you help achieve sustainability? The UN offers 17 goals for sustainable development that act as the path to achieving a more sustainable future. These goals address global challenges like: 

• Clean water and sanitation: Such as learning to avoid wasting water 
• Climate action: Acting now to stop global warming 
• Life below water: Avoiding the use of plastic bags to keep the oceans clean 
• Life on land: Planting trees to help protect the environment 
• Responsible consumption and production: Recycling items such as paper, plastic, glass and aluminum 
• Sustainable cities and communities: Biking, walking or using public transportation 

Sustainability goes beyond nature itself. “We have to simultaneously recognize that oppressed communities are more severely impacted by environmental degradation,” Weinstein said. You can’t truly achieve sustainability, he said, until everyone has safe, healthy and happy communities that operate with future generations in mind. 

Examples of Sustainability at SNHU

SNHU’s Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan has four primary areas of focus: 

• Academics: Creating a positive environment with opportunities for all learners to become engaged with sustainability. 
• Community engagement: Fostering a culture of sustainability at all levels and being recognized within local communities. 
• Operations: The work behind the scenes, where processes such as carbon neutrality are followed through to ensure day-to-day operations are supporting sustainability. 
• Planning and administration: Organizing and maintaining goals while being transparent on progress. Tools such as the Office of Sustainability and the Environmental Sustainable Strategic Plan are instrumental in conducting planning and administration.

There are many ways you can continue to expand your sustainability knowledge and efforts, including pursuing a degree in environmental science.   

Find Your Program

What can you do with an environmental science degree .

Environmental scientists are people who look after and care for the planet. Pursuing a degree in environmental science can give you a foundation in both natural and physical sciences. You may engage in frontline work, such as identifying and addressing areas of environmental degradation, like pollution and biodiversity loss, Weinstein said.

There are other educational options you can pursue, such as a geoscience degree  which focuses more on the physical sciences such as geology, geography, physics, chemistry and more. 

Another choice is an MBA program  with a concentration in sustainability and environmental compliance. This will give you the opportunity to learn about green business practices and applying solutions to sustainability challenges. An MBA like that can be beneficial in an array of workplaces including various organizations, nonprofits and private companies. 

Is Sustainability a Good Career? 

A career in environmental sustainability  could be meaningful if you are interested in bringing people together to create a better future. Sustainability may be a good career choice because jobs are growing in demand, said Weinstein. 

A few career paths you could pursue are: 

• Engineer: There are many types of engineering  — some of which are focused on the environment. Environmental engineers combine engineering, biology and chemistry to develop environmental solutions , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and most will need a bachelor’s for this position. BLS reports environmental engineers earned median pay of $96,530 in 2022, and those jobs are projected to grow by 6% through 2032.*
• Environmental scientist : Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree, environmental scientists use their knowledge to protect the environment and human health, according to BLS. Environmental scientists and specialists earned median pay of $76,480 in 2022, and BLS reports those jobs are projected to grow by 6% through 2032.*
• Geoscientist : Using their knowledge of physical science to learn about earth , most geoscientists need a bachelor’s degree, according to BLS. Although, for some positions employers may prefer a master’s. BLS reports that geoscientists earned median pay of $87,480 in 2022, and those jobs are projected to grow by 5% through 2032.*

The sustainability field casts a wide net and requires knowledge from many different sectors, said Weinstein. This leads to a variety of ways that you can contribute to the field. 

Regardless of your education level or career, there are many ways that you can make a difference in environmental sustainability, starting today. 

Discover more about SNHU’s environmental science degree : Find out what courses you’ll take, skills you’ll learn and how to request information about the program. 

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Nicholas Patterson ’22 is a writer and alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing. He is currently honing his craft further as he pursues an MFA in Creative Writing from SNHU. Connect with him on LinkedIn . 

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About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

What is Environmental Sustainability: Definition & Examples

Inspire Clean Energy

16 min read

category: Sustainable Living

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The Importance of Environmental Sustainability

When we’re feeling stressed or out of touch, many of us instinctively go for walks. We search for forests, parks, beaches, and country roads to feel more at peace connected to nature. Given that fact, it’s no surprise that human well-being is intrinsically linked to the health of the environment. About 24% of global human deaths are caused—directly or indirectly—by avoidable environmental factors. To live long and healthy lives, we need and deserve unpolluted air to breathe, clean water to drink, and to live in places free of toxic substances.

As the global population grows and we begin to experience the long-term consequences of excessive energy use and industrial growth, we must prevent further damage. It is our job to ensure our future generations have healthy places to live and minimize our damage to the earth’s biodiverse ecosystems. For businesses, sustainability means running a business through sustainable practices and securing future growth potential without causing too much damage to the environment.

What is environmental sustainability?

According to the U.N. Environment Programme, environmental sustainability involves making life choices that ensure an equal, if not better, way of life for future generations.

Environmental sustainability aims to improve the quality of human life without putting unnecessary strain on the earth's supporting ecosystems. It’s about creating an equilibrium between consumerist human culture and the living world. We can do this by living in a way that doesn’t waste or unnecessarily deplete natural resources.

Why is sustainability important?

Environmental sustainability is important because of how much energy, food, and human-made resources we use every day. Rapid population growth has resulted in increased farming and manufacturing, leading to more  greenhouse gas emissions , unsustainable energy use, and deforestation.

In other words, we need more energy and materials than ever before. Despite this, our planet can only provide so many resources before they begin to deplete. For this reason, businesses must step in and do their part. They have more power than any group of individuals, and they can help secure a livable future by investing in sustainable and responsible practices like reducing waste, using  commercial clean energy , and paying fair wages.

What is a simple definition of environmental sustainability?

In simple terms, environmental sustainability is the practice of interacting with the planet responsibly. We do it to avoid depleting natural resources and compromising the future generation’s ability to meet their daily needs.

What are some examples of environmental sustainability?

There are two primary ways in which environmental sustainability can be achieved: by individuals and by corporations and government bodies.

As individuals, we can take small but effective steps toward a more  sustainable lifestyle , like using less water, reducing our meat consumption, and switching to reusable products to reduce our dependence on single-use plastics.

From a corporation’s perspective, environmental sustainability may involve switching to renewable energy in warehouses, factories, and offices or cutting down on single-use plastics in manufacturing.

What are the three pillars of sustainability?

Aside from benefiting the planet and its inhabitants, environmental sustainability offers plenty of benefits. The three pillars of sustainability involve economic, social, and environmental development.

• Economic sustainability  is the responsibility of businesses and communities. Here, they are encouraged to use their resources responsibly and efficiently. Economic sustainability is designed to support long-term economic growth without harming the environmental, social, and cultural aspects of our global community.
• Social sustainability  benefits people. Living sustainably as individuals, families, communities, and countries means  healthier air  and less money needlessly spent on healthcare. Using renewable energy sources can reduce droughts, as they require less water and energy to maintain. The eventual goal is that sustainable development will also reduce hunger and poverty, and generally provide a better global quality of life, promoting fairly distributed education and healthcare.
• Environmental sustainability  focuses on the state of the planet. It encourages individuals to live in a way that creates minimal waste and even regenerates some of the resources we use every day.

Why do we need sustainability?

The general goal of environmental sustainability is to evens things out. As we’ve seen, environmental sustainability provides huge benefits for human health and that of all other species. It reduces our global  carbon footprint  and reduces our reliance on  fossil fuels  and other harmful energy practices. But does it benefit us in other ways?

Sustainability can increase life expectancy by providing healthier living conditions and better healthcare, which could also lessen the divide between the rich and poor. Sustainable development encourages more responsible manufacturing and production, covering the industrial side of waste and pollution. It also encourages companies, industries, and governments to make decisions based on long-term consequences, rather than taking the easiest, cheapest option.

What are the issues of environmental sustainability?

While environmental sustainability offers clear benefits in terms of global human and animal health, there are some barriers we may face when working to achieve it.

• Exponential population growth, unsustainable consumption, and production patterns among the rich are the primary social challenges to achieving global sustainable development. Unless we see a significant change in global human behavior, sustainability will not be possible. Other social hurdles include limited awareness and education about sustainability, insufficient interaction between civil society and the government, and inadequate incentives for the private sector to encourage sustainable development.
• Economists have observed that sustainable development focuses on economic growth rather than people's health or rights. For environmental sustainability to work globally, our worldview must shift, as we currently treat the environment as part of the economy rather than the other way around. This change means the economy must be adapted so that environmental services are maintained. This process is easier said than done, and it will likely take decades for a shift to begin taking place.

We may face some obstacles in our efforts to achieve environmental sustainability, but that does not mean we shouldn’t do our best. The idea of living sustainably can feel daunting, but there are plenty of small changes we can make without much inconvenience.

What are the benefits of environmental sustainability?

The benefits of environmental sustainability are:

• We can protect ecosystems
• We can continue to enjoy nature as it is
• We can protect endangered species
• Less pollution in the cities results in better respiratory health for all
• It could halt or reverse the effects of global warming
• We won’t be creating huge landfills all over the world that will take hundreds of years to break down

For businesses, the benefits are:

• You reduce your energy usage and thus save money
• You produce less waste, which can help you save money and will make you a better choice for eco-conscious customers
• You can position yourself as a preferred option for environmentally conscious customers by reducing your pollution output, which can also qualify you for incentives and cost savings in certain areas
• Improve your brand image
• Attract and keep better-quality investors, employees, and shareholders
• You can rest easy at night knowing you’re not damaging the planet for future generations

How do you achieve environmental sustainability?

Here are some easy ways you can live more sustainably in your daily life:

• Cut down on red meat; it’s a huge driver of food air miles and methane emissions.
• Switch to a green energy utility company —resources like wind, solar power, and geothermal energy are all infinite sources and will not deplete. Switching to a green energy company is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make a difference.
• Cook and bake your own meals and snacks, rather than relying on food in plastic and non-recyclable packaging. Cooking in batches is another great way to use less energy and reduce waste.
• Ditch bottled water and drink from the tap. Plastic bottles take about 450 years to decompose, so consider if it’s worth it for the sake of one drink. Instead, opt for a reusable water bottle or a water filter jug for your refrigerator.
• Rely less on your car and walk or cycle when possible.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient bulbs.
• Eat locally—this supports food products with low air miles. In other words, try to eat foods that haven’t traveled far to make it onto your plate.
• Resell, repurpose, or donate unwanted items. Repurposing may mean using old clothes or bed sheets for cleaning rags or reusing glass jars to store dry foods.
• Replace saran wrap with reusable beeswax eco-wraps.
• Say no to the plastic straw with your iced coffee—bring your own instead!
• If you wear make-up, switch to washable, reusable make-up wipes, and plastic-free cosmetics.
• Reduce your consumption of single-use plastic materials like water bottles, grocery bags, coffee cups, and produce wrapping. You can replace these single-use items with tote bags, water flasks, reusable coffee cups, and plastic-free fruit and vegetables.
• Switch out paper towels for reusable dishcloths.
• Instead of buying expensive, heavily packaged body scrubs, make one using coffee grounds, sugar, and a little coconut oil.
• Buy a bamboo toothbrush or an electric toothbrush instead of using plastic ones.

Achieve environmental sustainability by switching to renewable energy

Fossil fuels are one of the most harmful elements of our energy use today, but you can choose a safer, more sustainable option.

With Inspire, we believe in a world where clean energy is available to everyone, and we want to help make that future a reality today. By switching to Inspire, you’ll help to put more clean, sustainable energy on the grid and drive down the demand for fossil fuels.

Whether you’re an individual or a business, we’re here to help you reduce your carbon footprint.  Click here to make the switch today .

At Inspire Clean Energy, we are a  renewable energy company  passionate about empowering our customers to do the right thing for the environment, themselves, and their families. We want to make it easy and affordable to choose clean energy.

Not sure if renewable energy is right for you? Read the latest  Inspire Clean Energy reviews  to see how we've helped customers make the switch.

What does environmental protection mean?

Environmental protection includes initiatives to mitigate environmental risks posed by contaminants such as toxic materials, wastes,  fuels, and oils. By establishing processes for properly working with these materials, evaluating storage vessels and locations, and establishing preventative maintenance procedures, these programs address pollution prevention and regulatory compliance.

Essentially, environmental protection includes any agency that seeks to benefit humans, the environment, and the planet. The biophysical environment is being destroyed, sometimes permanently, due to the pressures of overconsumption, population, and technology. This has been recognized, and governments have begun to impose restrictions on activities that degrade the environment.

Another facet of environmental protection is recycling by converting waste into usable products. Any protection set in place to maintain the health of our greatest resource—Earth—serves to protect every plant, animal, and human. Environmental emergency plans are also included, which outline the steps to take in the case of a spill or discharge.

Why is environmental protection important?

Humans only have one option for planets to live on; we need to offer the proper respect and care for Earth as we do for ourselves. Not only can environmental protections provide us with a better life by preserving finite resources but also our children and future generations. Without the proper reverence for the Earth, we may run out of necessary natural sources that afford us the comforts of life to which we’ve become accustomed.

Additionally, environmental protections save lives by reducing world hunger, global warming, natural disasters, polluted water and soil, and pesticides. In the process, efforts can reduce animal extinction while also protecting animal welfare. Their lives depend on the ecosystems in which they live.

Lastly, protections can allow fields to lie fallow long enough to replenish nutrients. Less contamination of groundwater would also add vitamins and minerals to food. With fewer areas overrun by people, the planet can do its job properly and provide vegetation that improves food and air quality. 

What is economic sustainability?

Economic sustainability refers to policies that promote long-term economic growth while minimizing negative effects on the community's social, environmental, and cultural components. Some actions that damage the earth include burning fossil fuels, causing food waste, leveraging damaging manufacturing methods, and contributing to climate change. Sustainable options allow for better business practices that are less harmful to the environment.

In addition, economic sustainability comprises financial costs and benefits and aims to support society and its well-being.

An ideal, sustainable economy achieves the greatest level of general well-being while using the fewest resources and causing the least amount of environmental harm. To be fully sustainable economically, the overall demand for natural resources must be smaller than the renewable supply of resources available in nature.

Businesses cannot rely on exponential population expansion and hazardous environmental practices to sustain economic growth; this thinking is already causing a disaster in our world. To ever achieve environmental sustainability, we must adopt a new way of doing business that promotes the health of the environment and people.

Why is economic sustainability important?

First and foremost, we should all be familiar with the environment. All living creatures exist within their own favored zones of the environment; hence, it is difficult to ignore our impact on the planet. Although the environment can persist in its natural condition, human involvement has wreaked havoc on many ecosystems. Therefore, it is critical that we safeguard our environment to continue to live on this planet in a healthy and secure environment.

What is social equity in sustainability?

Social equity is the fair treatment and participation of all individuals and communities in establishing, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws, regulations, and policies, regardless of race, gender, country of origin, or income level. Uneven distribution of resources such as clean air, water, housing, and public space are addressed through social equity. The higher risk of storm damage for specific populations is a social equity concern. Furthermore, social equity concerns the exclusion of people or groups from full involvement in climate adaptation decisions depending on their income, neighborhood, or social standing.

Why is equity important to sustainability?

The ability of a community to deal with climate-related events and disasters is influenced by both environmental circumstances and economic opportunities. With equity, local groups can promote awareness and support grassroots activities in places where marginalized groups are at risk from storms, flooding, or other climate-related catastrophes by campaigning for improvements across various topics.

Another aspect of equity is the democracy factor, meaning each person has the same power to influence the decisions made by their government and, as a result, has equal access to the resources needed to engage in the political process and make informed decisions. As communities develop and evolve, some residents' voices may be ignored, and their requests may go unfulfilled. 

For example, unless measures are taken to offset the consequences of limiting the housing supply or increasing land costs, managed growth might raise home prices. In addition, lower-income and minority communities have been proven to be disproportionately exposed to pollution and environmental risks.

Minorities, people with disabilities, elders, and other underprivileged inhabitants make up marginalized communities, often linked by financial difficulties. Getting these groups involved and including a larger section of your community will increase the number of individuals contributing to sustainability goals like growing green job employment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

How is sustainability being measured?

Several factors are considered when measuring sustainability, such as environmental, social, and economic. Please keep in mind that the term "sustainable" refers to the company's environmental impact and its economic and social implications. Some sustainable indicators are not easily measurable in the short term; however, businesses need to look at five main indicators.

The first factor focuses on conformity, or respecting sustainable rules internationally. Second, materials and their performance require measurement to reduce waste and emissions. Third, the effects the company has on the environment need attention. 

Next, and possibly the most important, is the supply chain and the product lifecycle. This metric emphasizes the business features that are unique to the company. It is critical to consider the entire product lifecycle, from raw material selection to final disposal, when describing a company as "sustainable." As a result, it's critical to know whether the suppliers use renewable energy sources and the quantity of CO2 produced by transporting the products, and whether they can be recycled or reused.

Finally, the last indicator centers on the sustainable system implemented in the company. This metric depicts how the organization behaves in a social setting. It assesses national and international ties and their impact on the local environment. This metric also depicts the impact on the employees' and community's quality of life. 

By analyzing these sustainability indicators, we may establish a critical perspective of our company's sustainability and identify areas that need improvement to achieve a good balance of sustainability actions in terms of social, environmental, and economic factors.

What is sustainable reporting?

A sustainability report is the primary instrument an organization or company can use to proactively share its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and impact—both positive and negative. Stakeholders should be able to understand the material in the report. Furthermore, a sustainability report's major objective is to provide transparency on a company's contribution to sustainable development; it's also used to hold stakeholders accountable.

Why are sustainability standards and certifications important?

Building and maintaining trust in businesses and governments is essential for a prosperous world and a sustainable global economy. This is because businesses and governments make decisions every day that directly impact their stakeholders, such as those involving financial institutions, labor organizations, civil society, and citizens. 

These judgments are rarely made only based on financial data, and they frequently take into account risks and opportunities related to several immediate and long-term considerations. These decision-making processes are increasingly incorporating sustainability issues.

A sustainable report must build and communicate the links between sustainability and the business by regularly accumulating and updating the information. The report aids in the improvement of organizational management by recognizing risks, identifying energy-saving opportunities, avoiding compliance concerns, and so on. In addition, it improves internal communication and fosters a sense of belonging among employees.

Next, the report can help improve the organization's image and reputation by demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development through a variety of sustainable services and its social and environmental contributions. Because the report is based on internal consensus, it is a credible source of information available on a regular basis.

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Environmental Sustainability: The Importance, Issues and Benefits

Beth Howell

Beth has been writing about the environment and climate change for over four years now – with her work being featured in publications such as The BBC, Forbes, The Express, Greenpeace, and in multiple academic journals.

It's estimated that plastic releases more emissions per year than aviation and shipping , which is mostly down to its reliance on oil, contributing to climate change . And given h umans throw away 353 million tonnes of plastic per year, this figure is likely to increase in the coming years. 

Not only are we eating through fossil fuels at a rapid rate, but we are also destroying the air, land, and water quality through the emissions associated with this industry.

If we want to move away from this destruction, we need to intertwine environmental sustainability into our everyday lives.

So let's look at why environmental sustainability is crucial, how can we achieve it, the benefits of it, and the environmental challenges the planet currently faces . 

Want to find out how your brand can reduce plastic waste? Check out our guide on Capturing the Conscious Consumer , where you can find the benefits of how to introduce a sustainable strategy, advice on how to do this effectively, and ways CleanHub can help you with the transition.

What's on this page?

The importance of environmental sustainability.

Environmental sustainability is one of the biggest hopes we have in reversing the climatic disasters taking place on the planet right now.

To give you a better idea of how it works, let's take a look at why we need environmental sustainability for a healthy future.

There isn’t a future without environmental sustainability

Our increasing levels of waste and the rising global temperatures suggest our planet is not on a good trajectory — with some experts claiming we're heading towards the point of no return.

Without environmental sustainability, climate disasters and severe weather events will become increasingly common . We only need to look at the past couple of years to see this unfold in real-time. 

For example, more than 33% of Pakistan went underwater in 2022, due to severe floods caused by climate change. It was estimated that 33 million people were displaced and roughly 1,200 died from this disaster — and this all started with a severe heat wave that melted glaciers, followed by an extreme monsoon.

At the same time, more than 66% of Europe received a severe drought warning — the worst drought in at least 500 years. 

And in 2023, countries across the world broke records for blistering temperatures. For example, Vietnam recorded its highest temperature ever at 111.3 °F  in the south of Hanoi on 6th May, while Sanbao (a remote town in China) reached a national record of 125.96 °F. China’s capital even endured a temporary ban on outdoor work during its hottest month of the year.

This all seems very bleak — but there is hope that we can change things around. That's why cities around the world have already started working towards environmental sustainability. Find out more by visiting our page on the nine greenest cities in the world . 

Wildlife protection

People around the world have become disconnected from nature over the past century, so it's easy to forget how dependent we are on wildlife.

Everything is connected — decreasing fish populations can put large sea mammals at risk of extinction, just the same as lower smaller pollinator numbers can put human food stocks at risk.

Unfortunately, we are failing wildlife miserably at the moment. Humans are pumping out harmful emissions, destroying habitats for industrialization, wiping out ecosystems for materials, poaching animals, littering waste in the open environment, and contributing to ocean pollution. 

We urgently need to protect habitats and precious ecosystems — and here's how:

• Protect vulnerable animal populations – When laws are put in place to protect animals, populations naturally rise. The figures speak for themselves. For example, t he ban on commercial whaling in 1986 led to a strong recovery of humpback whales around the world, and now this population is thought to be around 93% of its original size
• Continue conservation efforts – We need to carry on supporting coral reefs, rebuilding wetlands, planting trees in depleted regions, and creating wildflower meadows. All of this needs to be done with expert knowledge, to make sure it's done effectively and puts wildlife first
• Introduce more legislation on protecting nature  – As well as protecting wildlife, we need to protect the nature they live in too. But this can only be effective if laws are put in place. For example, fully protected marine areas can increase the total biomass of marine life by more than 400%  
• Reduce emissions  – We drastically need to reduce our emission output to limit the impact of climate change and global warming. As the years go by, we're seeing more severe weather events, which are destroying habitats, reducing food and water supplies for animals, and causing detrimental impacts on population sizes of some animals
• Create a circular economy – Fed up of seeing plastic waste littered around the planet? The key solution is to introduce a circular economy. This way, we can feed materials back into businesses, reduce our reliance on raw materials, lower emissions, and lessen the chance of animals eating plastic

Improved human health 

It's estimated that an average of 9 million people die globally from air, water, soil, or ocean pollution each year . This clearly shows that we need environmental sustainability to not only improve our health but also remove a major threat to life. 

From breathing in polluted air to eating contaminated food, there are numerous ways in which environmental degradation is taking a toll on our lives. You can find out everything you need to know by visiting our page: How Does Plastic Impact Human Health?  

What are the benefits of environmental sustainability?

Embracing sustainability is crucial for reversing climate change. Its benefits aren’t just limited to nature either — there are also numerous commercial and financial benefits for brands and organizations. 

Here are the top benefits of environmental sustainability for businesses.

Reduced energy costs

Energy and water consume a massive chunk of organizations' finances.

When companies focus on reducing their consumption to achieve environmental sustainability in the manufacturing process, they observe long-term savings. For instance,   businesses that install solar panels can save  up to 70%  on their electricity bills , according to the Solar Trade Association.

Attracts a wider customer base

Roughly 73% of Americans  and 84% of Europeans are likely to stop purchasing from companies that don’t incorporate sustainability in their businesses and don’t care about climate change. 

This shows that sustainability is no longer a choice for brands — they need it to stay relevant in the business arena. 

And by publicizing your green initiatives, you’ll also gain a new customer base that wasn’t aware of your sustainable business practices. 

Tax benefits

Many governments around the world have acknowledged the current environmental crisis, and are providing tax incentives to companies carrying out sustainable business practices. The main ones include:

• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - This is based in the US, but the number of incentives will vary from state to state
• Council Directive 2003/96/EC - This is available for countries in the European Union (EU)

Improves workforce morale 

Introducing sustainability in a business is a collaborative effort. When teams within organizations work and collaborate toward developing green initiatives, they feel a sense of pride, which improves their morale and positively impacts the corporate culture.

In fact, a recent study found that 71%  of job seekers want to work for environmentally friendly employers.

Lowers environmental impact

Having an environmentally sustainable business isn’t just about profitability and making your business look good, it can make a real difference.

By incorporating eco-friendly practices, you’ll reduce your company’s carbon footprint, which will result in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less waste, and improved air, land, and water quality. 

How to achieve environmental sustainability

Achieving environmental sustainability isn’t possible without striving on both personal and professional levels. So here’s how you can make your life and business more sustainable:

In personal life

Change starts from within, so there’s no better way to improve the environment without changing our day-to-day lives.

Here are a few tips that you can incorporate into your daily life to help reduce your carbon footprint:

• Try to consume less — Products all require materials and energy to make them. That means it's a good place to start by reducing your overall consumption
• Find eco-friendly brands — If you do need to buy something, make sure the brand you choose has a positive environmental impact. For example, does it have a low energy rating, use limited packaging, or utilize sustainable materials?
• Try to eliminate plastic from your life — It's a good idea to start off small. For instance, getting reusable straws, cups, and grocery bags might seem like small swaps, but they have a big impact over time
• Investigate labels  for harmful materials/ingredients — This goes for all products, but especially on clothing (steer clear of polyester!)
• Avoid wasting water — You can even go a step further and recycle water where possible, or carry out rainwater harvesting
• Cut back on car emissions — An easy way to do this is by simply opting for public transport, cycling, or walking, rather than driving
• Invest in renewables for your home — Solar and wind are both much more accessible and affordable for homeowners than they were a few years ago
• Consider the carbon footprint of your diet — Reduce meat consumption (or avoid meat altogether), purchase from your local farmer’s market, and avoid wasting food
• Spread the word — The more people that do their bit for the planet, the better

In the business world

The business world is different from our personal lives, but it also has massive potential for improvement. That's why we've listed a few ways you can make your business eco-friendly:

• Assess your products — It's important to look at the whole picture too, which means you should conduct a life cycle assessment of your product or service
• Rethink your supply chain — Change the manufacturers or service providers who don’t consider environmental sustainability in their business. 
• Create an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy — More businesses are having to consider creating an ESG plan, as governments around the world introduce new laws and consumers ask for greener brands
• Get your employees involved — By making your employees a central part of your environmental sustainability strategy, you can ensure there will be change in all areas of the business
• Make your office space eco-friendly — Think greenery potted around the place, solar panels on the roof of the building, heat pumps to keep employees warm, and efficient recycling facilities in place
• Incorporate the circular economy in your manufacturing process — Not sure where to start with this? We'd recommend getting a packaging assessment from an expert, who will have the know-how when it comes to reducing waste and feeding plastic back into the economy
• Collaborate with third-party companies — These can help you improve the environment, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your plastic consumption. And that's what we do at CleanHub! Companies invest through us in the collection and safe processing of plastic waste in coastal regions. Head over to our live dashboard to see real-time data of the recovered material coming in.

Economic growth and environmental sustainability

Many conventional business practices are immensely harmful to the environment. Take plastic packaging in ecommerce , for example. A recent study found that  ecommerce generates around  4.8 times  more packaging waste than in-store purchasing. 

Even though these practices might be cheaper than a sustainable alternative, we need to ditch them to align profits with both people and the planet.

And as companies grow, and profit climbs, energy use also increases, which is often derived from non-renewable sources, such as fossil fuels, and pollutes the environment. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the business world is doomed. Brand leaders simply need to look at more innovative ways to run their ship and become more environmentally sustainable.

And sometimes, innovation isn’t even required — some brands just need to make a few small swaps around the business to incorporate sustainability into everyday operations. Simply switching to solar or wind power, instead of fossil fuels, can have a hugely beneficial impact on the environment — and it can cut costs in the long run.

The only issue is these innovations or swaps in practice is that they require initial investment. But given the expected future of businesses revolves around sustainability, this seems like an obligation, rather than a choice if companies want to stay ahead of the curve. 

ESG and environmental sustainability

More people are becoming acquainted with the terms Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) — but what exactly is it?

An ESG strategy is a framework businesses adopt to show they take the environment, social impact, and governance seriously. 

Sustainability is intertwined with the first pillar — the environment — meaning businesses need to adopt greener practices if they want to have an effective ESG strategy. 

When it comes to shaping up a business, different industries will have different priorities — for example, ecommerce drastically needs to look at its transport emissions, while the food industry should analyze how to reduce plastic packaging. 

But brands are stepping up. In fact , 96% of the world’s biggest 250 companies now report on sustainability or ESG matters , according to KPMG.

Want to learn how you can market your ESG strategy effectively? Check out our guide on how to communicate your ESG strategy . 

The bottom line

Environmental sustainability is the key to human well-being in the present and future.

The only way to reverse climate change and avoid climatic disasters is to live in harmony with nature. By compromising the planet, we are compromising our growth, development, and even survival.

We each need to assess how we can lessen our impact on the planet — on both an individual level and a business one. 

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Why You Need Sustainability in Your Business Strategy

• 06 Nov 2019

In today’s ever-evolving world, debating whether to incorporate sustainability into your business strategy is no longer an option. Considering a values-driven approach when developing business strategies can be vital to long-term success.

Before getting into why sustainability is essential to successful business strategies, it's important to define what sustainability in business is.

Access your free e-book today.

What Is Sustainability in Business?

In short, sustainability in business refers to the effect companies have on the environment or society.

A sustainable business strategy aims to positively impact one or both of those areas, thereby helping address some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Some of the global issues that sustainable business strategies help to address include:

• Climate change
• Income inequality
• Depletion of natural resources
• Human rights issues
• Fair working conditions
• Racial injustice
• Gender inequality

Although it may sound like it, sustainability in business is not purely altruistic. As Harvard Business School Professor Rebecca Henderson notes in the online course Sustainable Business Strategy , you can't use business to do good in the world if you're not doing well financially. Doing well and doing good are intertwined, and successful business strategies include both.

Many of today’s firms have adopted the triple bottom line , which suggests that organizations should focus on more than just profits, or the “bottom-line,” and also measure their environmental and social impact. These focuses can be referred to as “the three Ps,”: people, planet, and profit. Quite often, this sustainable approach to business ultimately boosts business performance.

Why Is Sustainability Important?

In addition to driving social and environmental change, sustainability initiatives can contribute to an organization's overall success. It may seem counterintuitive that spending more money on sustainable business practices can boost a company’s profitability, but studies show that the most sustainable companies are also the most profitable.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics are often used to determine how ethical and sustainable an organization is. According to McKinsey , companies with high ESG ratings consistently outperform the market in both the medium and long term. While sustainability strategies might be an investment in the short term, they can lead to long-term benefits.

Benefits of Sustainability in Business

1. you’ll protect your brand and mitigate risks.

Ending up on the front page because of a scandal is a CEO’s worst nightmare. Not only do improper practices damage an organization’s reputation and cost it customers, but dealing with a public relations disaster can divert valuable human and financial resources from the core business.

You don’t want to become the company that allowed an oil spill or forced employees to work in unsafe conditions. By instituting a sustainable strategy that protects the environment and your workers, you also protect yourself from any damaging incidents.

2. Being Purpose-Driven Is a Competitive Advantage

Sustainability doesn't detract from business goals, and infusing your company with purpose can help attract a motivated, skilled workforce that drives financial success . In a Facebook Live discussion , Henderson noted a recent study showing that 89 percent of executives believe an organization with shared purpose will have greater employee satisfaction. Additionally, 85 percent say they're more likely to recommend a company with strong purpose to others.

Making your company an organization that does good in the world—rather than just a place that provides a paycheck—can be a competitive advantage when attracting the best talent.

Related : HBS Professor Explores the Impact Purpose Can Have on Your Organization

3. There's a Growing Market for Sustainable Goods

A 2019 study found that 73 percent of global consumers are willing to change their consumption habits to lessen their negative impact on the environment, and sustainable product sales have grown by nearly 20 percent since 2014. Millennials in particular are more willing to pay more for products that contain sustainable ingredients or products that have social responsibility claims. If your organization commits to sustainable products and practices, it could gain market share by converting sustainability-minded customers and increasing sales.

4. Cooperative Action Can Drive Change

As an individual, it can feel overwhelming, isolating, or simply impossible to effect change in a meaningful way. That’s not the case when the most innovative, successful, and powerful companies are collaborating to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. While governments struggle to address public goods problems, purpose-driven companies working together to address these issues have experienced great success.

For example, palm oil is cheap, versatile, and found in about half of all packaged products, including soap, lipstick, and ice cream. But palm oil production has resulted in record greenhouse gas emissions and contributed to climate change.

In light of this, consumer goods producer Unilever committed to only using palm oil from certified sustainable sources in 2008. The organization cooperated with its competitors—as well as governments, NGOs, and indigenous peoples’ organizations—to lead an industry-wide adoption of sustainable palm oil. As a result, Unilever continues to be a thriving organization, and the world has reaped the environmental benefits of sustainable palm oil harvesting practices.

The Value of Sustainability

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing profits or putting success on the backburner. Instead, it has become a crucial element to any organization’s successful strategy. A business that doesn't factor in sustainability risks is less successful in several measures, including profitability, growth, and employee retention.

By integrating sustainability into your business strategy , you can find success because, rather than in spite, of sustainability.

Do you want to take a more values-driven approach to business? Explore our three-week online course Sustainable Business Strategy and learn how organizations can succeed financially while also playing a role in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.

This post was upated on March 22, 2021. It was originally published on November 6, 2019.

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