What is sustainability?

Sustainability is define as "focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs".  The concept of  sustainability  is composed  of three pillars: economic, environmental, and social. Nowadays, it is important to have a sustainable impact, especially as a company. It is their role to influence, to highlight and to convince.

First of all, the environmental sustainability: even more so today and in view of the ever-changing consumption habits, it is important to have a positive environmental impact. The vision of environmental sustainability differs from one company to another: whether in terms of its internal or external functioning. Indeed, some choose to reduce their paper consumption, while others choose to select suppliers offering recyclable or even recycled raw materials for their products.

The social and cultural pillars are the second part of the sustainability:  this involves the promotion of traditions, cultural heritage and strengthening the sense of local identity. Four dimensions are taken into account in social and cultural sustainability: equity, diversity, social cohesion and quality of life. Each takes into account internal and external aspects: will the project reduce the disadvantages of the target group? But also: are the working conditions respected? Directly or indirectly, companies affect what happens to their stakeholders, and it is important to manage impacts proactively.

Finally, economic sustainability: sustainable economy takes into account the entire value chain that has created value in a company. This concerns employees, suppliers and customers alike. On the one hand, the aim is to modify the means of production, or to distribute the gains, whatever they may be, equally among each stakeholder.

In this way, companies have many possibilities to make their organization sustainable. Today, they have a new role to play in society: that of setting an example. Whether investors, suppliers or customers, the companies are increasingly being asked to take part in sustainable development, and this has become a motive for buying or not in today's consumption habits. 

Author: Chloé Sokel