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The three pillars of sustainability
When talking about sustainability, it is often broken down into the three pillars of sustainability; these are Environment, Social, and Economic.
These three pillars must be considered holistically and are meant to work in connection with one another to achieve true sustainability.
Environmental sustainability
The environmental sustainability focuses on preserving and protecting natural resources, ecosystems and biodiversity. It involves reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, conserving energy and water, and making use of renewable resources.
Social sustainability
Social sustainability encompasses human rights, labour standards, community development, and equal access to resources and opportunities. It promotes social justice, inclusivity, and the well-being of individuals and communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainability.
Economic sustainability
Economic sustainability aims to maintain a prosperous economy that provides opportunities for employment, innovation, and growth while minimizing negative environmental impacts. It involves responsible resource management, sustainable production and consumption practices, and the development of green technologies and industries.
How to make the three pillars work together
An example where all these pillars are functioning holistically could be a hotel only serving healthy, ecological and locally produced food. This will impact four pillars in following ways:
Environmental: Ecological and locally produced food has a lower environmental impact.
Social: Healthy food is impacting people’s wellbeing in a positive manner.
Economically This can lead to job maintain – and even job creation for local farmers in the local area.
Culture: The fourth pillar of sustainability
Some also talk about the fourth pillar of sustainability being culture. Cultural sustainability involves preserving and respecting diverse cultural traditions, values, and practices. It recognizes the importance of cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, and the role of culture in shaping sustainable practices and worldviews. Embracing cultural diversity enriches our understanding of sustainability and fosters more inclusive solutions.
Environmental sustainability
The environmental sustainability focuses on preserving and protecting natural resources, ecosystems and biodiversity. It involves reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, conserving energy and water, and making use of renewable resources.
Social sustainability
Social sustainability encompasses human rights, labour standards, community development, and equal access to resources and opportunities. It promotes social justice, inclusivity, and the well-being of individuals and communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainability.
Economic sustainability
Economic sustainability aims to maintain a prosperous economy that provides opportunities for employment, innovation, and growth while minimizing negative environmental impacts. It involves responsible resource management, sustainable production and consumption practices, and the development of green technologies and industries.
How to make the three pillars work together
An example where all these pillars are functioning holistically could be a hotel only serving healthy, ecological and locally produced food. This will impact four pillars in following ways:
Environmental: Ecological and locally produced food has a lower environmental impact.
Social: Healthy food is impacting people’s wellbeing in a positive manner.
Economically This can lead to job maintain – and even job creation for local farmers in the local area.
Culture: The fourth pillar of sustainability
Some also talk about the fourth pillar of sustainability being culture. Cultural sustainability involves preserving and respecting diverse cultural traditions, values, and practices. It recognizes the importance of cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, and the role of culture in shaping sustainable practices and worldviews. Embracing cultural diversity enriches our understanding of sustainability and fosters more inclusive solutions.
