Buildglobal

sustainability

Leading economically and impacting socially

Back to Basics: What is Sustainability?

09 October 2023
Introduction to sustainability

What is sustainability?

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Following this, The Sustainable Development Goals were designed and provide a framework for how lives could be improved and how the man-made effects of climate change should be mitigated while driving innovation, equity and community. The goals form three pillars: environment, social and economic sustainability.

Sustainability in business takes the UN’s foundational definition and applies it specifically to the business and investing context. Hence, Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) also being developed as a tool for good and business.

All of these terms are not the same and come together in concert to drive sustainability.

Our niche is Social and Economic sustainability, with a focus on the supply chain.

We are launching Build Global Updates, where we will share thought leadership and insights that challenge the status and forecast the future of crucial Social and Economic Sustainability issues. The spaces will be intentionally limited, Chatham House rule and will not be recorded given the subject matter.

Visit our events page for upcoming sessions and sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date.